Matthew J. Vogel II, born on October 6, 1970, has been a prominent Muppet performer with the Jim Henson Company since the 1990s. He initially gained recognition as the assistant puppeteer for Ernie on "Sesame Street," where he skillfully operated either one or both hands while Steve Whitmire voiced the character. Vogel's remarkable talent for mimicking the iconic Big Bird led to his primary role in the "Journey to Ernie" segments starting in 2006.
Following the recommendation of the late Jerry Nelson, Vogel took over several beloved characters, including Floyd Pepper, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry, Robin the Frog, and Camilla the Chicken, solidifying his status within the Muppet franchise. By 2008, he also began performing the puppetry for the Count von Count, continuing to honor Nelson's legacy while the original voice was still provided by Nelson himself.
In addition to his work on "Sesame Street," Vogel showcased his puppetry skills in popular culture, appearing in the "30 Rock" episode titled "Apollo, Apollo," where he performed Muppets seen through Kenneth the Page's perspective. Through his dedication and versatility, Vogel has become a key figure in the continuation of the Muppet tradition, delighting audiences with his engaging performances and bringing classic characters to new generations.
