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  • @VioletCatbird
    @VioletCatbird 3 роки тому +1673

    "Gay Muppets? That'll be a fun one to watch while getting ready."
    *15 minutes later, WEEPING* "I guess I won't be wearing mascara today after all..."

    • @rotomblack8389
      @rotomblack8389 3 роки тому +93

      OMG I started watching this on break at WORK!?!?! I just told everyone I have bad allergies then politely excused myself lol

    • @rafaelmonroyrojas4240
      @rafaelmonroyrojas4240 3 роки тому +16

      Same 🥺😭😭

    • @JamesChessman
      @JamesChessman 3 роки тому +17

      Really, I was about to watch this video and since I saw your comments about crying, well forget it, I'm not gonna watch it right now!! I don't feel like crying at the moment!!

    • @zuglymonster
      @zuglymonster 2 роки тому +10

      Same. I'm sitting here bawling now

    • @NoahSpurrier
      @NoahSpurrier 2 роки тому +12

      I know,,right? It hurts, but I’m also happy.

  • @ttintagel
    @ttintagel 3 роки тому +1514

    Richard Hunt is the unsung hero of the Muppets. It's about time he got the recognition he deserved.

    • @erikschultz934
      @erikschultz934 3 роки тому +25

      I completely agree. Same should be said about Dave Goelz and the late Jerry Nelson.

    • @RaymondHng
      @RaymondHng 3 роки тому +9

      @@erikschultz934 Hunt has won four Emmy Awards and two Grammy Awards.

    • @erikschultz934
      @erikschultz934 3 роки тому +9

      @@RaymondHng
      I did not know that. Thank you.

    • @ttintagel
      @ttintagel 3 роки тому +9

      @@erikschultz934 While I totally agree about Dave's and Jerry's importance, I feel that they at least got a chance to be somewhat better-known due to their survival into the Internet age.

    • @tyrone42ful
      @tyrone42ful 2 роки тому +1

      I thought jim henson was gay as well .. then there was whalan and madam

  • @DennisDegan
    @DennisDegan 3 роки тому +721

    I worked on Sesame Street as part of the technical crew doing videotape and video control 1979-85 and remember Richard Hunt very well. Though we never had any direct conversations, he made a big impact on me as I watched him perform on the show. I thought he was one of the most talented, outgoing muppet performers on the show and I was deeply saddened when I heard of his passing. He will always be special to me as the shining star taken from us too soon.

    • @AvgJane19
      @AvgJane19 2 роки тому +4

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому +6

      @@AvgJane19 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

    • @philstrachan
      @philstrachan Рік тому +4

    • @Spankydoodle
      @Spankydoodle Рік тому +5

      That’s really cool. Did you get to meet Jim?

    • @SewardWriter
      @SewardWriter 8 місяців тому +8

      Dude, you helped to build one of the good parts of my childhood. Thank you. 💖

  • @sopraltenass13
    @sopraltenass13 3 роки тому +382

    I will admit it. I got a little emotional when Frank Oz said "Thanks for helping me understand."

  • @SchneiderGeorge
    @SchneiderGeorge 3 роки тому +1585

    This video has a special meaning for me. Back in the 70s I shared an apartment for a while with Chuck Gibson, who brought Richard over a few times. I never got to know him all that well, but he was there. Those lines you quoted of "Charles Gibson" meant a lot. Chuck moved to San Francisco about then. I lost track of him. I seriously doubt he's still alive.

  • @The11thEvilEx
    @The11thEvilEx 3 роки тому +720

    I would just like to add:
    There is a moment in Muppets: Wizard of Oz where the Muppets travelling with Dorothy refer to themselves as "Friends of Dorothy."
    The Muppets straight up told everyone they were gay.

    • @LazyWaterZ-YT
      @LazyWaterZ-YT 2 роки тому +7

      how?..... im seeing no connect. but if you aint serious ill do this r/whooooosh

    • @renhousley1649
      @renhousley1649 2 роки тому +110

      Did you know that people used the passcode "are you a friend of drorthy " to get into stonewall

    • @LazyWaterZ-YT
      @LazyWaterZ-YT 2 роки тому +11

      @@renhousley1649 i did not know that

    • @kiahmadison8541
      @kiahmadison8541 2 роки тому +59

      @@LazyWaterZ-YT I'm surprised you don't see the connection.. Friend of Dorothy is one of the most common LGBTI code words/phrases for someone being gay or lesbian.

    • @kittyprydekissme
      @kittyprydekissme 2 роки тому +49

      I recently read an article about the US Navy and their attempts to hunt down and expell Gay sailors in the 1970s. If the article was correct, the Navy actually spent more than a decade trying to find Dorothy. They'd learned that Gay people were using the phrase to identify each other, and they just assumed that some woman known as Dorothy was arranging meet-ups for Gay guys all over the country. They supposedly spent years trying to track her down and get her list of all the Gay servicemen.
      They never found her.
      Should've just followed the Yellow Brick Road.

  • @blackphillip8486
    @blackphillip8486 3 роки тому +759

    The Fraggle Rock part about letting go and saying goodbye really hit me, it's not the same thing as Richard was talking about death, but my fiance who I had been with for 10yrs just left me this month and I've been having a very hard time with moving on. This brought me to tears. 💔

    • @JimmyNails27
      @JimmyNails27 3 роки тому +27

      I hope you find your peace.

    • @Hiiiiiiiiieeee
      @Hiiiiiiiiieeee 3 роки тому +26

      Same here. My partner of 7 years and I recently separated. Keeping the good memories and moving on is hard but its for the best. 💕

    • @blackphillip8486
      @blackphillip8486 3 роки тому +5

      @@Hiiiiiiiiieeee I'm sorry to hear that, I've actually been trying meditation and it seems to be helping to ease my mind a bit. I'll take any relief I can get right now.

