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Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography
Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography tells the life story of a gifted performer whose gleeful irreverence, sharp wit and generous spirit inspired millions. Richard Hunt was one of the original main five performers in the Muppet troupe. He brought to life an impressive range of characters on The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and various Muppet movies, everyone from eager gofer Scooter to elderly heckler Statler, groovy girl Janice to freaked-out lab helper Beaker, even early versions of Miss Piggy and Elmo. Hunt also acted, directed and mentored the next generation of performers. His accomplishments are all the more remarkable in that he crammed them all into only 40 years.
Richard Hunt was just 18 years old when he joined Jim Henson’s company, where his edgy humor quickly helped launch the Muppets into international stardom. Hunt lived large, savoring life’s delights, amassing a vivid, disparate community of friends. Even when the AIDS epidemic wrought its devastation, claiming the love of Hunt’s life and threatening his own life, he showed an extraordinary sense of resilience, openness and joy. Hunt’s story exemplifies how to follow your passion, foster your talents, adapt to life’s surprises, genuinely connect with everyone from glitzy celebrities to gruff cab drivers – and have a hell of a lot of fun along the way.
Richard Hunt was just 18 years old when he joined Jim Henson’s company, where his edgy humor quickly helped launch the Muppets into international stardom. Hunt lived large, savoring life’s delights, amassing a vivid, disparate community of friends. Even when the AIDS epidemic wrought its devastation, claiming the love of Hunt’s life and threatening his own life, he showed an extraordinary sense of resilience, openness and joy. Hunt’s story exemplifies how to follow your passion, foster your talents, adapt to life’s surprises, genuinely connect with everyone from glitzy celebrities to gruff cab drivers – and have a hell of a lot of fun along the way.
346 pages, Hardcover
First published March 15, 2024
26 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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January 6, 2024
I'd like to thank the publisher, Edelweiss, and the author for allowing me a chance at reading this book.
This book, like the Jim Henson biography, caused me to cry in the final section - hot tears rolling down my cheeks kind of crying. Richard and Jim both passed so close within the time frames of one another for different issues. Jim was a viral infection, Richard's was AIDS.
The book is important because the author is allowing us to finally see a performer who longed to be seen and was looking for love, not knowing quite how much love he had amassed and how much he had been seen before his death.
You got to understand Richard as someone who would do anything for his family and friends, who gave more than he received. Who felt kinship with the Muppets, joined them at 18, and planted himself inside their world and hearts of the performers.
You also got to understand his life, and how during a time where being gay was just becoming an open subject, but the AIDS epidemic / discovery was scary and heartbreaking. Richard had so much he wished to do and give before he left, and you could see that and feel that by what people said.
Not many people know of Richard today, but Muppet fans and those familiar with Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock do, because he was a prominent feature in both. It always makes me wonder what life would be like if he would continue on and there was a cure for him in time. If anything, he would be livid with AI (see the bit about his dislike for Muppet Babies) and he would be just livid with Disney.
This book, like the Jim Henson biography, caused me to cry in the final section - hot tears rolling down my cheeks kind of crying. Richard and Jim both passed so close within the time frames of one another for different issues. Jim was a viral infection, Richard's was AIDS.
The book is important because the author is allowing us to finally see a performer who longed to be seen and was looking for love, not knowing quite how much love he had amassed and how much he had been seen before his death.
You got to understand Richard as someone who would do anything for his family and friends, who gave more than he received. Who felt kinship with the Muppets, joined them at 18, and planted himself inside their world and hearts of the performers.
You also got to understand his life, and how during a time where being gay was just becoming an open subject, but the AIDS epidemic / discovery was scary and heartbreaking. Richard had so much he wished to do and give before he left, and you could see that and feel that by what people said.
Not many people know of Richard today, but Muppet fans and those familiar with Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock do, because he was a prominent feature in both. It always makes me wonder what life would be like if he would continue on and there was a cure for him in time. If anything, he would be livid with AI (see the bit about his dislike for Muppet Babies) and he would be just livid with Disney.
