Matt Vogel

Matthew James Vogel (born October 6, 1970) is an American puppeteer, actor and director. He is known for his work with Sesame Workshop and the Muppets. He has performed Kermit the Frog since 2017, and has been the full-time performer of Big Bird since 2018 and Count von Count since 2013.

Early life Vogel was born on October 6, 1970, in Kansas City, Kansas and is a graduate of Turner High School. As a child, he was a fan of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. In 1993, he interned at Mesner Puppet Theater where he played his first role of Victor Frankenstein in Paul Mesner Puppets' production of Frankenstein.

Career Vogel began his career with the Jim Henson Company in 1996, joining Sesame Street as an ensemble puppeteer and understudy performer for Big Bird. In 2018, he became the full-time performer for Big Bird following Caroll Spinney's retirement. Since 2008, he has additionally served as a director on the program and was appointed puppet captain in 2012. Following Jerry Nelson's death the same year, he inherited the role of Count von Count.

Since 2008, Vogel has been a performer with the Muppets, inheriting many of Nelson's character roles. He has performed the characters Floyd Pepper, Uncle Deadly, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry, Sweetums, Camilla the Chicken, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Pops, '80s Robot, and Constantine. In July 2017, he was officially announced as the new performer for Kermit the Frog, succeeding Steve Whitmire in the role. His first performance as Kermit was in a "Muppets Thought of the Week" segment on YouTube. He performed Robin the Frog until 2017 with Peter Linz taking over the role to allow Kermit and Robin to appear in scenes together.

Vogel voiced Wilkins in the 2016 film Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Personal life Vogel married Kelly C. McDonnell on August 31, 1997. They have five children.

Filmography Film

Television

Video games

Other appearances