    • @blackphillip8486
      @blackphillip8486 3 роки тому +2

      @@JimmyNails27 thank you so much. 💜

    • @euansmith3699
      @euansmith3699 3 роки тому +3

      Jeez, dude, that is heartbreaking. All the very best to you and yours. ❤

  • @jmondine1
    @jmondine1 3 роки тому +453

    Jerry Nelson and Richard lived close to each other, and would hang out on each other's porch having full conversations in "Two headed monster" speech.

    • @garfreeek
      @garfreeek 3 роки тому +23

      That's pretty much what my goofy gay heart sees as a perfect couple thing! ♥️😂

    • @mevb
      @mevb 3 роки тому +31

      They were close friends cuz Nelson was his mentor on Sesame Street and taught him about puppetry. Aside from The Two-Headed Monster they played together as Floyd Pepper and Janice, who were (and still are) in a relationship, Robin and Sweetums in The Frog Prince and in the Muppet Show sketch Two Lost Souls, among others. Nelson took over the role of Statler after Hunt's death until he died himself (though Nelson did Statler in Sex and Violence).
      Though they were close friends, they weren't together as Nelson was married and had a daughter (who sadly passed away in 1982 due to cystic fibrosis, she cameos with her dad in The Great Muppet Caper).

    • @garfreeek
      @garfreeek 3 роки тому +5

      @@alexmollon933 I'll practice our Muppet audition next Saturday! 🤣

    • @johnshoemakerpbc
      @johnshoemakerpbc 2 роки тому +1

      I bet that was amazing to see!!!!

    • @Fan-zy5me
      @Fan-zy5me 2 роки тому +3

      I also heard they regularly toked up together. Even before taping segments for sesame street. Does that make them bad guys? Fuck no

  • @averyeml
    @averyeml 3 роки тому +288

    Literally at this point I can’t see a clip from any Muppet production without wanting to cry. There aren’t a ton of things made with half the love, warmth, and care that Muppet productions have. It warms my heart even in the sad moments.

  • @jacobinman7054
    @jacobinman7054 3 роки тому +493

    “Here he is in a sauna with a pig trying to get into his armpits” just became this channel’s beating heart

    • @HellaGood1999
      @HellaGood1999 3 роки тому +25

      I mean... who hasn't had that happen once or twice... or more

    • @mrpoohbearlvr
      @mrpoohbearlvr 3 роки тому +4

      Past days at the baths. 😋😋

    • @LucianCorrvinus
      @LucianCorrvinus 3 роки тому +8

      Huh...sounds like my Thursday nights....

    • @stupidass69420
      @stupidass69420 3 роки тому +5

      that’s the glue holding this world together

    • @euansmith3699
      @euansmith3699 3 роки тому +4

      I felt that was meeting a world-famous ballet dancer and being told by them, "I bet you love to suck 🐓."

  • @wendymccoy1093
    @wendymccoy1093 3 роки тому +531

    I've been saying for years that Statler and Waldorf are just two old queens who just like to throw shade.

    • @gingerkid1048
      @gingerkid1048 3 роки тому +25

      So Bianca Del Rio and Lady Bunny?

    • @wendymccoy1093
      @wendymccoy1093 3 роки тому +4

      Hell yeah!

    • @jdwinks40
      @jdwinks40 3 роки тому +19

      Myself and my husband in any situation where we are people watching in public magically turn into them lol

    • @ttintagel
      @ttintagel 3 роки тому +15

      And Waldorf’s wife is Statler in drag!

    • @creepyspookyicky
      @creepyspookyicky 3 роки тому +3

      @@gingerkid1048 completely! But Bunny's legs are better lol

  • @MuppetHistory
    @MuppetHistory 3 роки тому +724

    It was an honor to have helped with this video. Thank you for giving Richard the love he deserves ❤️

    • @AvgJane19
      @AvgJane19 2 роки тому +3

    • @miralcalugcugan7960
      @miralcalugcugan7960 2 роки тому +2

      I long pressed the like button thinking it'll pop the heart react *facepalm*

    • @misterartist1603
      @misterartist1603 2 роки тому

      DUDE YOU'RE BI???

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@misterartist1603 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@miralcalugcugan7960 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @aliichi
    @aliichi 3 роки тому +445

    Damn... why am I crying over some clips from shows I didn't watch as a kid? RIP Mudwell.

    • @brandonjustis
      @brandonjustis 3 роки тому +38

      same. the fraggle rock clip teared me up, and it stayed that way from jim henson's memorial to the wink at the end. goddamn this is a good video.

    • @caloiboi
      @caloiboi 3 роки тому +16

      Currently sobbing & I don't know if I'm just projecting but it looks like Matt was fighting back tears too.

    • @stupidass69420
      @stupidass69420 3 роки тому +6

      Fraggle rock’s amazing if you plan on watching it!

    • @rotomblack8389
      @rotomblack8389 3 роки тому +13

      OMG I was NOT prepared for this video! I grew up in the 80's the muppets, Fraggles and sesame st were instrumental and formative to who I am as an adult.. I am currently aggressively weeping

    • @josephyn89
      @josephyn89 3 роки тому +2

      same here

  • @em-cj2zw
    @em-cj2zw 3 роки тому +144

    i cried watching this. there’s just something so reassuring about a classic, widely-beloved tv show being so accepting and open minded so ahead of its time, even if just mostly behind the scenes.

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому +1

      @em Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @ttintagel
    @ttintagel 3 роки тому +274

    And then there's “Bein' Green,” that simple little tune sung by a cute frog, that's also one of the most powerful anthems of radical self-acceptance I've ever heard. I know the most obvious interpretation is about skin color, but it's so much more universal than that. For “green,” substitute gay, trans, disabled, lesbian, neurodivergent, intersex, nonbinary, different in some way I don't even understand yet, etc... but that's what I am and it'll do fine. It's beautiful, and I think it's what I want to be. What struggling person doesn't need to hear that until they start believing it?