April 28, 2024
Like Jessica Max Stein, my introduction into Richard Hunt was similar as I was beginning to learn more about The Muppets franchise, including that of The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and any other creation that Jim Henson brought to our world. I learned about Henson, and then Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney, and Kevin Clash, but would later learn about the other Muppeteers as I learned more about The Muppet Show and who performed each Muppet. I learned about Richard Hunt and the Muppets he performed as, notably his signature Scooter, The Muppet Show stagehand, among others throughout so many different projects. Like Stein, I was shocked that he had died and died so young when I saw on IMDB that he was born on August 17, 1951 and died on January 7, 1992 at the age of 40 from AIDS (and 7 weeks before I was born for that matter) and that he was deemed something along the lines of "the performer without a face, because he was known most for the life he put into his Muppets." As I began to learn more about his career and especially the life he put into his Sesame Street characters, I can say that Richard Hunt is my favorite Muppeteer and when I found this biography, I had to get my hands onto it. I read it right away and was not disappointed. This book depicts how much of a genius Richard Hunt was, even if he was by no means perfect in the technical sense. He gave life to so many different beings, and used these beings to entertain, brighten, and inspire millions of lives, but at the end of the day, he was a human being with individual emotions that we can all relate to, even if we do not want to admit it.
Stein began working on this project in 2009 and this book's proposal was shortlisted by the Biographers International Organization for the Hazel Rowley Prize (rewarded to first-time biographers) in 2016. She put a lot into preparing this book and its subject matter and it shows. She covers just about every necessary detail that comes with covering every necessary aspect of a biography. She talks about his family and upbringing, his aspirations and what they led to, auditioning to work with Jim Henson and The Muppets, and a complete scope of his career as a Muppeteer. If it needed to be covered, it was covered! We get insight on every project Hunt worked on, the Muppets that he performed and background information on such, and even when he tried his hand at acting. Hunt played Wilson in Trading Places and Larry, a bellhop, in Oxford Blues. Hunt's signature Muppet from The Muppet Show was Scooter, as he is explained as being the Muppet that most reflects Hunt, just as Kermit is to Henson, Fozzie is to Oz, Gonzo is to Dave Goelz, and Floyd is to Jerry Nelson. On The Muppet Show, Hunt also performed Beaker (Dr. Bunsen Honeydew's lab partner/"lab rat"), Janice (from The Electric Mayhem), Sweetums (the big, monstrous full-bodied Muppet), and Statler (the clean-shaven old guy in the balcony that sits with Waldorf). On Sesame Street, Hunt's characters included Sully (Biff's construction partner that can never get a word in), Don Music (the self-deprecating composer), Gladys the Cow (the overly dramatic bovine), Forgetful Jones (a forgetful cowboy), Placido Flamingo (an opera-singing flamingo), and the right-half of the Two-Headed Monster (the left-half was performed by Jerry Nelson and based on their interactions backstage). We also learn that Hunt was instrumental with and enjoyed his time on Fraggle Rock, deeming it his most fulfilling project and getting a lot out of the character Junior Gorg, the giant child of Ma and Pa Gorg that just wants to befriend the Fraggles, even if he cannot come up with a proper way to do so.
In this book, we learn about Hunt's demeanor behind the scenes, his role as a mentor to the succeeding generations of Muppeteers and how he served as the one to oversee auditions, the teacher that helped the new Muppeteers get settled, the tour guide, as well as the ambassador that would speak when Jim Henson felt he could not. We learn about his relationships with his fellow Muppeteers, his family, as well as his romantic relationships. Richard Hunt was gay at a time where homosexuality was not widely recognized and embraced and being someone that wanted to be liked by everyone, he had difficulty opening up. He did come from an encouraging and accepting family and those that he worked with felt the same, but society could still be a different story. Some of his relationships were with those he worked with, but we explore the most prominent in that of Nelson Bird. We also learn about how Hunt loses his friends and partners such as Bird to the AIDS epidemic that was on the rise at this time and it would eventually take Hunt's life as well.
This is the book I have been waiting for and the wait was worth it! I learned what I have been asking about Richard Hunt for quite some time and this book fleshes Hunt out as someone I would know personally. I got a great sense of his personality and how it had an impact on his career and the way in which he conducted himself. There are aspects where I could relate to him and the way I would act if I were in his circumstance, only he is clearly an extrovert and I am clearly an introvert. Any detail that I wanted to know, I could surely find it in this book. I liked how Stein includes dates. Some of the layouts, such as the way she lists that of certain Muppeteers and family members, are not traditional (adding their date of birth in parentheses rather than in a sentence), but I liked being able to garner that information.
