Kevin Clash

Kevin Clash
Clash with Elmo at the Peabody awards in 2010.
Born Kevin Jeffrey Clash
(1960-09-17) September 17, 1960
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Residence Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Education Dundalk High School
Occupation Puppeteer, director, producer
Years active 1979–2012; 2018–present
Known for Elmo in Sesame Street
Notable work Sesame Street (1983–2012)
Spouse(s)
Genia Loving
(m. 1986; div. 2003)
Children 1
Parent(s) George Clash
Gladys Clash

Kevin Jeffrey Clash (born September 17, 1960) is an American puppeteer, director and producer whose characters included Elmo, Clifford, Benny Rabbit, and Hoots the Owl.

Clash developed an interest in puppetry at an early age and, in his teen years, performed for local TV children's shows in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. He joined the cast of Captain Kangaroo in the early 1980s and began performing on Sesame Street in 1984. He was the fifth puppeteer to perform Elmo, who became his signature character, and also served as an executive producer and director for the show. Clash worked in various productions with The Jim Henson Company and occasionally on other projects. Clash's autobiography, My Life as a Furry Red Monster, was published in 2006; he was later the subject of the documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011). He resigned from Sesame Street on November 20, 2012, after allegations of sexual impropriety, all of which he denied and were later dismissed due to expiration of the statute of limitations. Clash returned to puppeteering as a supporting performer in the comedy The Happytime Murders (2018).

Early years

Kevin Clash was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 17, 1960, the third of four children born to George Clash, a flash welder and handyman, and Gladys Clash, who ran a small daycare center in their two-bedroom, one-bath home in the Turner Station of Dundalk, Maryland.[1] Clash developed an interest in puppetry at an early age, inspired by children's shows like Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Sesame Street. He made his first puppet, a version of Mickey Mouse, at the age of 10.[2] When he was twelve, he created a monkey puppet out of the lining of his father's coat.[3] His first performances were for his mother's daycare children.[4]

By the time he was a teenager, he had built almost 90 puppets, which he based upon commercials, popular music, and his friends.[5][6] While still in high school, Clash performed at venues throughout Baltimore, including schools, churches, fundraisers, and community events.[7] While appearing at a neighborhood festival, Clash was discovered by Baltimore television personality Stu Kerr, who became Clash's first mentor and hired him to perform in the children's show Caboose at Channel 2. Clash also built puppets for the Romper Room franchise.[8][9][10] When he was 17, he contacted and met puppeteer Kermit Love, who became Clash's mentor, after seeing Love featured in an episode of the documentary Call It Macaroni.[11][12] In 1979, on Love's recommendation, Clash appeared as Cookie Monster in the Sesame Street float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and met Jim Henson, who later became his boss, mentor, and good friend.[13][14]

When he was 19, Clash became a puppeteer for Captain Kangaroo, initially as a guest performer, in which he also made occasional on-camera appearances. The producers of Captain Kangaroo used some of Clash's puppet creations for the show.[15][16] In 1984, Clash had to turn down Henson's offer to work on his film The Dark Crystal because he was working on two TV shows at the same time, Captain Kangaroo and Love's syndicated program The Great Space Coaster, in which he was producer for the first time.[17][18][19]

Career

Captain Kangaroo was cancelled in 1984 after 29 seasons, and Great Space Coaster ended, freeing up Clash to work on projects with Henson such as the film Labyrinth and Sesame Street.[20] Clash started working at Sesame Street for ten episodes in 1983, mostly performing nondescript, stand-in puppets known as Anything Muppets.[21][22] Some of his earliest characters included the saxophone-playing Hoots the Owl (based on Louis Armstrong),[23] the infant Baby Natasha, and inventor Dr. Nobel Price. After 1985, Elmo, a furry red monster, became his main character.[24] Four puppeteers, including Richard Hunt, had performed Elmo previously, but it was Clash's development, with a falsetto voice, that established the character.[25][26][27] He based Elmo's character on the preschool children that attended his mother's daycare in Baltimore and upon his own personality and the personality of his parents.[28] Clash followed the advice of fellow puppeteer Frank Oz, who told Clash to always "find one special hook" for each character. Clash decided that the central characteristic for Elmo should be that he "should represent love".[29]