    • @creepyspookyicky
      @creepyspookyicky 3 роки тому +19

      & RAINBOW CONNECTION?!?! It's not even subtle. I love it. ❣️

    • @amandagardner565
      @amandagardner565 3 роки тому +13

      20 years ago i stumbled across a very interesting personal account of someone describing the religious & social persecution they had endured while growing up at school and socially.
      the kicker was the last line where the writer explained they were LEFT HANDED.
      only when EVERYONES rights are protected will EVRERYONES rights be protected.
      trans lesbian and born in 1967, no 10 of 14 children to an extremely religious catholic mother.
      i have an older sister who regularly got the cane by the nuns at school if she was seen writing left handed, or homework was slanted the wrong way.

    • @amandagardner565
      @amandagardner565 3 роки тому +8

      @@creepyspookyicky rainbow connection is very much in the top 100 songs for me.

    • @doubletrouble5448
      @doubletrouble5448 2 роки тому +3

      @@2up3rm4n1 yeah you can substitute it with anything you want it’s about self acceptance

    • @amb600cd0
      @amb600cd0 2 роки тому +5

      @@amandagardner565 i think that guy needed his lefts protected

  • @NotContinuum
    @NotContinuum 3 роки тому +452

    Re: Bert and Ernie. I can respect when a straight man says he doesn't feel he can authentically play a gay character or he doesn't want to create a token gay character just to pander to a group. That said, the way around that is to educate yourself on gay life/hire a gay person to do it, and create a gay character that isn't a token but an actual important part of the show.

    • @CPTDoom
      @CPTDoom 3 роки тому +56

      I saw the special where the CTW executive apologized for denying the possibility they could be gay, and it was incredibly meaningful.

    • @curtismartin2866
      @curtismartin2866 3 роки тому +5

      I was on that Twitter thread!

    • @TheSongwritingCat
      @TheSongwritingCat 2 роки тому +23

      YMMV. Personally, I think queer readings can be valid and interesting but I don't like insisting that characters that are not canonically gay secretly are and pushing for that acknowledgement by the creators. I think it can be messy. However, while the best option is creating a new character, as new actors take on roles in long-running stories, why not let the characters evolve into a "new version" of the character? If you can do it with James Bond and Doctor Who, why not Bert and Ernie?

    • @nathanfeatherstone9807
      @nathanfeatherstone9807 2 роки тому +6

      the amount of rules gays have for how everyone should act is unreal

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@curtismartin2866 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @nathancombs527
    @nathancombs527 3 роки тому +91

    I watched a recording of Jim Henson's memorial. It was sad. But at the same time, one of the most uplifting and optimistic things I've ever watched.

  • @SanjayMerchant
    @SanjayMerchant 3 роки тому +78

    Statler having had a fling with Lionel Barrymore is my newest favorite thing.

  • @vi0let831
    @vi0let831 3 роки тому +261

    Lol ngl this is kinda ironic because so many homophobes say they don't want gays to influence their children, and yet they let their kids watch The Muppets which was practically co-founded/heavily influenced by a gay man 💀 It's kind of random, but this thought just came to me right now

    • @RariettyC
      @RariettyC 3 роки тому +59

      Just like the homophobic parents who idealize Disney movies despite Howard Ashman being a key reason why modern Disney is modern Disney 💀

    • @stupidass69420
      @stupidass69420 3 роки тому +3

      Omg ikr!

    • @andywinslow9638
      @andywinslow9638 3 роки тому +2

      @@RariettyC Is he gay?

    • @rattyeely
      @rattyeely 3 роки тому +9

      @@andywinslow9638 yes, I believe this channel actually has a video on him

    • @andywinslow9638
      @andywinslow9638 3 роки тому +3

      @@rattyeely cool. I love him even more now

  • @r053_p3t4l
    @r053_p3t4l 3 роки тому +392

    This channel is such a valuable source of queer history and so many episodes make me cry 😭

    • @donaldewert2332
      @donaldewert2332 2 роки тому

      I wish the word queer would die!!!

    • @nathanfeatherstone9807
      @nathanfeatherstone9807 2 роки тому

      you should be less beta

    • @missm2925
      @missm2925 2 роки тому +5

      @@donaldewert2332 it’s a reclaimed word and a word to be proud of.

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@nathanfeatherstone9807 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@missm2925 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @woody5551
    @woody5551 3 роки тому +172

    The characters evolve in our minds, and on some level people always joked kindly that Bert and Ernie were "two guys that lived together"

    • @LucianCorrvinus
      @LucianCorrvinus 3 роки тому +7

      A relationship is a relationship is a rekatuonship....

    • @atanvardecunambiel8917
      @atanvardecunambiel8917 3 роки тому +11

      oh my god they were roommates…

    • @JamesChessman
      @JamesChessman 3 роки тому +15

      @@atanvardecunambiel8917 And bedmates. ;) Literally, in the older shows they shared a big bed. It changed to two beds in the same room later on!!

    • @LucianCorrvinus
      @LucianCorrvinus 2 роки тому +9

      @@JamesChessman what's REALLY funny...is that sharing a bed and was a regular thing in the 70s for people of color and in the poorer class. So for a big demographic it is familiar for two guys to have to share a bed...

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@LucianCorrvinus Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @raem7846
    @raem7846 3 роки тому +163

    It's not like I needed more reasons to love the Muppets, but here we are.

    • @euansmith3699
      @euansmith3699 3 роки тому +7

      They were sensational, inspirational, celebrational, and Muppetational.

