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Remembering Richard Hunt

By Joey Furgiuele

I have been thinking a lot about the tribute to Richard Hunt, and trying very hard to come up with something I could contribute.

I think it is a wonderful idea to do one for him since he was such a key member of the Henson team. I was so excited when the Christmas Carol movie came out because I never expected another Muppet movie after the death of Jim Henson. I was shocked when the words "Dedicated to the memory of Jim Henson and Richard Hunt" flashed on the screen. My jaw must have dropped because the person who was with me asked what was wrong. I said something to the effect that Richard Hunt must have died, and they asked who he was. I think that is how most people are, except of course for the people like us who are really into Muppets.

Well, people need to know who he was. He was a wonderful, multi-talented performer who gave us many memorable characters. I watched "The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson" for the first time about a year ago, when I realized midway through the program that this was one of Richard's last (if not the last) performances. I was very... well, touched (for lack of a better word). Somehow it made the special even more meaningful.

Aside from my personal feelings on the matter, I can tell you that on the documentary special about Fraggle Rock there is a piece of him talking about his character Junior Gorg. Since it seems (as far as I have seen) that footage of any of the Muppet performers talking on camera about their characters and such is rare, that might be of some help. I don't know how long he talks, but I do remember that he does. It's been years since I have seen the program, and sadly I do not have a copy of it. So check it out if you can get (or have) a tape of it.

Well, I know my comments may not have been as moving as some others, but I wouldn't have felt right unless I at least tried to express my feelings as best I could. Richard deserved that.

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