There were a few technicalities, which were pointed out on Muppet Wiki, but they were very minor, such as Statler and Waldorf being deemed as babies in Muppet Babies rather than the old men that they are in the series. I am with Hunt, though, where I was not too fond of their direction with Muppet Babies or direction to sell to Disney, though I could understand where Jim Henson was coming with getting back into the creative aspect rather than the business one. The one gripe that I did have is that there was no mention to a Sesame Street character Hunt performed in Sonny Friendly, who was a game show host like Guy Smiley (only not as good, according to Smiley) that would often host a traveling game show and served as an alternative to Henson's Guy Smiley as necessary. Sonny Friendly was also one of the last characters that Hunt performed. I would have thought that they could have at least mentioned him briefly.
Despite the aforementioned details, I cannot take off any bit of star. This may have an impact on the end of the year rankings for The Best Books I Read in 2024, but the way in which this book made me feel engaged and immersed, I learned so much about a franchise that I admire as many enjoy Disney. This book is a five-star read. I felt so fulfilled and came out with greater knowledge about Richard Hunt and a pursuit to want to learn more.
Pride Month will be coming up in June, which means there will be readathons for LGBTQ+ writers, topics, and works for LGBTQ+ representation. I encourage anyone that is looking for something to read, whether they are filling a nonfiction prompt or just any prompt, to look into and pick up this book! While this book does cover Hunt's romantic and sexual relationships and the impact that AIDS had on him and his partners, this book mainly serves as a biography about who Hunt was, how he came to prominence, and what he did to make the world a brighter and better place.
Stein began working on this project in 2009 and this book's proposal was shortlisted by the Biographers International Organization for the Hazel Rowley Prize (rewarded to first-time biographers) in 2016. She put a lot into preparing this book and its subject matter and it shows. She covers just about every necessary detail that comes with covering every necessary aspect of a biography. She talks about his family and upbringing, his aspirations and what they led to, auditioning to work with Jim Henson and The Muppets, and a complete scope of his career as a Muppeteer. If it needed to be covered, it was covered! We get insight on every project Hunt worked on, the Muppets that he performed and background information on such, and even when he tried his hand at acting. Hunt played Wilson in Trading Places and Larry, a bellhop, in Oxford Blues. Hunt's signature Muppet from The Muppet Show was Scooter, as he is explained as being the Muppet that most reflects Hunt, just as Kermit is to Henson, Fozzie is to Oz, Gonzo is to Dave Goelz, and Floyd is to Jerry Nelson. On The Muppet Show, Hunt also performed Beaker (Dr. Bunsen Honeydew's lab partner/"lab rat"), Janice (from The Electric Mayhem), Sweetums (the big, monstrous full-bodied Muppet), and Statler (the clean-shaven old guy in the balcony that sits with Waldorf). On Sesame Street, Hunt's characters included Sully (Biff's construction partner that can never get a word in), Don Music (the self-deprecating composer), Gladys the Cow (the overly dramatic bovine), Forgetful Jones (a forgetful cowboy), Placido Flamingo (an opera-singing flamingo), and the right-half of the Two-Headed Monster (the left-half was performed by Jerry Nelson and based on their interactions backstage). We also learn that Hunt was instrumental with and enjoyed his time on Fraggle Rock, deeming it his most fulfilling project and getting a lot out of the character Junior Gorg, the giant child of Ma and Pa Gorg that just wants to befriend the Fraggles, even if he cannot come up with a proper way to do so.
In this book, we learn about Hunt's demeanor behind the scenes, his role as a mentor to the succeeding generations of Muppeteers and how he served as the one to oversee auditions, the teacher that helped the new Muppeteers get settled, the tour guide, as well as the ambassador that would speak when Jim Henson felt he could not. We learn about his relationships with his fellow Muppeteers, his family, as well as his romantic relationships. Richard Hunt was gay at a time where homosexuality was not widely recognized and embraced and being someone that wanted to be liked by everyone, he had difficulty opening up. He did come from an encouraging and accepting family and those that he worked with felt the same, but society could still be a different story. Some of his relationships were with those he worked with, but we explore the most prominent in that of Nelson Bird. We also learn about how Hunt loses his friends and partners such as Bird to the AIDS epidemic that was on the rise at this time and it would eventually take Hunt's life as well.