    • @JamesChessman
      @JamesChessman 3 роки тому +4

      @@euansmith3699 Woah I didn't know that was the last word in the song lol!!

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@JamesChessman Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@euansmith3699 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @RAE M Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @neivilde.1242
    @neivilde.1242 3 роки тому +113

    matt: "charles aznavour, who you've probably never heard of"
    me, a french speaker: how dare you sir!!!

    • @phoenixfritzinger9185
      @phoenixfritzinger9185 3 роки тому +5

      I know him from anime
      He’s a really big deal in anime

    • @neivilde.1242
      @neivilde.1242 3 роки тому +5

      @@phoenixfritzinger9185 how????

    • @phoenixfritzinger9185
      @phoenixfritzinger9185 3 роки тому +11

      @@neivilde.1242 he kinda inspired the name Char Aznabul in Gundam
      You could actually do a culture cruise episode on Gundam, and I’m talking about the original one from 1979 where Char is from not Wing (which was the first breakthrough of popularity in America and was the one where the pilots looked like a boy band)
      He’s half of two of the most popular slash ships in early Japanese fandom history, like people still primarily used zines to talk about fandom early

    • @NichtcrawlerX
      @NichtcrawlerX 3 роки тому +10

      Even as a non-French person I felt insulted.

    • @ToruKun1
      @ToruKun1 3 роки тому +5

      @@phoenixfritzinger9185 Too true, Char/Amuro was like the Japanese equivalent of Kirk/Spock

  • @electrojones
    @electrojones 3 роки тому +77

    I'm not gay myself, but I have plenty of gay and trans people in my life who are important to me. Your channel really helps me to understand the world many of my friends inhabit and the culture that surrounds them (and all of us). You're doing a great job with these. They're really well produced, too!

  • @emorag
    @emorag 3 роки тому +97

    What a loving tribute to Richard Hunt. I had no idea about so much of this history. Can't fully explain why but I'm crying over here, and there ain't an onion in sight.

  • @liam1558
    @liam1558 3 роки тому +32

    I feel like the Muppets have a special connection for anyone who feels like an outsider. Sometimes people relate to them because they're a bunch of misfits who work together and become like a family.

  • @ttintagel
    @ttintagel 3 роки тому +195

    I've always said Miss Piggy was Fran Oz's drag persona.

    • @happiestplace3754
      @happiestplace3754 3 роки тому +17

      Richard Hunt was actually the first Miss Piggy in season 1 of the Muppet Show.

    • @ttintagel
      @ttintagel 3 роки тому +7

      True, but her character only really started to develop after Frank took her over full time.

    • @happiestplace3754
      @happiestplace3754 3 роки тому +15

      @@ttintagel considering what a major star her character became and so important to the Muppets, it's funny to think what a throw-away character she was in season 1, with no real name and not a consistent performer playing her. Most people don't even know that.

    • @ttintagel
      @ttintagel 3 роки тому +10

      I LOVE that one time she has both Richard’s and Frank’s voices in the same sketch!!

    • @markwilliams2620
      @markwilliams2620 3 роки тому +2

      I thought it was Yoda.

  • @Vic35102
    @Vic35102 3 роки тому +34

    The mudwell clip makes me cry

  • @InkieBlu
    @InkieBlu 2 роки тому +30

    I'm absolutely bawling. Scooter was always my favourite as a kid and knowing the actor behind him was such a loving bright soul makes him so much better.

  • @Hardbody217
    @Hardbody217 3 роки тому +92

    Looking forward to this. Richard Hunt's performances are as important to the success of The Muppets as Jim & Frank.

  • @Pencliff
    @Pencliff 3 роки тому +28

    I didn't watch a whole lot of Muppets growing up, but this video still has me crying hearing them all singing.

    • @ttintagel
      @ttintagel 3 роки тому +5

      I watch that video from Jim Henson‘s memorial every time I need a good cry.

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@ttintagel Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @selalewis9189
    @selalewis9189 3 роки тому +84

    The timing of this is so uncanny. Just last night I rewatched one of my favorite Christmas movies, _Trading Places_ I wanted to know who the young trader who worked for the Duke Brothers. Then I see your video and I immediately recognized him as that guy! Thank you for doing a deep dive on this unspoken artist.

    • @hestiathena4917
      @hestiathena4917 3 роки тому +8

      Holy crap! I knew Frank Oz had a cameo in that film, but I never had a clue Hunt was the Dukes' guy on the trade floor. I'll have to keep that in mind next time I see it!

    • @RosieTheMushrum
      @RosieTheMushrum 2 роки тому +1

      I REALIZED THAT TOO HOW CRAZY

    • @dreadlegend7365
      @dreadlegend7365 2 роки тому +1

      I knew he was on some movie i watched!

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@dreadlegend7365 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@RosieTheMushrum Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @bonestartapes
    @bonestartapes 3 роки тому +139

    why does this channel always make videos JUST as i'm thinking about the very thing thats the subject of the new video....currently working on an essay about how the muppet show is inherently queer in its form and characters and im gonna reference richard hunt bc he's such an incredible piece of the muppet world...i think there's a very lovely and also extremely heartbreaking anecdote about him in "gay new york" (i THINK that's the title?) about him & his ex partner...also the rudolph nureyev anecdote is in there too....absolutely go off i know so much about queer history just from watching this channel, your work is amazing!!! thank you matt baume!

    • @jaida4547
      @jaida4547 3 роки тому +4

      It's on The Agenda, ofc we are all thinking about stuff at the same time /j

    • @bmas44
      @bmas44 3 роки тому

      I kinda wana read it 😮

  • @ofmermaids2940
    @ofmermaids2940 3 роки тому +194

    Yes! This video is wonderful. I’m so glad the Muppets are finally being seen as part of queer culture. Many of those gay jokes went over my head but it makes so much sense! The Muppets impacted me more than any for of entertainment.

