Elmo

For other uses of this name, see Elmo (disambiguation).

Elmo is a Muppet on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster with googly eyes and an orange nose. He currently hosts the last full segment on Sesame Street, titled Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. He is accompanied by his goldfish Dorothy, and by silent Charlie Chaplin–like characters named Mr. Noodle, Mr. Noodle's Brother Mr. Noodle, and sometimes, Mr. Noodle's Sister Miss Noodle. His puppeteer is Kevin Clash, who uses falsetto to produce his voice.

History

The character is self-described as three and a half years old, and characteristically refers to himself in the third person. For example, "Elmo has a question" rather than "I have a question".

Sesame Street staff writer Nancy Sans once described Elmo's origins: "There was this extra red puppet lying around and the cast would pick him up sometimes and try to create a personality, but nothing seemed to materialize." The puppet was performed by Caroll Spinney in the early 1970s, Brian Muehl from 1979-1981, and the late Richard Hunt from 1981-1984. Sans continues that "...one day [in 1984], Kevin Clash, a talented puppeteer, raised him up and brought energy and life into Elmo and from that day forward we would all write for Elmo. Kevin's performance inspired the writers to develop Elmo's character. The lesson here is never think you're unimportant because you never know what is going to happen." John Tartaglia, Matt Vogel and Jim Martin have all been secondary performers for the character, providing movement for Elmo's arms and legs, particularly in green-screen shots.

A popular doll called the Tickle Me Elmo was manufactured in his likeness, and became the must-have toy during the Christmas season in 1996. Other Elmo toys include Hokey Pokey Elmo ("Hokey Cokey Elmo" in the United Kingdom), Limbo Elmo, Let's Pretend Elmo and Chicken Dance Elmo. Another version, Elmo Knows Your Name, comes with a CD that allows parents to program Elmo to say the child's name and other personalized phrases.

After becoming a regular guest on The Rosie O'Donnell Show (June 28, 1996, December 24, 1997, February 16, 1998, November 5, 1998, November 5, 1998, January 28, 1999, September 21, 1999, December 6, 1999, January 4, 2001, September 21, 2001, February 6, 2002, May 2, 2002), Elmo began touring the talk-show circuit. He has appeared on Martha Stewart Living and Martha (September 13, 2005), The Tony Danza Show (October 11, 2004, April 11, 2005, November 10, 2005), Rove Live (March 20, 2001, September 24, 2002, 2004 and July 11 2006), Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! (January 26, 2007), and The View (October 10, 2007). Elmo and a developmental expert gave babysitting tips on the June 18, 2005 episode of Teen Kids News.

Elmo was the star of the 1999 full-length, theatrically-released motion picture Elmo in Grouchland. He also starred in the film Elmo Saves Christmas.

Elmo also appeared in a fifth season episode of The West Wing. In the March 3, 2004 episode "Eppur Si Muove", Elmo receives a medical checkup from Abbey Bartlet, the First Lady, and cheekily questions her about the validity of her medical license.

Elmo is the only Muppet ever to testify before the U.S. Congress. At the request and with the assistance of Rep. Duke Cunningham, he testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education in April 2002, urging support for increased funding in music education.

Emeril and Elmo's Healthy Start was a special featuring Elmo and Emeril Lagasse, that aired November 4, 2005 at 8 pm. Aired as part of the Food Network's second annual "Cook With Your Kids Week", the special was produced in conjunction with Sesame Workshop's Healthy Habits for Life program.

Criticism and controversy

• Some longtime fans of the series, particularly those who had begun watching it prior to Elmo's introduction, resent his now-prominent status, which has caused some older characters to see reduced roles.

• Some people believe that Elmo's characteristic of referring to himself and others in the third person will teach children improper English usage. In its FAQ, the Sesame Workshop responds to this accusation, stating that this behavior "mimics the behavior of many preschoolers".

• In January 2006, controversy surrounded the book "Potty Time With Elmo" when a mother reported that pressing the buttons caused Elmo to say "Who wants to die?" The book's manufacturer said that this was not an isolated claim, and that they'd had several complaints about the book. In fact, Elmo is saying "Who wants to try?" but the low quality of the sound chip makes it difficult to distinguish consonant sounds.

• In January 2008, Elmo was convicted of internet fraud, stealing millions of dollars from fellow Sesame Streeters Big Bird and Grover. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 80 hours of community service.

External links

• Elmo at Muppet Wiki
• Tickle Elmo
• Elmo's World
• Downloadable 15-minute interview with Elmo voice and puppeteer Kevin Clash from Wisconsin Public Television - Kevin Clash talks about how he became Elmo and how the muppet is able to affect children's lives