The 15 Best Celebrities on The Muppet Show

Series of variety sketches The Muppet Show was a touchstone of popular culture in the 1970s and early 1980s, with a host of incredible celebrities in attendance. While the Muppets remained enduringly popular through subsequent television series, films and one-off specials, the unique characters created by the Jim Henson Company were at the height of their popularity during the show’s run. With appearances from iconic actors, performers, singers and rock stars, guest stars The Muppet Show truly were a who’s who of celebrity culture in the late 1970s.

By then The Muppet Show ended in 1981, ran for five successful seasons and ran for an incredible 120 episodes. With a whole host of guest stars, The Muppet Show maintained interest by relying on the talents of guest stars and unafraid to take risks, give celebrities the chance to laugh at themselves and provide good-natured entertainment for the whole family. Even though it’s original The Muppet Show hasn’t been broadcast for over four decades, many of its skits and guest star songs have remained beloved by audiences of all ages.

15

Diana Ross

The Muppet Show: Season 4, Episode 24 “Diana Ross” (April 4, 1980)

Supreme star Diana Ross made a memorable appearance in the show’s fourth season. The Muppet Show her sweet and caring personality showed when, after being booed off stage, she convinced Fozzie Bear to stand up and give his stand-up another chance. With an amazing performance of “Love Hangover”. Ross’s natural star power and incredible charisma paired perfectly with the crazier aspects of the Muppets.. Accompanied by a host of large Muppet birds, Ross was always a professional, dancing and singing throughout the show.

14

Gene Kelly

The Muppet Show: Season 5, Episode 17 “Gene Kelly” (January 4, 1981)

One of the greatest aspects The Muppet Show there was a huge variety of guests: one week there might be a flamboyant rock star, and the next a 1950s film icon like Gene Kelly. Being an unrivaled singing and dancing talent, jokes were made frequently throughout the episode. Kermit tries to convince a reluctant Kelly to perform “Singing in the Rain”. In this episode, Kelly even recreated Singing in the rainThe most iconic scene is when he walks through a reconstruction of the set of the famous musical with an umbrella.

13

Rita Moreno

The Muppet Show: Season 1, Episode 2 “Rita Moreno” (September 12, 1976)

As one of only 21 people to receive a competitive EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), actress, dancer and singer Rita Moreno is also poised to deliver a standout performance at The Muppet Show to her impressive resume. Moreno’s memorable contribution was his performance of the R&B classic “Fever” with an overexcited Animal on drums. I saw this funny show Animal couldn’t control his incredible energy as he released the drum kit and out-scored Moreno..

12

Vincent Price

The Muppet Show: Season 1, Episode 4 “Vincent Price” (February 19, 1977)

Horror movie legend Vincent Price fit right in with the Muppets’ over-the-top antics. how he appeared in the House of Horror sketch with Gonzo and Fozzie Bear. Price used his knack for playing sinister supernatural creatures as a Dracula-like vampire, accompanied by monstrous puppets. It was a real joy to see Price fully commit to the role and prove himself to be a great, creepy and respected temporary addition to the cast. The Muppet Show.

11

Mark Hamill

The Muppet Show: Season 4, Episode 19, “Star Wars Stars” (February 29, 1980)

Considering Star wars Yoda was voiced and puppeteered by The Muppets’ Frank Oz, so it’s no surprise that the cast, including Mark Hamill, Peter Mayhew and Anthony Daniels, joined the Season 4 episode. Hamill showed off his sense of humor with an excellent portrayal of Kermit the Frog, a sketch from Pigs in Space featuring C-3PO, R2D2 and Miss Piggy, where he reprized his role as Luke Skywalker. This episode was a real treat for Star wars fans and demonstrated Hamill’s talent for children’s entertainment, as he later voiced characters such as the Joker and Fire Lord Ozai in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

10

Carol Burnett

The Muppet Show: Season 5, Episode 12 “Carol Burnett” (February 8, 1981)

One of the funniest episodes The Muppet Show showed famous comedian and singer Carol Burnett getting incredibly upset by Gonzo’s dance marathon. As a comedy variety show star The Carol Burnett ShowBurnett has proven herself capable of handling the energetic antics of the Muppets. Burnett even made Muppet history with her hilarious version of “I Was Made to Dance.” which continued to speed up as she tried to knock out the contestants to make room for her never-aired “Lonely Asparagus” routine.