After the height of Elmo's popularity, especially the "Tickle Me Elmo" craze in 1996,[30] Clash's responsibilities at Sesame Street increased. He recruited, auditioned, and trained its puppeteers,[31] and became the senior Muppet coordinator, a writer, director, and co-producer of the "Elmo's World" segment of the show.[32][33] Clash worked with and mentored the puppeteers of Sesame Street's international co-productions.[34] He found working with the co-productions "a lot of fun" and "very rewarding".[35] He worked on the 1985 feature film Follow That Bird. In 2007, he was promoted to senior creative adviser for the Sesame Workshop.[36] Until 2011, he was the sole performer as Elmo in all his public relations appearances, making his schedule, as he called it, "crazy".[33][37] Cheryl Henson, president of the Jim Henson Foundation, called him "essential" to the show.[38]

Clash worked on the first film version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in 1990 and the sequel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, which was dedicated to Henson, in 1991, voicing Master Splinter.[39][40] He performed in several productions with Jim Henson Productions, including as the Muppet Clifford in The Jim Henson Hour (1989),[note 1] and performing the puppetry for Frank Oz's characters (Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sam the Eagle, and Animal) in Muppet Treasure Island (1996).[42] Clash performed in the films Muppets from Space (1999) and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005), and the TV series Muppets Tonight (1996—1998), in which he reprised Clifford, who served as the show's host. He performed characters and worked behind the scenes on the sitcom Dinosaurs.[43] In 1999, Clash worked on a film starring Elmo, The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.

In 2006, Clash published his autobiography, co-written by Gary Brozek and Louis Henry Mitchell, entitled My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud.[44] His life was featured in the 2011 documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey.[45]

After a hiatus of several years, Clash returned to performing with the film The Happytime Murders (2018), directed by Brian Henson and co-produced through Henson Alternative.[46]

Abuse allegations and resignation from Sesame Workshop

In November 2012, 23-year-old Sheldon Stephens alleged that he had been in a sexual relationship with Clash which began when Stephens was 16. Sesame Workshop had initially been presented with the allegation in June, and its investigation found the allegation to be unsubstantiated. Clash acknowledged that he had been in a relationship with the accuser; however, he characterized the relationship as being between consenting adults.[44] Stephens later recanted his accusation, but two weeks later, another accuser, Cecil Singleton, made similar accusations and lawsuits were filed by attorney Jeffrey Herman against Clash.[47][48]

Clash resigned from Sesame Workshop on November 20, 2012, and released a statement saying, "Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work 'Sesame Street' is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately."[47] Sesame Workshop also released a statement: "Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding Kevin's personal life has become a distraction that none of us want, and he has concluded that he can no longer be effective in his job and has resigned from 'Sesame Street.'"[47] They stated that other puppeteers had been trained to serve as Clash's understudy and would take over his roles on the show.[49]

In July 2013, the three cases against Clash were dismissed because the claims were made more than six years after each man reasonably should have become aware of Clash's alleged violations during the three years after each turned 21. Clash's lawyers expressed his hope that the ruling would allow him to restore his personal and professional life.[50] Lawyers for the plaintiffs appealed the ruling, alleging that the psychological effects of the abuse weren't fully realized until 2012. In April 2014, the decision to dismiss the three lawsuits was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals.[51] Months after the other alleged victims made legal accusations, Stephens filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania against Clash,[52] but it was ultimately dismissed in June 2014 because the statute of limitations had ended.[53]

Personal life

Clash has stated that although children ignore him and speak directly to Elmo, African-American adults tend to be surprised when they meet him.[32] He has stated in interviews that his racial identity was pertinent to his work, and that it came through in his performances.[33]

Clash was married for 17 years, and has a daughter who was born in 1993.[54][55]

In November 2012, Clash came out publicly as gay in response to the allegations that led to his resignation from the Sesame Workshop, stating, "I am a gay man. I have never been ashamed of this or tried to hide it, but felt it was a personal and private matter."[56] In the same statement, Clash admitted to a sexual relationship with the accuser, but countered that the relationship was consensual.

In June 2015, Clash was reported to have sold his Manhattan apartment, as evidenced by recently-filed public records.[57] Since then, he moved to Los Angeles to work on other Jim Henson Company productions.

