Events and Workshops | Ages 16+ | Online
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Virtual Panel Discussion

Presented by Jessica Max Stein, author of Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography, with Rob Mills (Junior Gorg from Fraggle Rock and Ludo from Labyrinth), Gord Robertson (Pa Gorg from Fraggle Rock and Falkor from The Neverending Story III), and Lawrence Mirkin (Producer, Fraggle Rock and The Jim Henson Hour)

Celebrate the life and legacy of Richard Hunt, the renowned Muppeteer known for performances as Scooter, Janice, Statler, Beaker, and many more. Join us for a virtual discussion honoring the joyful life and creative legacy of beloved puppeteer Richard Hunt. This special event will feature Jessica Max Stein, author of Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography (Rutgers University Press, 2024), in conversation with Rob Mills and Gord Robertson, performers from Fraggle Rock, and Lawrence Mirkin, producer of the series.

Known for his friendly disposition and infectious humor, Hunt was a cherished member of the Henson team and a key contributor to the spirit of “Affectionate Anarchy” that defined the Muppets. The evening will include a reading of select excerpts from Stein’s biography, followed by a lively conversation reflecting on Hunt’s work, personality, and enduring impact.

The discussion will be moderated by Jill Nash Malool, curator of the Center’s current special exhibition Affectionate Anarchy: Creating with Jim Henson.

PURCHASE ZOOM TICKETS

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About the Presenters

Jessica Max Stein
Author
Jessica Max Stein writes vivid, novelistic history that brings the past to life. She is the author of Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography (Rutgers University Press, 2024). She writes frequently for New York newspaper The Independent. Her writing has received awards from Poets and Writers Magazine, the Independent Press Association, and the Biographers International Organization, as well as being published widely. She teaches writing and literature at Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY). 
Rob Mills
Puppeteer
Rob Mills has performed as a puppeteer with The Muppets, notably as Junior Gorg (alongside Richard Hunt) on the original Fraggle Rock, and in numerous other film and television productions such as Labyrinth, Short Circuit 2, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, The Big Comfy Couch, Dinosaurs,Ruffus the Dog, The Jim Henson Hour, Legend of Turkey Hollow, The Thing, and many more. Rob is also an award-winning producer, director, and writer. A long, long time ago, he was a mime.
Lawrence S. Mirkin
Producer
Veteran showrunner Lawrence S. Mirkin has produced hundreds of television programs, including Fraggle Rock, The Jim Henson Hour, Hi Opie!, What’s Your News?, and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That. He collaborated with Jim Henson on numerous projects, including Labyrinth and The Witches, and produced the special features for the deluxe box sets of Fraggle Rock. He also authored the series bibles for Max and Ruby and Timothy Goes to School.
Gord Robertson
Puppeteer
Gord Robertson got his big break with the Muppets as Pa Gorg on Fraggle Rock. Since then, he has puppeteered beloved characters such as Zoboo in Zoboomafoo, Fingers in Shari Lewis’s Charlie Horse Music Pizza, and Johnny 5 in Short Circuit 2. Most recently, he served as the lead puppeteer for Chucky in the Chucky TV series. Over the years, Gord has brought to life a wide range of animals, creatures, and body parts for productions including Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, The Santa Clause 1 & 2, The Boys, and Man Seeking Woman.
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