This is the book I have been waiting for and the wait was worth it! I learned what I have been asking about Richard Hunt for quite some time and this book fleshes Hunt out as someone I would know personally. I got a great sense of his personality and how it had an impact on his career and the way in which he conducted himself. There are aspects where I could relate to him and the way I would act if I were in his circumstance, only he is clearly an extrovert and I am clearly an introvert. Any detail that I wanted to know, I could surely find it in this book. I liked how Stein includes dates. Some of the layouts, such as the way she lists that of certain Muppeteers and family members, are not traditional (adding their date of birth in parentheses rather than in a sentence), but I liked being able to garner that information.
There were a few technicalities, which were pointed out on Muppet Wiki, but they were very minor, such as Statler and Waldorf being deemed as babies in Muppet Babies rather than the old men that they are in the series. I am with Hunt, though, where I was not too fond of their direction with Muppet Babies or direction to sell to Disney, though I could understand where Jim Henson was coming with getting back into the creative aspect rather than the business one. The one gripe that I did have is that there was no mention to a Sesame Street character Hunt performed in Sonny Friendly, who was a game show host like Guy Smiley (only not as good, according to Smiley) that would often host a traveling game show and served as an alternative to Henson's Guy Smiley as necessary. Sonny Friendly was also one of the last characters that Hunt performed. I would have thought that they could have at least mentioned him briefly.
Despite the aforementioned details, I cannot take off any bit of star. This may have an impact on the end of the year rankings for The Best Books I Read in 2024, but the way in which this book made me feel engaged and immersed, I learned so much about a franchise that I admire as many enjoy Disney. This book is a five-star read. I felt so fulfilled and came out with greater knowledge about Richard Hunt and a pursuit to want to learn more.
Pride Month will be coming up in June, which means there will be readathons for LGBTQ+ writers, topics, and works for LGBTQ+ representation. I encourage anyone that is looking for something to read, whether they are filling a nonfiction prompt or just any prompt, to look into and pick up this book! While this book does cover Hunt's romantic and sexual relationships and the impact that AIDS had on him and his partners, this book mainly serves as a biography about who Hunt was, how he came to prominence, and what he did to make the world a brighter and better place.
March 17, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I've always loved the Muppets ever since I was a little girl and didn't fully embrace this magical world until I was an adult. I love reading about the history of these felted creatures and try to learn as much as I can. I sometimes get sad that I never got to occupy Earth the same time as Jim Henson, but I'm grateful his legacy continues to thrive. I didn't know anything about Richard Hunt before reading Funny Boy, but I vaguely knew he was connected to the Muppets. This book was so well researched that I received quite the education upon completion of this wonderful book.
Richard Hunt was one of the five main puppeteers who helped create The Muppet Show and grow the enormous fanbase that it is today. He's responsible for portraying Muppets like Beaker, Scooter, Sweetums, Janice, and Statler. I was unaware of the legacy he left behind and everyone he touched with his glowing positivity. I was completely enraptured by this biography and couldn't put it down. I did get a little teary-eyed reading about Jim Henson's funeral and eventually Richard's. Both phenomenal kind-hearted men gone too soon.
This was such a special biography and I'm so honored to have read it so early. The amount of love, respect, and admiration poured into this book is palpable. I learned so much about Richard Hunt and what an outstanding man he must have been. I would love to read more Muppet nonfiction, although it is unfortunately very few and far between. This was one of the best books I read all year and other biographies have paled in comparison. Although Richard Hunt's candle went out far earlier than it should have, this Funny Boy would be loved by generations.
I've always loved the Muppets ever since I was a little girl and didn't fully embrace this magical world until I was an adult. I love reading about the history of these felted creatures and try to learn as much as I can. I sometimes get sad that I never got to occupy Earth the same time as Jim Henson, but I'm grateful his legacy continues to thrive. I didn't know anything about Richard Hunt before reading Funny Boy, but I vaguely knew he was connected to the Muppets. This book was so well researched that I received quite the education upon completion of this wonderful book.
Richard Hunt was one of the five main puppeteers who helped create The Muppet Show and grow the enormous fanbase that it is today. He's responsible for portraying Muppets like Beaker, Scooter, Sweetums, Janice, and Statler. I was unaware of the legacy he left behind and everyone he touched with his glowing positivity. I was completely enraptured by this biography and couldn't put it down. I did get a little teary-eyed reading about Jim Henson's funeral and eventually Richard's. Both phenomenal kind-hearted men gone too soon.
