1. Roosevelt Franklin: The Funky Educator
Roosevelt Franklin was a trailblazer, bringing rhythm and rhyme to education. Created and voiced by Matt Robinson, he appeared on Sesame Street from Season 1 (1970) to Season 7 (1975). It taught lessons through funky beats and poetic verses. However, concerns arose about the character promoting stereotypes, leading to his retirement in the mid-1970s. Despite his short tenure, Roosevelt’s influence remains. He was one of the first Muppets to incorporate elements of African-American culture, paving the way for more diverse characters on the show.
2. Don Music: The Frustrated Composer
Don Music is a frustrated composer who made frequent appearances on Sesame Street, starting in Season 6 (1974). He was known for his inability to finish songs, often banging his head on the piano keys in frustration when facing writer’s block. Don Music would wail, “Oh, I’ll never get it!” This behavior, though humorous, led to concerns as children began mimicking it. Apparently, kids were imitating his head-banging at home, resulting in his quiet phase-out from the show. Don’s segments highlighted the challenges of creativity and the importance of perseverance. His unique approach to problem-solving, though exaggerated, resonated with many aspiring young artists.
3. Sherlock Hemlock: The Clueless Detective
Sherlock Hemlock is a Muppet character on Sesame Street, and he is often referred to as the “World’s Greatest Detective”. He is known for his detective work and his catchphrase “Egad!” according to Wikipedia. He adds a touch of mystery and humor to the show, often solving riddles and investigating missing items on Sesame Street. Often, his investigations led to comical conclusions, sometimes revealing himself as the culprit. Over time, his appearances dwindled, making way for newer characters. His segments taught children about observation and deduction, even if his methods were unorthodox. Sherlock’s quirky charm left a lasting impression on fans of the show’s earlier years.
4. Herry Monster: The Gentle Giant
Herry Monster is indeed a character on Sesame Street known for his light blue fur, long purple nose, and black bushy eyebrows. He’s a beloved figure, especially known for his role as “The Beautiful Day Monster”. Despite his intimidating appearance, he was gentle and kind-hearted. As the show evolved, Herry’s presence lessened, overshadowed by newer characters. Herry’s character challenged stereotypes, teaching children not to judge others by their looks. His stories emphasized empathy and understanding, core values of the show’s mission.
5. Professor Hastings: The Sleepy Scholar
Professor Hastings was known for his monotonous lectures that often put himself to sleep. While intended to be humorous, his segments didn’t resonate well with audiences, leading to his eventual retirement from the show. His character served as a comedic take on traditional education methods, highlighting the importance of engaging teaching styles and the need for educators to captivate their students. Though short-lived, Professor Hastings remains a memorable part of the show’s history, symbolizing the pitfalls of dry pedagogy and the value of innovative approaches to learning. His legacy continues to spark discussions about effective teaching methods.
6. Little Jerry and the Monotones: The Rocking Muppets
Little Jerry and the Monotones brought rock ‘n’ roll to Sesame Street. The members of the band were Little Jerry as the frontman, backed by Big Jeffie along with Lavender and Pumpkin Anything Muppets, usually known as Chrissy and Rockin’ Richard. Their energetic performances introduced children to various musical styles. Over time, their appearances became less frequent, eventually fading from the show. Their songs, like “Telephone Rock” and “Proud,” combined entertainment with educational messages. The band’s legacy lives on through nostalgic memories and classic episodes.
7. The Two-Headed Monster: The Cooperative Duo
The Two-Headed Monster, with its dual personalities, taught lessons on cooperation and communication. He speaks gibberish that resembles baby talk, and many of his skits have to do with either cooperation or sounding out parts of words that suddenly show up. Oftentimes, skits with the Two-Headed Monster usually take place with the monster behind a brick wall. In a 1999 interview, Jerry Nelson remembered that he and Richard Hunt came up with the idea for the monster while playing around on the Sesame Street set. While they still make occasional appearances, their prominence has decreased over the years. The Two-Headed Monster remains a symbol of unity and understanding.
8. Barkley: The Loyal Canine
Barkley is a full-bodied Muppet dog who appears on Sesame Street. Originally he was called Woof Woof when he made his debut in Episode 1177, but he was later named Barkley by the residents of Sesame Street in the premiere episode of the show’s 10th season In recent years, Barkley’s appearances have become rare, leaving fans longing for his return. His interactions emphasized the bond between humans and animals, teaching lessons on friendship and care. Barkley’s gentle nature made him an endearing character for viewers of all ages.
9. Forgetful Jones: The Absent-Minded Cowboy
Forgetful Jones, is a cowboy,who got his name because he always forgets everything. He appeared regularly on Sesame Street from Season 12 through Season 22. His horse is Buster, and his longtime (and longsuffering) girlfriend is Clementine. His forgetfulness led to various comedic situations. However, concerns arose about the portrayal of memory issues, leading to his gradual removal from the show. Despite his flaws, Forgetful Jones taught children about patience and the importance of helping others. His character highlighted that everyone has challenges, and with support, they can be overcome.
These characters, though no longer in the spotlight, played significant roles in shaping the educational and entertaining landscape of Sesame Street. Their stories and lessons continue to resonate, reminding us of the show’s enduring impact.
This story 9 Forgotten Muppets Who Once Called Sesame Street Home was first published on Daily FETCH.
