18 Talk

Nigel (Muppet Show)

Performer:

Jim Henson • (1975-1976)

John Lovelady • (1976-1977)

Design Team:

Dave Goelz • (builder)

Nigel debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence pilot as the show's host. For The Muppet Show proper, Nigel had a less high profile assignment, conducting the Muppet Orchestra for the entire run of the series. He also appeared onstage from time to time, such as in the Sax and Violence and Library sketches. He was seen rarely afterwards, only making a few appearances in The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years and A Muppet Family Christmas. Nigel returned for 2011's The Muppets, seen again in the orchestra pit.

Nigel has eyelids, which is unusual for a Muppet whose eyes are on the top of his head; a view from behind (as seen for instance in the Muppet Show end credits) reveals that they are perched on top of his eyes and are not connected to the rest of his body.

In the pilot and in most of his Muppet Show appearances, Nigel was played by Jim Henson, with John Lovelady performing the character a few times. After the first season, he was relegated to non-speaking roles.

A prototype PVC of Nigel was made by Comics Spain.