Added by Toughpigs

Delbert the La Choy Dragon appeared in television commercials for La Choy chow mein from 1965 to 1967. In some commercials he was teamed with Mert, a meek, bespectacled Muppet spokesman.

Though originally built as a live-hand character, in 1966 he was rebuilt as a full-bodied character to engage with live actors in domestic settings.^[1] The puppet was capable of emitting fire from its mouth, creating a unique effect in the commercial he appeared in.

Frank Oz, who puppeteered the La Choy Dragon to Jim Henson's voice, notably hated performing inside the full-body suit.^[2]

Although he's not named on screen, Delbert's name is documented elsewhere. ^[3][4]

A rebuilt version of Delbert has been seen in recent exhibits such as Jim Henson: Puppeteer.

The 2010 comic book The Muppet Show Comic Book: Family Reunion makes a reference to the La Choy Dragon in the last panel, showing a giant Delbert in a chef's hat attacking a building as Skeeter prepares to stop him.

Jim Henson's design for the La Choy Dragon.

The hand puppet version of the La Choy Dragon.

The La Choy Dragon pictured on a can of Chow Mein noodles

Inflatable La Choy Dragon promotional item

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SourcesEdit

1. ↑ Jim Henson's Red Book entry, 10/25/1966
2. ↑ Plume, Ken. FilmForce Interview. February 10, 2000.
3. ↑ MuppetFest Q&A with Kirk Thatcher
4. ↑ Henson.com Archive