Lunch With Gonzo
I just had lunch with Dave Goelz this week, the performer behind Gonzo, Boober and countless other classic Henson characters. How cool is that? Yes, he’s in town because shooting has started on the new Muppet movie, and no, we were not having lunch because I am close to shooting “Fraggle Rock.” But it was just amazing to sit there and hear story after story about the early Muppet days. He was there with Jim at the beginning! He also went into great detail about growing up in L.A., and how as a teenager, he and his friends figured out how to sneak on to almost every studio lot. Sorry Dave — I’m busting you. Unauthorized audience member of “The Carol Burnett Show?” What a hooligan!
We talked a lot about what makes a movie classic — if you make a movie with TRUTH in it, it will remain timeless and resonate with its audience. Dave concurs that the only way the Muppet Show even happened was because it was funded outside the network / studio system. Seems like the only time a truly fresh or exceptional show makes it to air is because it slips through the cracks… almost by mistake.
Mr. Goelz is one of the last “Henson legends.” I was so honored and flattered to share a meal with him.
November 15th, 2010 at 8:17 am
You lucky bast…. guy 🙂
Whenever I listen to podcasts with "Henson legends" talking about the old times I wonder why working together can´t always be like that!
Funny, gentle people, masters of their art, in love with what they´re doing – GENIOUS.
November 16th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
What do you ask a legend?
And with food in your mouth, no less?
I hope you got across in that handshake the millions of 'Thank You's' from all Muppet fans everywhere.
Did you know the Estionians words for lucky and happy is the same thing?
Cheers!
– Lovewithoutyourheartbeat