This was such a special biography and I'm so honored to have read it so early. The amount of love, respect, and admiration poured into this book is palpable. I learned so much about Richard Hunt and what an outstanding man he must have been. I would love to read more Muppet nonfiction, although it is unfortunately very few and far between. This was one of the best books I read all year and other biographies have paled in comparison. Although Richard Hunt's candle went out far earlier than it should have, this Funny Boy would be loved by generations.
March 25, 2025
“It’s important that we all stop giving ourselves such a hard time. We’ve got to remind ourselves and push ourselves to let go. Not much we can do except to be, and in being become aware. See what’s going on around you all the time and allow it to happen. All the sadness, all the joy. And that’s why Jim’s last words are important, ‘please watch out for each other, love everyone, and forgive everyone— including yourself. Forgive your anger, forgive your guilt, your shame, your sadness. Embrace and open up your love, your joy, your truth, and most especially: your heart.’” -Richard Hunt
I sobbed through this whole book. There was nothing that could get me to stop crying. I even cried during the acknowledgements section where the author recounted her journey across the globe to find out more about Hunt, and in turn found out more about herself, and even found love. I cried because of how important a group of silly little puppets are to me, and how the stories of the people behind them only made me love them more. I cried because of how big Hunt’s heart was, and how all he yearned for was to love and be loved. I cried because of how Disney is taking away the last project Hunt and Henson worked on together. I just cried, okay?
I sobbed through this whole book. There was nothing that could get me to stop crying. I even cried during the acknowledgements section where the author recounted her journey across the globe to find out more about Hunt, and in turn found out more about herself, and even found love. I cried because of how important a group of silly little puppets are to me, and how the stories of the people behind them only made me love them more. I cried because of how big Hunt’s heart was, and how all he yearned for was to love and be loved. I cried because of how Disney is taking away the last project Hunt and Henson worked on together. I just cried, okay?
June 22, 2024
(Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley)
Whenever I read anything relating to the history of the Muppets, I noticed that specially fond mention would always be given to one of the original core five puppeteers, Richard Hunt. Recorded recollections all revealed a figure who not only skillfully gave life to Scooter, Janice, Statler, Beaker, and many other beloved characters, but also hinted at an infectious, larger-than-life personality who was deeply beloved and treasured by friends and colleagues. And the more that I read of these little descriptions and scattered memories, the more I wanted to know about Hunt. However, no matter how detailed the Muppet-centric book, there was always a hard limit to how much more I could learn about him in particular.
At least, such has been case until the arrival of Funny Boy, the new Richard Hunt biography by Jessica Max Stein. Pieced together through through an incredible amount of interviews from an enormous cast of friends, family, and colleagues of Hunt, this book feels as intimate an overview of his life as one can possibly get. In wonderfully thorough detail, it shows:
- A man who was the life and soul of every party that he attended.
- A tireless entertainer
- Someone who had the incredible ability to befriend seemingly anyone
- A mentor and collaborator to a generation of Muppet performers
- A figure who was fiercely generous to a fault
- An incredibly devoted sibling and son
- A buoyant soul who faithfully kept up everyone’s spirits no matter where he was
...To name just a few qualities! He's revealed to be everything that has been hinted at in other Muppet histories, and so much more. Funny Boy not only gives this force of life his proper due, but in turn it also makes his premature departure from this world all the greater tragedy.
This labor of love from Stein is unquestionably the newest member of what I would consider to be the essential Muppet nonfiction literary canon, joining the ranks of works like Brian Jay Jones’ Jim Henson: a Biography and Christopher Finch’s Of Muppets and Men. However, one doesn’t need to be a particularly zealous fan of the Muppets such as myself in order to thoroughly enjoy Funny Boy. It’s just an excellent biography in general, and other readers are sure to appreciate this wonderfully done telling of the life a man who burned so brightly and was able to touch so many both on and off the big and small screens.
