The RHLC!

[MeepBorkMeep]

On a happy note, we just had our 3000th post, courtesy of Muppet Newsgirl. ^_^ Just in time for...his...anniversary...of life...to put an optimistic spin on it...well it's all right, everyone will be celebrating his life tomorrow. Maybe Emmy will update. And we get to read heralde's much guarded puppetry journal. See? ....Optimism.

 

[Skye]

Ha... The Cat Came Back. I love that one too, Erin!

Yes. Actually, I'm currently kinda on YouTube watching some of the parts of Of Muppets And Men for the first time, and I was thinking about tomorrow a little bit, too. Love the optimism, MBM. We will definitely be celebrating his life tomorrow (as we do every other day of the year, honestly... every time we talk about him or watch something he did or listen to him, etc, we're celebrating his wonderful life). And I am very much looking forward to reading the article in the Puppetry Journal that heralde will post.

Yay for our 3000th post in here!!!!! That is wonderful!!! And a lovely way to celebrate Richard and his life, I must say. Here's to many many more posts here, y'all!

 

[Muppet Newsgirl]

Yeah, where Richard is, he doesn't have to worry about his immune system taking a beating anymore. And I'll bet he's really popular with the kids up in heaven.

I'd love to see what the puppetry journal wrote about him.

I gave us number 3000? Cool!

 

[CensoredAlso]

And we get to read heralde's much guarded puppetry journal.

Oh, VERY subtle, Meep! lol

That's nice that you're watching Of Muppets and Men, Skye. I hope you're enjoying it, it's a fun documentary.

You're right, Meep, we should try to be optimistic. As we've said before, what really matters is the kind of life a person led. Plus, I don't want to think death is the end. It's a little arrogant to think we have it all figured out, you know? That's my humble opinion anyway.

 

[CensoredAlso]

Hi, everyone! Ok, since I don't know how long I'll be free today, I thought I'd post the memorium article now. I hope everyone finds it as moving as I did. It took me a long time to get this, and I've learned that, when you have a good idea, just go for it!

(Note: Sorry for the big print, it was a bit difficult to convert. And I did remove a few parts of the article, mainly for space. Just informational details we already knew. But trust me, these are the best parts. )

Puppetry Journal, Spring 1992 Vol 43 # 3

Richard Hunt January 7, 1992
by Todd Stockman

"Richard Hunt once told me that he auditioned for Jim Henson soon after completing high school, not because of an attraction to puppetry per se, but because of his respect and affection for the Muppet’s innovative work. In 1972, he became the youngest member of the core group of Muppet performers alongside Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and Jerry Nelson. Richard’s first assignment was on Sesame Street where he continued to perform regularly until shortly before his recent death…His work always strikes me as having a combined sense of rambunctious rebelliousness, brilliant subtlety and true innocence.

Later in 1976 he began performing many of the star characters on the now legendary Muppet Show portraying Scooter, Beaker, Janice, Sweetums, Statler, among others…He was a remarkably gifted performer whose high energy level permeated through each of his characters, both on and off camera. He was famous for cutting up on the set with a puppet in hand, entertaining a young visitor to the SS set, and energetically and hysterically leading the Muppet Workshops responsible for training countless puppeteers who operated the muppets for various projects over the years.

Richard’s indefatigable spirit was a valuable and important ingredient in the lead Muppet ensemble. Once the dark cloud of AIDS began to affect his life through the loss of friends, and his own diagnosis of becoming HIV positive he became noticeably more spiritual, somewhat more solemn, and serene. Richard’s inspirational and uplifting words at the public memorial for Jim Henson at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York in 1990 were especially poignant to those of us who knew at that time, as Richard knew, that he was HIV infected and facing his own mortality.

Richard valiantly continued to live, to inspire, and to perform throughout his lengthy battle with AIDS. He is survived by his mother, three sisters, and a brother. Richard left us at Cabrini Hospice, New York City at the age of 40. A memorial service was planned for February at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City."

 

[theprawncracker]

Very, very nice heralde. A very moving entry, thanks for sharing.

 

[Fragglemuppet]

Yes indeed, thank you very much Heralde. So, Richard began in 1972? I guess it would make sense if he started almost right out of high school, but I remember hearing that he came around the time of the first season of the Muppet Show. Oh well, live and learn.

 

[Skye]

Wow. Absolutely... a very nice article, and incredibly moving. How great that you were able to receive this article. Thank you for posting it, heralde!

Here's to you, Richard!

 

[CensoredAlso]

Actually, it must have been earlier than 1972, because he worked in The Great Santa Claus Switch (1970). Though, maybe they meant he started full time in '72.

Glad I was able to share the article with you guys! Did anyone notice Muppet Central's homepage today? I'm glad they did something. And don't forget the findagrave.com site

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8600308

 

[Skye]

Oh, thanks for reminding me about the homepage, heralde. I never go there, so I forget about it. It looks rully gorgeous!