    • @ttintagel
      @ttintagel 3 роки тому +8

      Muppet humor is on SOOO many levels.

    • @UnicornFairy42
      @UnicornFairy42 Рік тому

      @@ttintagel Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

  • @detritus10001
    @detritus10001 2 роки тому +70

    Man, I didn't realize how open all of Henson's creations were. This made me cry so flipping hard, man. I used to be weirded out by homosexuality, but as I grew and matured, it's just a part of life. Forget the sexual orientation of any of these people or characters, and just look at the lessons about loving the people that mean the most to you. Live and love with all you are, because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. God bless and love you for celebrating these creative geniuses. All the best to you and yours, sir.

    • @Kenobi624
      @Kenobi624 Рік тому +2

      Skye, my spouse has been an active fan of all of Henson's creations since they were born (ironically the day after Jim Henson's death) and I am realizing more and more how much these characters mean to them, how openly queer they were and helping them find out more about their sexuality and gender.

  • @PuppetNerd
    @PuppetNerd 3 роки тому +51

    This is great! We are working on a special episode celebrating Richard Hunt. We have a bunch of interview clips with the performers who worked with him.

    • @MattBaume
      @MattBaume 3 роки тому +14

      Oh that's so exciting! Can't wait to watch.

    • @AnimeGames16
      @AnimeGames16 2 роки тому +2

      Love the Puppet Tears podcast and that sounds very exciting! Would have been fitting to put it out on the 17th though as that would have been Richard's 70th birthday.

    • @PuppetNerd
      @PuppetNerd 2 роки тому +3

      @@AnimeGames16 Thanks! Oh it's going to take a while to put it together. These things take time. We have some unseen footage from the podcast and some still yet to be filmed. Stay tuned!

    • @megelizabeth9492
      @megelizabeth9492 8 місяців тому

      Have you gotten around to making this yet?

  • @harleyludy6596
    @harleyludy6596 3 роки тому +22

    I always thought that the original Muppet performers were a motley crew: each of them having incredibly unique story, with a relationship of building off of and working with each other. Every one of them has a special place in my heart, but it was good to know this great stuff about Richard Hunt. Probably the one of the original batch of performers I knew least about. Thanks for this wonderful video on an underrated Muppet performer.

  • @Nothing_Israel
    @Nothing_Israel 3 роки тому +18

    For some reason teared up at that Frank Oz quote near the end.

  • @HalfHeartedJG
    @HalfHeartedJG 3 роки тому +23

    I got chills. Hearing my name from one of my favorite UA-camrs 😅😅😅

  • @kentgriffith3119
    @kentgriffith3119 3 роки тому +14

    This video had me in tears at points. Luckily, I have an apartment full of Elmos, Cookie Monsters and more to put a smile back on my face.

  • @euthymialy
    @euthymialy Рік тому +8

    The story behind “Just a Dream Away” has me screambawling at work, thanks. I love it.

  • @basil5980
    @basil5980 3 роки тому +153

    Soooooo excited for this video, I think it’s time we fully cement the muppets as a part of gay culture lol.

    • @simonkisielewski3327
      @simonkisielewski3327 3 роки тому +6

      Jotaro will be surely confused after seeing his daughter here Xd

    • @JamesChessman
      @JamesChessman 3 роки тому +1

      I agree but unfortunately your comment makes gay culture sound like an alien blob who is consuming everything and it's becoming cemented as part of itself!!

    • @eduardochavacano
      @eduardochavacano 2 роки тому

      are you serious? Involuntary Celibacy can be hard, but please dont become a terrorist. Why must gay culture sound like its something that came from Uranus? Why the desperation. Madonna is 63 and still rules the Pop Universe, at least outside America where her gaydiance is celebrated in places like Fiji, Malawi, Uruguay, Krygystan, and Iran. So calm those tits, gay marriage will soon be legalized in more places including China. If you dont piss off the Chinese by calling everything a gay iconography. Oops, You were just being sarcastic.

  • @MegCazalet
    @MegCazalet 2 роки тому +8

    I’m weeping over Mudwell. That story meant so much to me. I was a sensitive child obsessed with death and anxious and fearful. Mudwell helped teach me a lesson I’m still practicing and learning and relearning today.

  • @megan2176
    @megan2176 3 роки тому +20

    That was so fun, though I did shed some tears, lots of good memories watching those shows!! Makes me want to curl up and watch them for an afternoon, with a bowl of sugar cereal, or grilled cheese and ketchup! Nostalgia ;)

  • @fishflake
    @fishflake 2 роки тому +12

    i cannot even describe how happy i am to see a video about richard hunt getting such wide exposure, his contributions to the muppets both on-screen and off-screen are immeasurable but never acknowledged. i think this video did a fantastic job getting that across in under 20 minutes
    also, shout out to j max stein!! i've been following the progress of the biography on the blog since i was in high school, im in my mid-20s now and it's still the best resource for so many delightful interviews and anecdotes about richard, i highly recommend anyone learning about him for the first time from this video to check it out!!!!

  • @TheGFeather
    @TheGFeather 3 роки тому +75

    I'm not crying, you're crying... Okay, yeah, I'm crying. OG Muppet stuff just gets to me. And ditto on Fraggle Rock. It was such a huge part of my childhood.
    One of the best things about the way Henson and CTW made kids programs was that they embraced real and difficult things in a way that made sense to kids. If there is a single television moment I remember from my childhood, it was Mr Hooper's death on Sesame Street. I was a little too young to remember the initial broadcast, but episodes with Mr Hooper were still on air regularly in the few years that followed and I vividly remember Big Bird in that particular episode. Sad Wembly is pretty sad, but there is no sad like sad Big Bird. Sad Big Bird is the saddest thing I can imagine.
    It was a brave choice the studio made in directly addressing the issue, rather than simply replacing the actor or giving an off screen departure to the character. I know it wasn't the done thing at the time. And I still get teary eyed (okay properly crying) when I remember it, but it was definitely the right thing. They treated kids as real and complete people in their own right, and that's why we loved their shows.

