Congrats
LizardQueen8 for reaching
Swedish Chef Purple!
Also last time I forgot to mention that as a
team we also reached
Swedish Chef Purple.
We now stand at
7121 total minutes and 58% of our collective goal!
Today's focus is on the character Rowlf the Dog.
Rowlf first appeared in 1962 in a series of
Purina Dog Chow commercials. Rowlf rose to stardom as
Jimmy Dean's sidekick on
The Jimmy Dean Show. The show ran from 1963 until 1966. Rowlf the Dog was a regular on the show, and was billed as Jimmy's "ol' buddy."
He is the resident piano player on the Muppet Show.
After the death of Jim Henson, Rowlf continued to appear in Muppet productions, silently (and usually briefly). A rumor arose that the character would be permanently silent as a sign of respect for Jim Henson. Rowlf was not immediately recast and kept in the forefront like Kermit, because at the time, the Muppeteers didn't feel there was a suitable and appropriate performer for the task. Eventually, Bill Barretta took on the character and gradually transitioned into the role.
Here are some early clips for your enjoyment: