A New Era for Kermit the Frog
Since the passing of Muppets creator Jim Henson in 1990, Steve Whitmire has been the voice behind the beloved Kermit the Frog. Whitmire, who has been part of the show since 1978, recently decided to retire from the role. His successor, Matt Vogel, has been a member of the Muppets team since the 1990s and was personally chosen by Henson’s son, Brian. Born in Kansas City on October 6, 1970, Vogel is an American professional puppeteer, director, and singer. Here are five fascinating facts about the new voice of Kermit the Frog.
1. Matt Vogel’s Sesame Street Journey
Vogel’s career also includes work on Sesame Street, which is part of the Jim Henson Company along with the Muppets. He began as the assistant puppeteer for Ernie, operating one or both of Ernie’s hands while Steve Whitmire performed the head actions and provided the vocals. Vogel then became the assistant puppeteer for Big Bird, played by Caroll Spinney, before taking on the primary performances of this character. He has also lent his voice to many of the one-time puppets on the show.
2. A Little White Lie Landed Him the Sesame Street Job
Vogel employed a somewhat underhanded tactic to secure his position as a puppeteer on Sesame Street. When he saw the job advertised in ‘Backstage,’ the listing specified they were looking for a left-handed puppeteer. Although Vogel is indeed left-handed, he wasn’t a puppeteer at the time. However, he decided that meeting 50% of the requirements was good enough and applied for the job.
3. Big Bird’s Debut Performance for Kmart Managers
Contrary to popular belief, Vogel’s first performance as Big Bird wasn’t in ‘Journey to Ernie.’ Instead, his debut took place in an auditorium filled with Kmart managers. Vogel had to appear from behind a giant ‘K’ as Big Bird. He also appeared on Sesame Street as the character before performing in ‘Journey to Ernie,’ in a scene featuring many other characters and where Big Bird had only a few lines.
4. An Embarrassing Fashion Show Mishap
Throughout his career, Vogel has faced numerous embarrassing situations, but he once revealed in an interview that the most mortifying incident occurred at a fashion show. The event was introducing a new children’s fashion line, and Vogel was appearing as Big Bird alongside Penny Marshall. When Marshall stepped onto the stage, she lost her balance and lunged at Big Bird to steady herself. Unfortunately, she ended up ripping off his right wing in the process, all in front of a full audience and a group of reporters.
5. Matt Vogel’s Passion for Music
Matt Vogel is an avid music enthusiast and is a member of a band called ‘The Mighty Weaklings.’ Initially, the band consisted of just Vogel and Michael Ray Escamilla, but it has since expanded. The band’s name was chosen at random from a list of around fifty potential names. As a father of four, Vogel’s love for his children inspired him and the band to write and record a rock album for kids called ‘You Can’t Rock Sittin’ Down.’
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