9

Julie Andrews

The Muppet Show: Season 2, Episode 12 “Julie Andrews” (December 25, 1977)

Airing on Christmas Day 1977, Julie Andrews guest starred in a very special episode of the series. The Muppet Showin which she reunited with the Muppets after they had already appeared together on The Julie Andrews Hour, Julie on Sesame Street, Julie: My favorite things TV special and One to one special. Of this poignant and sentimental episode, special mention must be made Andrews serenades Kermit with his “Song for Kermit.” where she sang beautifully,”I’ve loved you since you were a tadpole“

8

Elton John

The Muppet Show: Season 2, Episode 15 “Elton John” (January 8, 1978)

Rock icon Elton John’s incredible theatricality was the perfect match for campy entertainment The Muppet Show. A fun-loving rock ‘n’ roller, John committed himself to the stage, performing memorable versions of “Bennie and the Jets,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Miss Piggy. . However, the greatest aspect of John’s appearance was his performance of “Crocodile Rock”. complete with a backup chorus of singing Muppet crocodiles.

7

Paul Simon

The Muppet Show: Season 5, Episode 5 “Paul Simon” (February 22, 1981)

Famous singer-songwriter Paul Simon found a protégé during his performance on The Muppet Showas Gonzo wanted him to help him become a songwriter. However, despite An excellent Renaissance version of Simon’s Scarborough Fair. and an energetic rendition of “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” Gonzo’s best lyrics came down to lines like: “For your sake, I would wash my hair with stinking glue, fry my legs and eat them too.” Despite Gonzo’s lack of songwriting talent, Simon still gave his all to his performance, creating many memorable moments and skits.

6

John Cleese

The Muppet Show: Season 2, Episode 6 “John Cleese” (21 October 1977)

Monty Python Star John Cleese brought out the best in his sardonic comedic portrayal as he complained his way to success. The Muppet Show appearance. Frustrated by the presence of pigs and monsters, Cleese tried to talk to Kermit privately and told him that many of the show’s plans conflicted with his contract.. Although Cleese didn’t even want to end the show with the closing song “The Impossible Dream”, after the Muppets eventually talked him into taking part, he cheerfully announced his new music career and album entitled John Cleese: The Man and His Music.

5

Peter Sellers

The Muppet Show: Season 2, Episode 14 “Peter Sellers” (January 1, 1978)

In typical Peter Sellers fashion, the audience never sees Seller playing himself. The Muppet Show, but instead he embodied many of his most famous characters. Open from cold Gonzo throws knives at Inspector Sellers Clouseau Embodying a version of Dr. Strangelove, this appearance was a real treat for fans of Sellers’ incredible comedic portrayals. To top it all off, Kermit even sang his signature song, “Bein’ Green,” making this episode a must-see.

4

Liza Minnelli

The Muppet Show: Season 4, Episode 10 “Liza Minnelli” (December 28, 1979)

Liza Minnelli’s appearance on The Muppet Show took the series in a new direction when Kermit headlined a murder mystery special. WITH Minnelli as an actress whose production is terrorized by a killerWith Kermit as a detective, Strangepork as a murder victim, and Fozzie Bear as a cop, this episode is made even better by Minnelli’s stunning performances of classic songs like “Copacabana.” As a truly memorable guest star, it’s no surprise that Minnelli was asked to reunite with the Muppets on the big screen in The Muppets take over Manhattan.

3

Alice Cooper

The Muppet Show: Season 3, Episode 8 “Alice Cooper” (November 24, 1978)

“talented but scaryAlice Cooper set the eerie mood with his appearance on The Muppet Showwhen a shocking rock star revealed he was working for the Devil and offered to the dolls”fabulous wealth and world fame” in a Faustian exchange for their souls. With a theme revolving around “ghouls, ghosts, long-legged creatures and things that stumble in the nightCooper kept things interesting by performing “Welcome to My Nightmare” and ending the show with “School’s Out.” Already known for his theatrical live performances. Cooper was perhaps the Muppets’ most outrageous guest..

2

Harry Belafonte

The Muppet Show: Season 3, Episode 15 “Harry Belafonte” (January 5, 1979)

No wonder that Harry Belafonte sings his signature song, “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).” was one of the best moments in The Muppet Show story. This was a truly chaotic episode where Fozzie Bear decided that a normally spontaneous show required scripts, and all hell broke loose when he tried to write the show as it happened. Belafonte embraced the Muppet spirit, taking part in a drum battle with Animal and ending the show with African masks singing “Turn the Worldaround.”

1

Steve Martin

The Muppet Show: Season 2, Episode 11 “Steve Martin” (December 9, 1977)

American comedian Steve Martin was in his prime in the 1970s.which made him the perfect upset guest for a very memorable episode The Muppet Show. However, Kermit forgot to tell Martin that they planned this show to audition the new Muppets and forgot to tell him. Furious at being taken for granted, Martin doesn’t leave but stays to show off his trapeze act, a chaotic show of boys, juggling and a banjo duel from Deliverance in what can only be called the best episode yet The Muppet Show.