Filmography

Year Title Role(s)
1983–2012 Sesame Street Elmo, Baby Fats Domino, Benny Rabbit, Billy Idle, Chip Cat, Clementine, Hoots the Owl, Kingston Livingston III, Mario, Paul Pencil, Warren Wolf, Watson, Additional Muppets
1985 Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird Additional Muppets
1985–1993 Muppet Meeting Films Luncheon Counter Monster, Franklin, Bob, additional Muppets
1986 The Tale of the Bunny Picnic Be-Bop Bunny, Father Bunny, additional Muppets
1986 Labyrinth Firey
1987 Inner Tube Drummer
1987–1996 Muppet Sing-Alongs Billy Bunny, Clifford, Bad Polly, Black Dog, Spa'am, additional Muppets
1987 A Muppet Family Christmas Elmo, additional Muppets
1988 Jim Henson's Play-Along Video P.J., Artie, Be-Bop Bunny, Luncheon Counter Monster, additional Muppets
1989 The Song of the Cloud Forest Nick, Caiman
1989 The Jim Henson Hour Leon, Clifford, Bob, Blue-Green Extreme, Codzilla, Himself, additional Muppets
1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Splinter
1990 The Muppets at Walt Disney World Clifford, Alligator, Frog, Ace Yu
1990 The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson Clifford, Elmo, additional Muppets
1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze Splinter
1991–1994 Dinosaurs Baby Sinclair, Howard Handupme, Howlin' Jay, additional characters
1992–1995 Dog City Ace Yu (special), Eliot Shag (series), additional Muppets
1994 Muppet Time Do Re Mi Monster, Jeffy, Huffy Monster
1995 Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree Father Mouse, Owl
1995 Jumanji Special vocal effects
1996 Muppet Treasure Island Bad Polly, Black Dog, Spa'am, additional Muppets
1996 Muppets Tonight Clifford, Mulch, Bad Polly, Carter, Craniac, Bart, additional Muppets
1996 Elmo Saves Christmas Elmo
1998 Elmopalooza Elmo
1998–1999 Elmo's World Elmo, Baby Natasha, Benny Bunny
1999 Muppets from Space Clifford, Carter, additional Muppets
1999 The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Elmo, Pestie, Grouch Cab Driver, Grouch Jailer
1999 CinderElmo Elmo as CinderElmo
2002 It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie Sam the Eagle
2003–2005 Oobi Randy, additional characters
2005 The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Clifford, Black Dog, additional Muppets
2018 The Happytime Murders Lyle, Mr. Bumblypants

Awards and honors

Preceded by
Richard Hunt		 Elmo performer
1985–2014		 Succeeded by
Ryan Dillon
Preceded by
Jerry Nelson		 Performer of Mulch
1990s		 Succeeded by
None
Preceded by
Steve Whitmire		 Performer of Wembley Fraggle
2016		 Succeeded by
None
Preceded by
Brian Meehl		 Performer of Clementine
1985–1988		 Succeeded by
Camille Bonora
Preceded by
Brian Meehl		 Performer of Dr. Nobel Price
1984–1988		 Succeeded by
none
Preceded by
None		 Clifford
1989–2005		 Succeeded by
None
Preceded by
None		 Hoots the Owl
1985–2012		 Succeeded by
None
Preceded by
Frank Oz		 Performer of Sam the Eagle
2002–2003		 Succeeded by
Eric Jacobson

