Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s JourneyAn Interview with Kevin Clash
By Wilson Morales
October 20, 2011
Coming out this week is the documentary on the guy who, every day, brings a smile to a parent, parents, and kids all over the world with his creation, the puppet Elmo. In ‘Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey,’ we explore the life of Elmo’s creator Kevin Clash and his journey from growing up in Maryland, to working with TV’s Captain Kangaroo, to meeting his idol Jim Henson, and to his success and challenges with Elmo.
Directed by Constance Marks, we get to see footage of Kevin in his early years to the present where he is still part of the Sesame Street family and continues to delight kids of all ages with Elmo.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Clash talks about his success with being a puppeteer and the joy Elmo has brought to many.
From your early childhood, to working with Captain Kangaroo, to the Elmo phenomenon, did you ever think you would have a film detailing your background and success?
Kevin Clash: No. I had already done a book about the excitement of this phenomenon and this little red monster and I thought the next step was to visually talk about it.
How long did it take for your parents to accept you as you were growing up and playing with puppets, not knowing it would be your career?
KC: It wasn’t a step by step process at all. My mom sewed a lot and my dad drew a lot, so we were already a creative family. They never had a problem with me at all when I started working and creating puppets. My mom taught my how to sew and my dad helped me build a puppet stage. When I started getting live shows in the area, he drove me around to the shows and everything.
What are the main challenges of being a puppeteer?
KC: The success of the show and getting involved in other aspects of the show, which is co-producing shows internationally and finding puppeteers all over the world, keeps me away from my daughter and my family. That’s the main challenge.
What was the feeling like when you finally met with Jim Henson?
KC: When you think about meeting that one musical artist you always wanted to meet or your favorite idol and to finally meet that person, it’s like a dream come true. The next step to become friends and that was amazing, which is why it was so emotional for me when he passed away. It was devastating for me.
When did you realize that Elmo was starting to take off and be a huge success?
KC: For me, when the crew starting laughing at what I was doing with Elmo, I knew there was something that I was doing that was working with this character. I also knew that maybe with Elmo, I wouldn’t be fired. It looked like I would be able to keep that job.
How many voices did it take to make before you settled with the one most are familiar with?
KC: Just as soon as Richard threw the puppet to me, I knew I had the right voice for it. What’s change with Elmo is that his voice is not as primitive as it once was. That came from the writing and from the voice.
What makes Elmo stand out from the other puppets?
KC: I think the simplicity of him. It’s all about joy and hugs and kisses and having a good time; and the simplicity of the design of the character.
Over the years, the Elmo doll has grown into this huge financial success. There are parents who have different types of Elmo dolls. How much involvement do you have with the Elmo toys that are sold in stores?
KC: I’m really not that involved besides the music we put in the toys for merchandising. When a new toy comes out, I would go into the studio and record the voice for it. I am working a new toy for Elmo for next year and I’m excited about that. I think it could have a wonderful appeal like ‘Tickle Me Elmo.’
With a new Muppets film coming out this year, could we ever Elmo on the big screen?
KC: Yes, we did ‘Elmo in Grouchland,’ and I hear some rumblings about possibly doing another movie. Hopefully, in the future, you can see the little red monster up on the big screen. For the people who will watch this film, I want them to feel inspired to do something that they love to do and to not let anyone stop them or hinder them from doing something they want to do as a career. Doing Elmo and working with amazing people is a lot of fun.
