eyE Muppeteer!

By Marty On February 19, 2016 · Add Comment · In Newsfeed

Marty with his ‘Wheezing Camel Lauretta’ 1980

July 14 -17,1980

Episode 5:18

Marty hosted The Muppet Show’s “Arabian Nights” episode as he recalls the following in autobiography eYE Marty

“I had a call from Jim Henson who asked me to host one of his Muppet Show episodes.

I was so excited because I was a huge fan. He and I had a lot in common, in terms of influences. He liked me and I liked him.”

In a letter to Spike Milligan dated September 6, 1980, Marty describes working with Jim as “transformative.” He goes on to write:

“Spike, this guy is as close to a modern Buster (Keaton) as we will ever get, he is a pro and gets everything. He is confident and although there wasn’t much room for improv he was open to ad-libs and mistakes are all kept. I even got to name the wheezing camel Lor (Lauretta), and she was thrilled. I don’t know if it will end up being as fun but I have hopes and faith in this bloke.”