References

  1. ↑ Clash, pp. 10–11
  2. ↑ Herman (Part 1), event occurs at 3:41
  3. ↑ Clash, pp. 80–81
  4. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 9:11
  5. ↑ Herman (Part 1), event occurs at 11:09
  6. ↑ Clash, p. 68
  7. ↑ Clash, p. 3
  8. ↑ Clash, p. 155
  9. ↑ Herman (Part 2), event occurs at 9:19
  10. ↑ Davis, p. 288
  11. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 17:55
  12. ↑ Clash, pp. 68–70
  13. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 30:26
  14. ↑ Clash, pp. 71–75; p. 140
  15. ↑ Herman (Part 2), event occurs at 3:59
  16. ↑ Clash, p. 158
  17. ↑ Davis, pp. 290–291
  18. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 37:43
  19. ↑ Herman (Part 2), event occurs at 11:39
  20. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 39:49
  21. ↑ Herman (Part 2), event occurs at 18:46
  22. ↑ Clash, p. 163
  23. ↑ Clash, pp. 40–41
  24. ↑ Clash, p. 46
  25. ↑ Clash, p. 121
  26. ↑ Herman (Part 2), event occurs at 24:26
  27. ↑ Herman (Part 3), event occurs at 1:05
  28. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 49:02
  29. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 49:30
  30. ↑ Ramirez, Anthony (December 8, 1996). "Waiting for Elmo". The New York Times. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
  31. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 58:52
  32. 1 2 Lee, Felicia R. (August 23, 2006). "Tickled Red to Be Elmo in a Rainbow World". The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  33. 1 2 3 Reeves, Ronke Idowu (November 7, 2011). "Q&A: Kevin Clash on Being Elmo". Black Entertainment Television. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  34. ↑ Gikow, Louise A (2009). Sesame Street: A Celebration—Forty Years of Life on the Street. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. p. 262. ISBN 978-1-57912-638-4.
  35. ↑ Herman (Part 4), event occurs at 3:08
  36. ↑ "Workshop promotes Elmo". C21Media.com. May 17, 2007. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  37. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 57:51
  38. ↑ Marks, event occurs at 59:10
  39. ↑ Clash, p. 144
  40. ↑ "Turtles Clean Up Their Act But Still Try the Patience". The New York Times. March 22, 1991. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  41. ↑ Davis, p. 2
  42. ↑ Herman (Part 4), event occurs at 4:36
  43. ↑ Herman (Part 4), event occurs at 12:02
  44. 1 2 Moore, Frazier (November 12, 2012). "Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash accused of relationship with boy, 16, taking leave from 'Sesame Street'". The Toronto Star. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  45. ↑ Sragow, Michael (November 13, 2011). "Kevin Clash shines in new documentary 'Being Elmo'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  46. ↑ Radish, Christina. "Melissa McCarthy on Getting R-Rated with Puppets in 'The Happytime Murders'". Collider.com. Collider. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  47. 1 2 3 Jensen, Elizabeth; Brian Stelter (November 20, 2012). "Elmo Puppeteer Resigns After Fresh Allegation". The New York Times. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  48. ↑ Duke, Alan. "Voice of Elmo quits after underage sex lawsuit filed". Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  49. ↑ Moore, Frazier (November 21, 2012). "Kevin Clash: Elmo left behind on 'Sesame Street' as actor exits". The Washington Times. Associated Press. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  50. ↑ "Ex-Elmo puppeteer says he's pleased that 3 NYC lawsuits against him were dismissed". Fox News. Associated Press. July 1, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  51. ↑ Brzeski, Patrick (April 24, 2014). "Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Cleared of Sex Abuse Charges". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  52. ↑ "Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Cleared of Sexual Abuse Charges". People. April 23, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
  53. ↑ "Final Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Elmo Puppeteer Dismissed". The Hollywood Reporter. Associated Press. June 20, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014. Federal Judge Christopher Conner says Stephens failed to sue by age 19 under laws in New York, where their meetings took place. Stephens had sued in Pennsylvania, where longer time limits apply.
  54. ↑ Clash, p. 125
  55. ↑ Macatee, Rebecca (November 21, 2012). "Elmo Puppeteer Kevin Clash Quits Sesame Street". E! Online. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  56. ↑ Oldenburg, Ann (November 12, 2012). "'Sesame Street' actor faces underage sex charges". USA Today. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  57. ↑ Clarke, Katherine. "Embattled Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash sells Upper West Side pad for $1M". NYDailyNews.com. New York Daily News. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  58. ↑ Clash, pp. 55–57; pp. 58–59
  59. 1 2 Giove, Candice (June 15, 2013). "Scandal-plagued Elmo puppeteer picks up Daytime Emmys". The New York Post. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
  60. ↑ Moore, Frazier (November 20, 2012). "Elmo actor resigns amid underage-sex allegations". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  61. ↑ Hiaasen, Rob (June 7, 2007). "A Natural Honor". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  62. ↑ "Commencement Ceremony Celebrates Washington & Jefferson College's Class of 2012" (Press release). Washington, Pennsylvania: Washington & Jefferson College. May 21, 2012. Archived from the original on June 24, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2012.

Notes

  1. ↑ Clash appeared as Clifford on The Arsenio Hall Show with Jim Henson, which became Henson's last televised appearance before his death in 1990.[41]

Works cited

  • Clash, Kevin, Gary Brozek, and Louis Henry Mitchell (2006). My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud. New York: Random House. ISBN 0-7679-2375-8
  • Davis, Michael (2008). Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street. New York: Viking Penguin. ISBN 978-0-670-01996-0
  • Herman, Karen (2004-07-20). Archive of American Television. Parts 1–4.
  • Marks, Constance (Director) (2011) (DVD). Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey.

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