Dave Goelz, a Muppet performer for 50 years, is the man behind the scratchy-voiced Gonzo, a distinctive blue puppet with the nose of an anteater ... Carol Spinney (Big Bird) and Jerry Nelson ...

For years on the show, Snuffleupagus was Big Bird's imaginary friend ... Herry Monster made his first appearance as a Muppet with light-blue fur, a furry nose, and no tongue.

This would not have had the same impact had Gonzo, the jovial little blue guy with the curled nose, been playing the character instead. The change from well-known Muppet characters to creating new ...