Hubert's Small Tribute of Random Thoughts
Richard Hunt. Ever since I first got into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Muppets (a loong time ago), his name popped up everywhere. I knew who he was, I knew who he performed. But of all the Muppeteers, it occurred to me that I was the least versed in regards to his personality and spirit.
Sure, I saw him. I laughed at him. I all of his characters running around being absolute crazies. I saw him, but I never really knew him.
For some reason, I had brushed Richard off like a spec of dust. I never really even gave a second thought to his characters or the man behind them. They were there and that had been enough for me.
But then one day I read a little snippet of a story that involved Richard. And then I started searching the internet, where I found all sorts of stories and interviews that talked about the man. And the more I saw him, the greater he became.
As I started to do this, his characters came to life. Scooter didn't go for coffee anymore, but Richard did. Richard was the one who played the guitar in a band. Richard was the one who heckled a comedian bear. Richard was the victim of failed inventions. Richard was the monster who befriended a frog. Richard was the piano head banger. Richard was forgetful. Richard caught Fwaggles.
Suddenly, these characters just seemed to spring to life when I began to be aware of the man behind them. Each one was a gem, a piece of Richard. Each revealed to me something else about him.
Since I started seeing Richard, I began to look up to him as a role model. Richard was a spiritual man, I found. He helped people he didn't even know. That's what I try to do everyday, in honor of Richard. He was a loud, crazy person. That's what I know I am, and by the honor of Richard, I try to let it out.
Richard is so much more to me now. He's not a man who's' just there to perform some characters. He's there to show us who we are and who we can be. Richard led by example, and did so with class. If we all could capture even 1% of the amazing man, the world would be a better place.
If you haven't gotten to KNOW Richard, this is a terrific opportunity to do it. Don't learn about his characters or his start with the Muppets, learn about the man. You'll find something there, I guarantee.