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Jerry Nelson - Sesame Street Puppeteer Jerry Nelson, Dies At 78

25 August 2012

Jerry Nelson, the man quite literally behind Sesame Street's numerically friendly Count von Count and Fraggle Rock's Gobo Fraggle, has died aged 78. Nelson suffered from emphysema throughout his twilight years and, according to a statement made through the Sesame Workshop, he died Thursday night in his Massachusetts home on Cape Cod.

Sesame Street executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente has since spoken fondly of her time in the company with Jerry, and described him as being someone who worked hard regardless of any health problems he had and as a man that was as genuine as they come. She said, "Every description of his characters describes Jerry as well, Silly, funny, vulnerable, passionate and musical, for sure. That voice of his was superb."

A tribute to Jerry has been posted on the Sesame Workshop website, in which Nelson was lauded for his artistry and the "laughter he brought to children worldwide" with the characters he controlled, such Sherlock Hemlock, Herry Monster and the Amazing Mumford, as well as the Count and Gobo. When the next season of the show is launched in September this year, Nelson's voice will be heard through his character.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Jan and all future plans for the puppeteer are currently withstanding.

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