Dave Goelz, born on July 16, 1946, is an accomplished puppeteer renowned for his longstanding affiliation with The Muppets, particularly as the voice and puppeteer behind the beloved character Gonzo. His impressive repertoire of Muppet characters includes the scientific genius Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, the laid-back saxophonist Zoot from Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem, the quirky janitor Beauregard, and Tiny, the enormous chicken featured in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.
Goelz also made significant contributions to the iconic series Fraggle Rock, bringing to life characters such as Boober Fraggle and Uncle Traveling Matt. In the fantasy film Labyrinth, he showcased his puppeteering skills with characters like Sir Didymus and Wiseman's Hat, both of whom were voiced by David Shaughnessy.
In addition to his Muppet work, Goelz lends his voice to Figment, the whimsical character associated with Disney. Following the passing of Jim Henson in 1990, Goelz stepped into the role of Waldorf in 1992, continuing the legacy of creativity and humor that Henson embodied. His contributions to puppetry and entertainment have left an indelible mark, making him a beloved figure in the world of family entertainment.