    • @rotomblack8389
      @rotomblack8389 3 роки тому +2

      If you haven't yet, please check out the 6 part series DefunctTv did on Jim Henson's body of work here on youtube.. I think you would really enjoy them; They are so amazing and entertaining oh and *Bring Kleenex* I went through a full box! xo

  • @nanamiharuka3269
    @nanamiharuka3269 3 роки тому +7

    omg I seriously LOVED that cow and Janice! Plus one half of Statler and Waldorf? Some of the most iconic characters in my eyes!

  • @HellaGood1999
    @HellaGood1999 3 роки тому +34

    Some people get excited when a new Marvel movie comes out.. I get excited when a new Matt Baume video comes out. Keep doing what you do so well.. and if you ever find yourself in Philadelphia, let me buy you a beer.. thank you for making my whole day!

  • @FatNorthernBigot
    @FatNorthernBigot 3 роки тому +200

    Beaker and Dr Bunsen were a couple? I bet they had the freakiest toys. I mean plug-into-the-mains freaky.

    • @Hojotoho.Yall504
      @Hojotoho.Yall504 3 роки тому +34

      Not to mention that milking machine

    • @FatNorthernBigot
      @FatNorthernBigot 3 роки тому +21

      @@Hojotoho.Yall504 that would make steam gush from Beaker's ears 🤣

    • @visualthinking
      @visualthinking 3 роки тому +19

      "Plug-into-the-mains freaky" = 🏆

    • @vi0let831
      @vi0let831 3 роки тому +3

      Oh god 💀

    • @joshuayeager3686
      @joshuayeager3686 3 роки тому +7

      The brainiacs are always the kinkiest

  • @TransSappho
    @TransSappho 3 роки тому +29

    I’ll be honest, I somehow never knew that Vincent Price was gay

    • @unoriginaluid
      @unoriginaluid 3 роки тому +10

      He was married to women three times. He was an ally and accepted his daughter's orientation. But I haven't seen any evidence that he was gay.

    • @somecathchick
      @somecathchick 3 роки тому +10

      @@unoriginaluid His daughter claims that he was bisexual, along with his third wife.

    • @lumberingdinosaur9108
      @lumberingdinosaur9108 3 роки тому +8

      The inclusion of Vincet Price feels... off. His daughter claimed both Vincent and his wife Coral were bi after their deaths. I don't know how I feel about family members outing their loved ones since those individuals chose not to disclose that information publicly, having someone else out them regardless feels disrespectful. Whether Vincent and his wife was or not, he was definitely an ally.

    • @creepyspookyicky
      @creepyspookyicky 3 роки тому +2

      He was bisexual!! ❣️

  • @amandamarklandyoga
    @amandamarklandyoga 3 роки тому +13

    Omg. The Mudwell Fraggle episode. It makes me cry even now. Holy shit.

  • @emmaseckso1870
    @emmaseckso1870 3 роки тому +38

    Matt, you are a true and absolute gift to this world, this platform, and my life. Thanks you for bringing all of the queer influences I didn’t know were in my life. I weep at every video you make. You have a true gift. I can’t wait to someday have the expendable cash to support you on patreon and see all the extra videos.

  • @CamMcGinn1981
    @CamMcGinn1981 3 роки тому +22

    Awww man. Here I am sitting in my car sobbing and I start a new job in 20 minutes. LOL
    Great work, Matt.

  • @christopherbubb2890
    @christopherbubb2890 2 роки тому +5

    What a beautiful, loving tribute. It brought tears to my eyes. I didn't know who Richard Hunt was until recently but I've learned quite a bit about him since I started rewatching "Fraggle Rock." His was a light and a talent extinguished far too soon, but as long as his work keeps bringing joy to new generations, he's never really gone.
    By the way, I'd be remiss not to mention another of my favorite characters of his... Don Music! "I'LL NEVER GET IT! NEVER!!!!"
    The Trash Heap Has Spoken! NYAAAH! (That line was his idea, by the way.)

  • @carolinea3899
    @carolinea3899 3 роки тому +13

    This video among others you’ve posted have meant so much to me because it shows me how all through my childhood I’ve had queer story tellers helping me be more kind, creative, and aware of my world- all before I even knew about who I was inside. ❤️❤️❤️

  • @aisforapple25
    @aisforapple25 2 роки тому +6

    I have met Mr. Hunt when he was doing a production for MTV and he stayed at my hotel in New York. Including others like Steve and Mrs. Butterworth to name a few but I was amazed to meet a lot of the people that shaped my childhood and I thanked them over and over again.

  • @callunas
    @callunas 3 роки тому +9

    I never watched any of these shows as a kid but you brought me to tears over this story I'd never known.

  • @agatharuncible5876
    @agatharuncible5876 3 роки тому +7

    Fraggle Rock was just about the only piece of Henson media I did not watch when I was a kid- this clip you shared is absolutely heart rending. It was brought to my attention this year that Jim Henson himself may have been in the closet, which is something I'd never considered before.

  • @berliozophile
    @berliozophile 3 роки тому +13

    Who's peeling onions in here? Is that you Beaker????
    Thanks, Matt, that was truly a great vid.

    • @ttintagel
      @ttintagel 3 роки тому +1

      Und nuo ve-a peel zee-a ouniuns. Bork Bork Bork!

