Jerry Nelson, Puppeteer Behind ‘The Count,’ Passes Away At 78

It’s a sad day on Sesame Street. Jerry Nelson, the Sesame Street actor best known for playing Count von Count, passed away this week. He was 78.

A cause of death has not been released.

Nelson influenced, inspired, and entertained children in a countless number of ways. But since Nelson spent most of his time counting on television, let’s try to enumerate the ways he made the world a better place.

One. He voice Count von Count.

Two. He brought Gobo Fraggle to life on Fraggle Rock.

Three. He played Sgt. Floyd Pepper of the Electric Mayhem Band on The Muppet Show.

Four. He played Dr. Julius Strangepork in “Pigs in Space,” Gonzo’s girlfriend Camilla the Chicken, and Kermit the frog’s nephew robin.

Five. He inspired a generation of puppeteers.

Six. He spent nearly four decades on Sesame Street. He retired in 2004.

Seven. He helped make Jim Henson’s dream a reality.

Eight. He won two daytime Emmy Awards for “Outstanding Individual Achievement in Children’s Programming” and two Emmy Awards for his work on The Muppet Show and Sesame Street.

Nine…

Were you a fan of Jerry Nelson?