| Gonzo | |
|---|---|
| The Muppets character | |
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| First appearance | The Great Santa Claus Switch (1970)[1] |
| Created by | |
| Voiced by | |
| Performed by | Dave Goelz[3] |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Muppet |
| Occupation | Stunt performer, plumber, artist |
| Nationality | American |
Gonzo[a] is a Muppet character from the sketch comedy television series The Muppet Show, known for his eccentric passion for stunt performance. Aside from his trademark enthusiasm for performance art, another defining trait of Gonzo is the ambiguity of his species, which has become a running gag in the franchise. He has been considered to be of various origins, including a Frackle in his debut appearance in The Great Santa Claus Switch, an extraterrestrial in Muppets from Space or an avian creature.
Developed and performed by Dave Goelz,[3] Gonzo made his first appearance in the 1970 special The Great Santa Claus Switch, as the "Cigar Box Frackle".[4] Originally introduced as a minor figure in The Muppet Show, he soon evolved into one of the franchise's primary characters. Gonzo has appeared in every Muppet film, including The Muppet Christmas Carol, where he portrayed author Charles Dickens and developed a double act with Rizzo the Rat.
- ^ Shemin 2014, p. 80.
- ^ Jones 2016, p. 247.
- ^ a b Suddath, Claire (September 17, 2015). "Can the man behind television's biggest sitcom—and their puppet twin—help the Muppets take prime time?". Bloomberg Business. Archived from the original on September 20, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2015.
- ^ "The Geeks Shall Inheirit the Earth: Dave Goelz Under the Stage part 2". Film Threat. March 31, 2004. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
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