Whenever I read anything relating to the history of the Muppets, I noticed that specially fond mention would always be given to one of the original core five puppeteers, Richard Hunt. Recorded recollections all revealed a figure who not only skillfully gave life to Scooter, Janice, Statler, Beaker, and many other beloved characters, but also hinted at an infectious, larger-than-life personality who was deeply beloved and treasured by friends and colleagues. And the more that I read of these little descriptions and scattered memories, the more I wanted to know about Hunt. However, no matter how detailed the Muppet-centric book, there was always a hard limit to how much more I could learn about him in particular.
At least, such has been case until the arrival of Funny Boy, the new Richard Hunt biography by Jessica Max Stein. Pieced together through through an incredible amount of interviews from an enormous cast of friends, family, and colleagues of Hunt, this book feels as intimate an overview of his life as one can possibly get. In wonderfully thorough detail, it shows:
- A man who was the life and soul of every party that he attended.
- A tireless entertainer
- Someone who had the incredible ability to befriend seemingly anyone
- A mentor and collaborator to a generation of Muppet performers
- A figure who was fiercely generous to a fault
- An incredibly devoted sibling and son
- A buoyant soul who faithfully kept up everyone’s spirits no matter where he was
...To name just a few qualities! He's revealed to be everything that has been hinted at in other Muppet histories, and so much more. Funny Boy not only gives this force of life his proper due, but in turn it also makes his premature departure from this world all the greater tragedy.
This labor of love from Stein is unquestionably the newest member of what I would consider to be the essential Muppet nonfiction literary canon, joining the ranks of works like Brian Jay Jones’ Jim Henson: a Biography and Christopher Finch’s Of Muppets and Men. However, one doesn’t need to be a particularly zealous fan of the Muppets such as myself in order to thoroughly enjoy Funny Boy. It’s just an excellent biography in general, and other readers are sure to appreciate this wonderfully done telling of the life a man who burned so brightly and was able to touch so many both on and off the big and small screens.
August 4, 2024
*By far, the best book I've read of 2024 so far. I work in a library, but this title is going on my personal forever shelf.*
As a fan of the Muppets, Fraggle Rock (less so), Jim Henson, and growing up with Sesame Street, there were many things I thought I knew about it. After working for a company that would later partner/own the Muppets, I thought I knew about them too. However.....this isn't that story.
Serving as one of the fore-runners of Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock, creating some iconic characters within the Henson world, being a social butterfly and party guy, Richard Hunt was just as the title describes, "Funny Boy".
I knew very little about Richard Hunt, besides that he played Scooter and Janice in the Muppets and that he had tragically passed away from AIDS related complications way too young.
Jessica Max Stein gives readers a very thoroughly researched journeyman's story of Richard's personal, private, public and work life, through interviews with over a 100 people who knew him. I didn't want Richard's story to end.
Richard had always lived life to the fullest and continued to do so well-after his sickness took over. As a puppeteer and Muppet Lover, my heart was as overjoyed by having Richard's story shared with the world, but also, Richard serves as a reminder to fight against the injustices of the world (you never know who may be facing what or if you can support or help them), no matter what, to live and love as hard as you can, to go after your dreams, to speak up, to JUST BE YOURSELF, and remember that No one is alone.
I laughed. I cried. I wanted to hug Richard (and some of his cohorts) and tell them that others do see them. I wanted to punch some people (including some of his exes AND at one point Jim Henson and Frank Oz, whose work and legacy I highly respect). I wanted to tell his Mom that we all needed to fight harder so people wouldn't lose their children to AIDS. I wanted to thank Jerry Nelson (who was his usual constant BFF). The number of celebrity interactions Richard had was eye-popping: Mark Hammill just out of Star Wars and famed opera impressario, Placido Domingo, plus all of the Muppet Show guests, and it never phased Richard because he was just that much of a good host and guide.
Please read this biography.
*Additionally, congratulations to author Jessica Max Stein. When you finish reading the book, you'll know.
As a fan of the Muppets, Fraggle Rock (less so), Jim Henson, and growing up with Sesame Street, there were many things I thought I knew about it. After working for a company that would later partner/own the Muppets, I thought I knew about them too. However.....this isn't that story.
Serving as one of the fore-runners of Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock, creating some iconic characters within the Henson world, being a social butterfly and party guy, Richard Hunt was just as the title describes, "Funny Boy".
I knew very little about Richard Hunt, besides that he played Scooter and Janice in the Muppets and that he had tragically passed away from AIDS related complications way too young.