  • @viktorberzinsky4781
    @viktorberzinsky4781 3 роки тому +5

    I did not expect to be crying happy tears at the end of this. I'd like to think that he died without regrets though so few knew his name. His legacy was perhaps greater that of many performers who are more widely celebrated, for he helped create enduring, iconic characters and left a behind a legacy of love, acceptance, and laughter that touched the hearts of people who truly needed it.

  • @Tustin2121
    @Tustin2121 3 роки тому +7

    Damn, that Fraggle Rock storyline synopsis made me cry. Idk how I would handle actually watching it. 🥺
    PS. Thanks for correcting the subtitles!

  • @JoinHolmes
    @JoinHolmes 3 роки тому +18

    I just wanted to say how constantly insightful and well laid out your essays are. You're one of my favourite creators on this site and I always love to see a new video in my notifications!

  • @shanedeleon5376
    @shanedeleon5376 3 роки тому +5

    This video sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions I wasn't ready for. The quality of your content is always great, but I can tell how thoughtfully crafted this one is in particular.

  • @rocketbackhander6280
    @rocketbackhander6280 3 роки тому +38

    I don't know why but this one really hit me hard. Such a good piece.

    • @Osammar100
      @Osammar100 3 роки тому

      Me too.

    • @creepyspookyicky
      @creepyspookyicky 3 роки тому +4

      Maybe I'm hormonal today but I started tearing up & sniffling at the thumbnail.
      The Muppets mean so much to me even now that I'm 52.
      I literally grew up on them. 😻

  • @jacobismithenshire1238
    @jacobismithenshire1238 2 роки тому +11

    Thanks again Matt, you’ve made yet another video that absolutely broke me. The legacy of Richard and his characters is one that shouldn’t ever be forgotten.
    Fraggle Rock still holds a very special place in my heart and Mudwell’s story is easily one of the most profound moments in the series. It’s so nice to have a closer look into the life of the man behind such an important part of my childhood.
    Again, thank you so much 💗

  • @CarbonSpire
    @CarbonSpire 3 роки тому +9

    I love Matt's videos, and perhaps it's bc the Muppets had a huge impact on me more than other shows talked about here... But this episode felt uniquely personal, compassionate, and touching. Keep up the great work, Matt!

  • @chrismuskett6867
    @chrismuskett6867 2 роки тому +2

    Thankyou for making this film about the wonderful Richard Hunt.
    Something that you didn’t mention was that Richard used to hang out and chat with the crew who were working on The Muppet Show. If he found out that someone on the crew had kids, he would encourage them to bring their kids in to watch the show being filmed, and then after the show he would meet with them, show off the Muppets and do a little private performance for them.
    My Dad was a scenic carpenter who worked on the show at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, England, back in the 70s. He worked on The Muppet Show (he built Rowlf’s piano amongst other things), and so I was one of the kids invited to see the show and meet The Muppets and Richard Hunt. I actually got to go twice, and saw the Petula Clarke and Roger Moore episodes being filmed.
    Richard did Scooter and Beaker and Rizzo Rat for me, but the thing that stands out most for me now was when he did Miss Piggy. He used to share Miss Piggy with Frank Oz on sketches like Veterinarians Hospital. I remember my meeting with Miss Piggy going something like this…
    “Oh hey, hiya handsome!”
    Then as an aside to my Dad
    “Is he rich?”
    Must have made quite an impression on me. I can remember everything so clearly despite this being over forty years ago and I was probably only eight or nine at the time. I was extremely saddened to hear of Richards passing. Thankyou for giving me an idea of how this beautiful man lived.

  • @browniethesnivy
    @browniethesnivy 3 роки тому +1

    You released this video with miraculous timing, I just recently started watching The Muppet Show! All of the performers are so talented and deserve to be recognized for their work as well as their lives. Thank you for highlighting Richard Hunt as both an often overlooked piece of Muppet history and as a gay icon!

  • @mannering333
    @mannering333 2 роки тому +7

    This is the Video that made me subscribe with a smile. Matt, I really believe you should expand this work to a full documentary. The writing structure of your narration as well as your visual storytelling are incredible. If you ever need help with a project I'd be proud to be a part of it. From one artist to another 👏

  • @thad7288
    @thad7288 2 роки тому +3

    This episode was so cathartic and loving and wonderful. Thank you so much!

  • @alaenamcdonald1877
    @alaenamcdonald1877 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you so much for posting this! And thanks to Stein for supporting Hunt, a giant of a performer and a gift to the world 🥰

  • @gemmad.9825
    @gemmad.9825 3 роки тому

    Hi Matt! I've only seen a few of your videos, But the Hope and optimism that radiates from you is almost intoxicating. I haven't left one of videos without smiling or being inspirited to create. You are doing good work. Please don't ever let someone dampen the light within you, because the world needs more people like you.

  • @zulium
    @zulium 2 роки тому +3

    Such a great history lesson. I've loved the Muppets since I was a kid but more recently have gotten into the behind the scenes stuff and this was great to learn. Thanks for the well informed research and for making me tear up.

  • @Muppoet83
    @Muppoet83 3 роки тому +7

    I LOVE this & CANNOT wait for Stein's Biography!

  • @Bones67
    @Bones67 2 роки тому +1

    The entire video brought a smile to my face and made me appreciate Jim Henson and his group's work even more, I've only been a Muppets/Fraggle rock fan for a year but I do want to say that all this amazing representation is great to see and know of. These shows and movies have brought so many happy memories to others over decades and such and it for sure made me smile. Thank you. :)

  • @ElectricMuppet
    @ElectricMuppet 5 місяців тому +1

    Wow, I didn’t think I would cry when I clicked on this video but here I am, sobbing. Excellent job on this video, thoroughly enjoyed it. ❤

  • @TECHNOIR
    @TECHNOIR 3 роки тому +7

    love The Muppets, really enjoyed this video - it seemed longer than it actually is - I mean this as a compliment, it was so rich and packed with lot of great stories. Great stuff:)

  • @johnshoemakerpbc
    @johnshoemakerpbc 2 роки тому +3

    What a great way to honor Jim Henson’s and Richard’s memories. Thank you for this wonderful story!

