Gonzo (1976-1977)

For The Muppet Show, the hook-nosed Frackle puppet is rechristened as The Great Gonzo and is given a purplish-red tuxedo. His permanently downcast expression gave performer Dave Goelz little to develop with during that first season. When he realized the character worked better in a more energetic form, Goelz built a new Gonzo puppet between the first and second year with mobile eyelids, helping him become a more active character. For the rest of The Muppet Show's run, the original puppet was often used as a double in instances when Gonzo is injured, as in episodes 207, 407, and 419. The puppet was also used (with blue eyelids) for a season two opening gag.