Jessica Max Stein gives readers a very thoroughly researched journeyman's story of Richard's personal, private, public and work life, through interviews with over a 100 people who knew him. I didn't want Richard's story to end.
Richard had always lived life to the fullest and continued to do so well-after his sickness took over. As a puppeteer and Muppet Lover, my heart was as overjoyed by having Richard's story shared with the world, but also, Richard serves as a reminder to fight against the injustices of the world (you never know who may be facing what or if you can support or help them), no matter what, to live and love as hard as you can, to go after your dreams, to speak up, to JUST BE YOURSELF, and remember that No one is alone.
I laughed. I cried. I wanted to hug Richard (and some of his cohorts) and tell them that others do see them. I wanted to punch some people (including some of his exes AND at one point Jim Henson and Frank Oz, whose work and legacy I highly respect). I wanted to tell his Mom that we all needed to fight harder so people wouldn't lose their children to AIDS. I wanted to thank Jerry Nelson (who was his usual constant BFF). The number of celebrity interactions Richard had was eye-popping: Mark Hammill just out of Star Wars and famed opera impressario, Placido Domingo, plus all of the Muppet Show guests, and it never phased Richard because he was just that much of a good host and guide.
Please read this biography.
*Additionally, congratulations to author Jessica Max Stein. When you finish reading the book, you'll know.
February 18, 2025
I recently finished the book “Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography” and I genuinely loved every minute of it. As a nostalgic individual who grew up in the 80’s loving the Muppets this book provided me a welcome window into the life of one of the very talented individuals behind the Muppet magic. Stein writes clearly and quite eloquently which only helps one dive deeper into the Muppet world with nothing but pure enjoyment. Richard Hunt was quite an individual who, along with a few others, elevated my childhood with the Muppets. I highly recommend this book to ANYONE who has any memories, nostalgic feelings, and/or interest in the Muppets.
May 28, 2024
This book informed and enlightened me. As a die hard Muppets fan I had no idea who Richard Hunt was until I picked up this book. This man was the backbone of Jim Henson's creature shop and the Muppets. He was the creative mind in charge of picking the next waves of puppeteers and the glue that held everyone together on long nights of shooting. Every person who has ever heard the household name of the Muppets needs to read this and give credit to Richard for all he had done. I usually have a hard time reading nonfiction but the timeline of events was so clear it read like a story book to me. The author did such a thorough job researching and interviewing everyone. 10/5 stars
March 29, 2024
For fans of Jim Henson’s work, this book is a treasure. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at Henson’s ensemble of talented collaborators, while giving a poignant recounting of Richard Hunt’s bold, caring and energetic life, tragically ended by AIDS when he was just 40. Jessica Max Stein did a lot of research to put this book together, and weaves Richard’s story together artfully and compassionately. Interesting and inspiring to read.
April 23, 2024
It’s been a long time since a book has caused me to weep. I loved this from beginning to end - it also made me realize that (aside from books I have read to my children about Jim Henson) I have never read a biography on any of the Muppet performers before. It was a beautiful window into this golden age of Muppets, and also a heartbreaking glimpse into the AIDS epidemic in the 80’s/90’s.
April 1, 2024
I laughed and I cried. A beautiful tribute to the man beneath so many iconic Muppet characters that left the world too soon.
July 10, 2025
Loved this book! Being a diehard Muppet fan all my life I’ve always wanted to know more about Richard Hunt, and boy does this book deliver that! So many things in here that we’d never know if this book didn’t exist! I’d suggest this to anyone! Such a great story of a wonderful man! Was so touching to see more of Richard and how he was and what he struggled with in life. Loved this book! I’ve been meaning to read this book since I preordered before it came out!
April 28, 2024
The story of The Muppets is incomplete without this considerate, comprehensive biography of this consummate performer, whose comic sensibility and generosity of spirit informed and galvanized an entire industry — even for decades following his early death. There's at least three generations walking around now who still know Richard Hunt's voice, even as too few of them have ever heard his name.
For some time I've been convinced that, with the possible exception of Monty Python, the OG five (Henson, Oz, Hunt, Nelson, Goelz) are the greatest comic troupe of the 20th century — so imagine my satisfaction when Ms. Stein quotes Hunt comparing themselves to Python! For fans it's that satisfying a book, unearthing and eliciting first-person accounts of those halcyon days, days weighted not with self-importance but an incredible professionalism guided by play, rather than profit or posterity. (I was especially delighted by the section in which Ms. Stein elucidates the typical week's schedule for The Muppet Show.)
