Richard Hunt (August 16, 1951 - January 7, 1992) was an American puppeteer. Born in the Bronx, New York City, Hunt resided in Closter, New Jersey. He was best known for his association with The Muppets.¹ He was frequently partnered with Jerry Nelson. His Muppet characters included Scooter, Janice, Beaker, Statler, and Sweetums. He also shared Miss Piggy with Frank Oz until Season 2 of The Muppet Show. Hunt performed many characters on Sesame Street, including Forgetful Jones, Placido Flamingo, Don Music, and an early Elmo.

Following Hunt's death from AIDS, the role of Beaker was inherited by Steve Whitmire, that of Statler by Jerry Nelson until his retirement at which time Whitmire took over, that of Sweetums by John Henson, and those of Scooter and Janice by Brian Henson; Scooter's most recent performer is Rickey Boyd and Janice's most recent performer is that of Tyler Bunch. The Muppet Christmas Carol was dedicated to Hunt and Jim Henson.

He was cremated. His ashes were scattered at the Hunt Family house in Closter, New Jersey.

In accordance with his wishes, a portion of Richard's ashes were also scattered in Venice, Italy by a friend on September 21, 2007. (As stated by Richard's mother, Jane, in a recent 2008 Muppet podcast.)

External links

• Richard Hunt at the Internet Movie Database
• Your Face!
• Muppet Central's Tribute to Richard Hunt