Voice actor and puppeteer Jerry Nelson has died. Born 10 July 1934 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he’ll be remembered as the voice of Count von Count (and several other characters) on Sesame Street. He had a share in Emmy Awards for Sesame Street in 1974, 1976, and 1979, and for The Muppet Show in 1978, as well as nominations in 1977, 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1993.

Nelson joined Henson & Company as a temporary replacement for Frank Oz (who had been drafted into the military in the 1960s). He became a full-time performer with the company in the 1970s, and was involved in nearly every major Muppet project from then on, including Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and the feature films.

Sesame Street’s website, sesameworkshop.org, posted this comment on his passing: “The cast and crew of Sesame Street and the staff of Sesame Workshop deeply mourn the loss of cast member and creator of dozens of Muppet characters, Jerry Nelson. A member of the Sesame Street family for more than 40 years, he will forever be in our hearts and remembered for the artistry in his puppetry, his music, and the laughter he brought to children worldwide through his portrayal of Count von Count, Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock, the Amazing Mumford and many other beloved characters. We will miss his extraordinary spirit and the joy he brought to our Street.”

In addition to his Muppet work, Nelson appeared in The Nail Gun Massacre (1985) and Robocop 2 (1990).