Dave Goelz

Born:July 16, 1946

Place of Birth:Los Angeles, California, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Dave Goelz, born on July 16, 1946, is a legendary puppeteer renowned for his remarkable contributions to the world of entertainment, particularly through his work with The Muppets. One of his most iconic creations is the beloved character Gonzo, known for his eccentricity and endearing personality that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.

In addition to bringing Gonzo to life, Goelz has masterfully portrayed a myriad of other Muppet characters, each with their own unique charm and quirks. From the inventive Dr. Bunsen Honeydew to the laid-back saxophonist Zoot of Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem, his versatility and talent shine through in every puppet he animates.

Not limited to The Muppets, Goelz has also left his mark on other beloved productions. Fans of Fraggle Rock will recognize his work as the lovable Boober Fraggle and the adventurous Uncle Travelling Matt, showcasing his ability to breathe life into a diverse range of puppet personalities.

Beyond his work in puppetry, Goelz has lent his voice to the iconic Disney character Figment, further solidifying his status as a versatile and accomplished performer across various mediums. His dedication to his craft and his ability to infuse each character with depth and authenticity have cemented his legacy in the entertainment industry.

Following the passing of the legendary Jim Henson in 1990, Goelz took on the mantle of puppeteering Waldorf in 1992, seamlessly stepping into the shoes of a beloved character while honoring Henson's legacy. His commitment to preserving the magic and spirit of The Muppets has endeared him to generations of fans who continue to be captivated by his talent and creativity.

With a career spanning decades, Dave Goelz has left an indelible mark on the world of puppetry and entertainment, enchanting audiences of all ages with his unforgettable characters and performances. His dedication to his craft, paired with his infectious enthusiasm, continues to inspire and delight fans around the globe, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Inside Out 2

Mind Cop Frank (voice)

2024

Teenager Riley's mind headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.

Inside Out

Subconscious Guard Frank (voice)

2015

When 11-year-old Riley moves to a new city, her Emotions team up to help her through the transition. Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness work together, but when Joy and Sadness get lost, they must journey through unfamiliar places to get back home.

Labyrinth

Didymus / The Hat / The Four Guards / Left Door Knocker / Firey 3 (voice)

1986

When Sarah is forced to babysit her half-brother Toby, she inadvertently summons the Goblin King and he whisks Toby away to his castle at the centre of a labyrinth. Sarah enters into a bargain with the Goblin King where she is given just thirteen hours to solve the labyrinth and rescue Toby, or else lose him forever.

The Dark Crystal

Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster / General, Garthim Master

1982

On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal and restore order to his world, before the grotesque race of Skeksis find and use the crystal for evil.

The Muppet Movie

The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Doglion / Iraqian in El Sleezo Cafe / Pig (voice)

1979

A Hollywood agent persuades Kermit the Frog to leave the swamp to pursue a career in Hollywood. On his way there, he meets a bear, a pig, a whatever – his future muppet crew – while being chased by the desperate owner of a frog-leg restaurant!

The Muppet Christmas Carol

The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens / Robert Marley / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Betina Cratchit / Rat / Zoot (voice)

1992

A retelling of the classic Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, miser extraordinaire. He is held accountable for his dastardly ways during night-time visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

The Muppets

Gonzo / Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf (voice)

2011

When Kermit the Frog and the Muppets learn that their beloved theater is slated for demolition, a sympathetic human, Gary, and his puppet brother, Walter, swoop in to help the gang put on a show and raise the $10 million they need to save the day.

Muppets Most Wanted

The Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Beauregard, Waldorf

2014

While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

Muppet Treasure Island

The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / Mudwell the Mudbunny / Zoot (voice)

1996

After telling the story of Flint's last journey to young Jim Hawkins, Billy Bones has a heart attack and dies just as Jim and his friends are attacked by pirates. The gang escapes into the town where they hire out a boat and crew to find the hidden treasure, which was revealed by Bones before he died. On their voyage across the seas, they soon find out that not everyone on board can be trusted.

Muppets from Space

Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / The Birdman (voice)

1999

When Gonzo's breakfast cereal tells him that he's the descendant of aliens from another planet, his attempts at extraterrestrial communication get him kidnapped by a secret government agency, prompting the Muppets to spring into action. It's hard to believe Gonzo's story at first, but Kermit and friends soon find themselves on an epic journey into outer space filled with plenty of intergalactic misadventures.

Muppets Haunted Mansion

Gonzo / Bunsen / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Chip / Randy Pig

2021

Gonzo is challenged to spend one night in The Haunted Mansion on Halloween night.

The Great Muppet Caper

Gonzo / Beauregard / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Lobbuck Lou

1981

Kermit and Fozzie are newspaper reporters sent to London to interview Lady Holiday, a wealthy fashion designer whose priceless diamond necklace is stolen. Kermit meets and falls in love with her secretary, Miss Piggy. The jewel thieves strike again, and this time frame Miss Piggy. It's up to Kermit and Muppets to bring the real culprits to justice.

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / Zoot (voice)

2002

The owner of a bank (Miss Bitterman) wants to own the Muppet Theatre so she can build a nightclub over it. After she tricks Pepe into giving her the only copy of the contract between her father and the Muppets, she changes it so the Muppets have very little time to pay a debt they owe. Meanwhile, the Muppets are trying to put on a Christmas show. After the Muppets are confronted by Bitterman, they make a lot of sacrifices to save up so they can keep the Theatre.

The Muppets Take Manhattan

Gonzo / Chester - Rat / Bill - Frog / Zoot / Beauregard / Dog / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Penguin (voice)

1984

When the Muppets graduate from Danhurst College, they take their song-filled senior revue to New York City, only to learn that it isn't easy to find a producer who's willing to back a show starring a frog and a pig. Of course, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy won't take no for an answer, launching a search for someone to take them to Broadway.

The Muppets' Wizard of Oz

Tin Thing / Kalidah Critic #2 / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot

2005

A young woman named Dorothy Gale dreams of becoming a singer but is unable to pursue her dreams. After being swept up by a tornado with her pet prawn Toto, Dorothy embarks on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, the person who both Dorothy and the citizens of Oz believe can help make her dream come true.