Gorgon Heap was a purple live-hand Muppet Monster who was featured on the first two seasons of The Muppet Show, most frequently while he was eating other Muppets.
He was named in the Panel Discussion in episode 119, in which Vincent Price introduced him as "one of the world's greatest eaters." He proceeded to eat Pierre LaCousse, one of the world's greatest chefs, before starting in on Kermit.
He also played the role of Fielding the Butler in "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Clues", the UK Spot in episode 103.
He has been performed by various puppeteers, including:
- Frank Oz (Episodes 103 and 204)
- Dave Goelz (Episode 119)
- Jerry Nelson (Episode 201)
- Richard Hunt (Episode 116)
Although Gorgon appeared primarily during the first two seasons, he made one appearance in the third season as a drummer in episode 318.
His looks often changed between episodes. Sometimes the horns on his head were left off or replaced with ears instead, and in episode 204, he was given an elongated, worm-like nose for the "Inchworm" sketch.
This character was an evolved version of Big V, a similar character from Muppet variety show acts in the 1960s.
Filmography
- The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence
- The Muppet Show
- Episode 103: Joel Grey ("Comedy Tonight", "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Disappearing Clues")
- Episode 116: Avery Schreiber ("Some Enchanted Evening")
- Episode 119: Vincent Price (Panel Discussion: "Gourmet Dining")
- Episode 201: Don Knotts
- Episode 204: Rich Little ("Inchworm")
- Episode 318: Leslie Uggams
- The Muppet Movie ("Rainbow Connection" Finale)