  • @marcodavinci3150
    @marcodavinci3150 3 роки тому

    Such a touching video. Thanks Matt. So many moments made me cry and i could tell you were tearing up as well.

  • @john7027
    @john7027 3 роки тому +4

    What a beautiful piece of work. There were time that I teared up. Thank you.

  • @ingridfong-daley5899
    @ingridfong-daley5899 3 роки тому +3

    And here I am bawling again at footage of Jim Henson's memorial service. It's one of those things I rewatch periodically, just to remind me of the best parts of human nature and the magic of wonder and curiosity.
    Richard Hunt was my favourite muppeteer. Long live subversive jokes, puppetry, and bright felt!

  • @darindietz710
    @darindietz710 3 роки тому +4

    What an absolutely wonderful tribute. Very nicely done and so touching. Thank you Thank you Thank you. The Muppets were a big part of my tv life growing up and certainly shaped my sense of humour. To know now that there was a powerful gay man behind the masks is just icing on the cake.

  • @neocelestia
    @neocelestia 3 роки тому +1

    This has to be one of the best videos I've seen in a long time. Richard Hunt was and still is a global treasure. Definitely one of the core people that make up the heart and soul of the Muppets. So nice to see this amazing tribute to him. :) I knew some of the history around Richard already but I'd never heard the story behind that Fraggle Rock episode with Mudwell. Knowing the true motivations behind that just elevates it to a whole new level of excellence. Thank you so much for giving us a great look back at the life of a true artist! :)

  • @cunard61
    @cunard61 5 місяців тому +2

    Richard Hunt (Scooter) and John Denver presented one of the finest duets in television history when they performed "The Peace Carol" on the "Christmas Together" special.

  • @jibble9168
    @jibble9168 Рік тому +3

    Every single one of your videos makes me cry. It is so beautiful how you do your part to recognize such amazing queer people, especially ones I hadn't known about and were such major parts of things so close to my heart. Thank you for sharing Richard's story.

  • @euansmith3699
    @euansmith3699 3 роки тому +4

    I found it amazing seeing the cast on stage; I find the Muppets so totally convincing that I completely forget that it takes a huge crowd of cool humans to bring them to life. 😍
    Thanks for a great, and heartfelt video.
    Despite (or maybe because of) being alive at the time, the AIDs epidemic was something going in the background. Looking back, I feel terrible for the victims of the disease and their loved ones. Suffering through an epidemic while the rest of the world, at best, ignored them; and, at worst, attacked them verbally, physically and legally.

  • @davearena5651
    @davearena5651 2 роки тому

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful biography. You brought tears to my eyes. There was so much magic behind the scenes and it was cool to peek in that window and find people like me.

  • @BJBear69IN
    @BJBear69IN 2 роки тому +1

    Your pieces are always sweet and funny and informative. This was probably my favorite. My heart is happy but my eyes are sad. Thank you!

  • @nickpowers1557
    @nickpowers1557 3 роки тому +3

    Currently sobbing. Thanks for the incredible content Matt!

  • @davidhein8322
    @davidhein8322 3 роки тому +6

    Another remarkable narrative... so well researched, constructed, and edited.

  • @josephlloyd9636
    @josephlloyd9636 Рік тому

    I had watch this video in sections because I kept being reminded of the struggles of the losses and of those days losing everyone and seeing everyone so sick everywhere. New York San Francisco it was hard. We've been through so much. 🧐👍💕 We're still standing and it's better all the time. Thank you for these videos. So glad to see it all in such a positive light. Good work. 🏆

  • @Ricebread343
    @Ricebread343 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much, this is awesome and I apprecite all the time and research. Richard Hunt was an awesome guy, and lime Jim he left too soon. But will never be forgotten

  • @johngregorio684
    @johngregorio684 3 роки тому +4

    This story of Richard was so touching. I’m glad he had such a huge effect on my childhood without most people’s knowledge. ❤️

  • @feastoffun
    @feastoffun 3 роки тому +4

    Thank you for doing this Matt! Richard is always overlooked when people talk about the muppets.

  • @TedTrembinski
    @TedTrembinski 2 роки тому +1

    Such a touching episode! It brought me to tears and is bringing me a lot of comfort today. Thanks Matt!!

  • @johndyrness3797
    @johndyrness3797 3 роки тому

    Thank you for making this video. Growing up, love the Muppets, anything Muppets was everything to me. Learned and laughed so much. I'm 33 and still a huge fan. This video made me smile and cry, for happy reasons. Thanks again. Love all your videos!

  • @omega__rat
    @omega__rat Рік тому +3

    The way I busted out in tears multiple times while watching this, good Lord. Glad to see Richard Hunt getting his well deserved praise and his story told. Excited to get that biography on his life.

  • @sara_sah-raezzat5086
    @sara_sah-raezzat5086 3 роки тому +8

    Thank you, that was wonderful. I adored Fraggle Rock as a kid, I shouldn't be surprised talented qveer folks were behind it. Love the shirt too.

  • @TheGerkuman
    @TheGerkuman 3 роки тому +1

    I'm glad this video was made. People forget about many of the muppet performers and staff, and a lot have passed on now. Jim, Richard, Eren and both Jerry's (Nelson and Juhl)

  • @litsci1877
    @litsci1877 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much for making this video and for talking about what Fraggle Rock, and that particular episode, meant to you. Knowing what the experience of that time gave to someone younger, how it sat down and talked with a little boy...that means a lot to me. Thank you.