Eric Jacobson is a name familiar to fans of puppetry, voice acting, and beloved children’s television. His career spans decades and includes some of the most iconic characters in the history of entertainment. From voicing classic Muppets to working on Sesame Street, Jacobson has had a profound impact on children’s television and film. His unique talent for bringing puppets to life with distinct personalities and voices has secured his place among the most respected performers in the industry. This topic explores the most notable Eric Jacobson movies and TV shows, with a focus on his key roles and contributions to entertainment.
Early Work and Career Beginnings
Eric Jacobson began his journey into puppetry and performance in the late 1990s. Trained in the art of puppet manipulation and voice acting, Jacobson’s passion aligned closely with the legacy of Jim Henson, the original creator of the Muppets. His breakthrough came when he started performing with The Jim Henson Company and later transitioned into a more prominent role with the Muppets and Sesame Workshop.
First Appearances
Although Jacobson initially worked behind the scenes and as a supporting puppeteer, his skills quickly stood out. His natural ability to mimic voices and physical mannerisms of established characters made him an ideal candidate to take over roles previously held by Muppet legends like Frank Oz.
Iconic Roles in the Muppets Franchise
One of the defining aspects of Eric Jacobson’s career is his extensive work with the Muppets. After Frank Oz stepped away from regular performance, Jacobson was entrusted with continuing several of Oz’s most famous characters. His performances were so seamless that many fans hardly noticed the transition.
Miss Piggy
Miss Piggy, one of the most iconic Muppet characters, was originally voiced and performed by Frank Oz. Eric Jacobson took over the role in the early 2000s and has continued to portray her in numerous Muppet productions. He captures her diva-like personality, dramatic flair, and unmistakable voice with impressive authenticity.
Fozzie Bear
Another major role Jacobson inherited was Fozzie Bear, the lovable stand-up comic with a big heart and corny jokes. Jacobson’s version of Fozzie maintains the character’s classic warmth and innocence while updating his humor for modern audiences.
Animal and Sam the Eagle
Jacobson also performs Animal, the wild and untamed drummer of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and Sam the Eagle, the stern and patriotic bird. These characters showcase Jacobson’s range in handling both energetic and stoic personalities.
Appearances in Muppet Movies and TV Specials
Jacobson’s Muppet characters have appeared in numerous films and specials, continuing the franchise’s legacy.
- The Muppets (2011): This film was a reboot of the franchise and introduced the characters to a new generation. Jacobson’s portrayal of Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Animal, and Sam was widely praised.
- Muppets Most Wanted (2014): A direct sequel to the 2011 movie, this film featured a globe-trotting plot and gave Jacobson ample screen time to shine with his characters.
- Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021): A Halloween-themed special on Disney+, where Jacobson continued to voice his iconic characters with flair.
Contributions to Sesame Street
Aside from his work with the Muppets, Jacobson is also a core member of the cast of Sesame Street. His roles on this show are equally iconic and have educated and entertained millions of children worldwide.
Bert
Jacobson took over the role of Bert, the straight-laced and often serious half of the Bert and Ernie duo. His portrayal keeps Bert’s dry humor and exasperated charm intact, ensuring that the dynamic between the two characters remains beloved.
Grover
Grover is another character originally performed by Frank Oz. Under Jacobson’s care, Grover retains his enthusiastic and often clumsy personality. Whether he’s Super Grover or just trying to help his friends, Jacobson brings energy and heart to the role.
Guy Smiley
Guy Smiley, the over-the-top game show host on Sesame Street, has also been portrayed by Jacobson in recent years. Though used less frequently today, the character remains a fan favorite whenever he makes an appearance.
Other Appearances and Performances
In addition to his work in the Muppet and Sesame Street universes, Jacobson has contributed to various specials, parodies, and guest appearances on talk shows and award ceremonies. His ability to maintain character under any circumstance makes him a valuable performer across media formats.
- Saturday Night Live: Jacobson has performed his characters in sketches, promoting Muppet projects and engaging in live comedy.
- The Tonight Show and other talk shows: He often appears in character, entertaining both studio audiences and viewers at home.
- Awards shows and live events: His roles in performances during live broadcasts have helped bring puppetry into mainstream adult entertainment spaces.
Legacy and Influence
Eric Jacobson’s contribution to puppetry and children’s entertainment is significant. Not only has he preserved the voices and personalities of beloved characters, but he has also added his own nuance, ensuring they remain fresh and relevant. His ability to honor the original performances while keeping them accessible for new generations is a rare and remarkable talent.
Training and Mentorship
Jacobson’s work also involves mentoring younger puppeteers and ensuring the continuity of character traditions. His dedication to the craft and to the legacy of Jim Henson has made him a role model within the puppeteering community.
Eric Jacobson has carved out an impressive career through his performances in movies and TV shows featuring Muppet and Sesame Street characters. From Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear to Grover and Bert, he has breathed new life into classic characters while staying true to their original spirit. His work in productions like ‘The Muppets,’ ‘Muppets Most Wanted,’ and numerous episodes of ‘Sesame Street’ ensures that audiences of all ages continue to enjoy high-quality, heartfelt entertainment. As puppetry evolves, Jacobson remains a central figure, reminding us all of the magic that can be created through voice, movement, and imagination.