Original ‘Muppet’ Performers Reunite May 16 in Online Fundraiser to Remember Jim Henson

Performers from Muppet Guys Talking Livestream a Conversation About Henson to Raise Funds for Covid-19 Frontline Workers

NEW YORK (May 12, 2020) – Thirty years after the untimely loss of Muppets creator Jim Henson, four legendary Muppets performers will reunite online Saturday, May 16, in a livestream event to help raise funds for frontline workers who have battled the Covid-19 virus.

Bill Barretta, Fran Brill, Dave Goelz and Frank Oz will take part in the live discussion, which also invites fans to submit questions in advance that may be answered during the event. The reunion of the Muppet performers, who also appeared in Oz’s acclaimed documentary Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Victoria Labalme, who conceived and co-produced Muppet Guys Talking, will facilitate the livestream.

The event is free and open to anyone around the world who remains inspired by Henson and his unique brand of creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership. While there is no charge to participate, virtual attendees will be encouraged to make a donation to a selected Covid-19-related cause. Participants must pre-register at www.MuppetGuysTalking/Jim.

“We wanted to lift people’s spirits and raise money for Covid-19 frontline workers,” Labalme said.

The performers who will participate in Saturday’s reunion discussion are:

• Bill Barretta, whose Muppet characters have included Pepe the King Prawn, Johnny Fiama, Bobo the Bear and Big Mean Carl;
• Fran Brill, whose Muppet characters have included Prairie Dawn, Zoe, Little Bird and Betty Lou.
• Dave Goelz, whose Muppet characters have included The Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot and Boober Fraggle.
• Frank Oz, whose Muppet characters have included Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Cookie Monster and Grover.