Sunday, November 30, 2014
Mr. X Blind Item #3
What kid's show performer who recently quit his job over a possible sex scandal which turned out to be an extortion plot was spotting grinning ear to ear as he exited his former workplace? He apparently is going to be rehired on the show, but not as the character he created. He's going to replace the performer of the show's main character, who is going to announce his retirement soon.
Kevin Clash
ReplyDeleteElmo/ Sesame Street
who
ReplyDeleteElmo, yes. That was a sad story. Glad it turned out well.
ReplyDeleteyay, please be Kevin Clash! I loved him in that doco and he deserves this.....
ReplyDeleteDarnn... I thought no one would guess this that soon!!! Way to go Elmo!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how quick everybody guessed Elmo. Replacing Big Bird I would guess
ReplyDeleteGlad it turned out well for him.
ReplyDeleteKevin Clash as Big Bird and Oscar? Interesting. Carroll Spinney is really getting up there so I a glad they can keep this in the family. Glad this worked out.
ReplyDeleteTo be clear, Carroll Spinney (who has played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for nearly 45 years) is 80 years old. He already has an understudy for Big Bird, Matt Vogel, a seasoned puppeteer who has been with Sesame Street for nearly 20 years. Supposedly operating the Big Bird costume is exceptionally demanding, there have been very few individuals to do so during the programs tenure. Vogel will probably be taking over there.
ReplyDeleteOther individuals have operated the Oscar the Grouch puppet over the years (I think including Clash), but I don't know if Spinney has a formal understudy for him, and I don't think so. Clash would be a natural choice here.
Meanwhile, all sexual abuse related claims against Kevin Clash (Elmo, and others) have been dismissed for reasons of statute of limitations, and as of June 2014, all these dismissals have been upheld on appeal. This is effectively now over for Clash.
By all accounts Clash was extremely well-liked at Sesame Street (IIRC, he was director of puppeteering, and a senior figure), and he left of his own volition. I don't think it should really come as a surprise to anyone that he would want to return to the program, or that Sesame would be looking to have him back.
I also would not be surprised one bit if Clash eventually went back to voicing Elmo, at least part of the time. Sesame is probably testing the waters, so to speak, to see what happens with Clash back on the set. Assuming things go well, he'll probably be free to reclaim his most famous character.
BUT did he do it? there will always be DOUBT
ReplyDeleteWow, looking closely, are you sure your name isn't Kevin??
ReplyDeleteI once directed Kevin Clash and he was very rude and condescending. Not everyone liked him.