…The Thing with Feathers
As many of you know,I used to be married to a puppeteer, and I spent much of my twenties cavorting with mimes, magicians, clowns, Deadheads….
So today, I am sad to write that one of the great contributors to American puppetry has passed away. Kermit Love, who created the Big Bird costume as well as Mr. Snuffleupagus, died at the age of 91. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/24/arts/24love.html
The character lives on through the work of the pupeteer, Carroll Spinney, who has spent much of his life inside Love’s creation — on platforms and veering and steering down Sesame Street through the aid of a monitor inside the bird’s chest.
Love also created the Snuggle fabric softener bear, and worked with many world renowned choreographers. He is survived by Christopher Lyall, his partner of 50 years, and the memories of the millions of children who have grown up with Big Bird.
Thanks, Mr. Love! (sigh)