Too often Ms. Stein resorts to the adverb, speculating or projecting ("Presumably he felt...) when mere reporting would suffice. But her affection for Hunt is apparent and she balances Hunt's supernatural talent with his longing and regret, aspects more readily relatable to all us mere mortals. I already delighted in Richard Hunt's performances; thanks to this biography, I understand better and am thankful for who Richard Hunt was.
For some time I've been convinced that, with the possible exception of Monty Python, the OG five (Henson, Oz, Hunt, Nelson, Goelz) are the greatest comic troupe of the 20th century — so imagine my satisfaction when Ms. Stein quotes Hunt comparing themselves to Python! For fans it's that satisfying a book, unearthing and eliciting first-person accounts of those halcyon days, days weighted not with self-importance but an incredible professionalism guided by play, rather than profit or posterity. (I was especially delighted by the section in which Ms. Stein elucidates the typical week's schedule for The Muppet Show.)
Too often Ms. Stein resorts to the adverb, speculating or projecting ("Presumably he felt...) when mere reporting would suffice. But her affection for Hunt is apparent and she balances Hunt's supernatural talent with his longing and regret, aspects more readily relatable to all us mere mortals. I already delighted in Richard Hunt's performances; thanks to this biography, I understand better and am thankful for who Richard Hunt was.
January 13, 2025
I have been fondly curious about this man for decades. I began reading Jessica Max Stein's book with a bit of trepidation because its discovery had been such a wonderful surprise and I was managing high hopes regarding the soul and intention behind its authorship. I saved this read for the end of the year as a Christmas gift to myself. I believe I may have smiled the whole time I spent luxuriating in its pages, except for the times my heart felt like it was twisting in half at the tragedy and brutality inflicted upon such a bouyant, affable genius near the end of his life. Thank you, Ms. Stein, for your book and the gift it was to a fellow Hunt fan. He was a beautiful person in so many ways. His craft has influenced me since my earliest days. Now that I know much more of who he was behind the scenes, I pray that his example of kindness, joy, and generosity will motivate me to do more to cultivate and share these same gifts with others while I can.
November 19, 2023
The memorial service for Jim Henson provided a unique opportunity to witness the key figures behind the Muppets. Through heartfelt eulogies and poignant songs, we gained not only a deeper understanding of Jim through personal stories but also a glimpse into the lives of each performer. I highly recommend watching it on YouTube for those who haven't had the privilege yet, as it offers a moving experience.
The standout performer at the memorial was undoubtedly Richard Hunt. His expressive communication with the audience left me intrigued about his personality. Despite being a fan of Henson's work, my exposure was mainly through syndication, making the memorial a revealing encounter with the Muppet creators.
As a devoted Henson fan, I had never delved into the personal lives of the Muppet performers. However, "Funny Boy" changed that for me. I can confidently say it's one of the best biographies I've ever read. The book is impeccably researched, expertly written, and unwaveringly dedicated, offering a comprehensive exploration of Hunt's life. It doesn't rush into the Muppets' world, providing a detailed account of Hunt's journey.
Hunt's charismatic personality shines through the pages, making the reader feel a part of his laughter and life experiences. His role extended beyond puppeteering; he grasped the essence of performance. Jim Henson's trust in Hunt, leaving him in charge of the new generation of performers while pursuing movie projects, speaks volumes about Hunt's capabilities.
The emotional journey in the book is profound. From Hunt's fortuitous meeting with Jim Henson to witnessing his career evolution and becoming a source of joy for many, the highs are numerous. Despite knowing the inevitable outcome, Hunt's battle with AIDS and the subsequent loss is heart-wrenching. As a reader, it's a mix of emotions – sadness at the poignant ending and privilege in gaining a deeper understanding of Hunt as a person and his significance to others.
Reflecting on this biography, I appreciate Hunt not just as a performer but as a human being. It has undoubtedly been one of the most captivating reads for me this year, connecting my cherished memories of his characters to the profound impact he had on people's lives.
The standout performer at the memorial was undoubtedly Richard Hunt. His expressive communication with the audience left me intrigued about his personality. Despite being a fan of Henson's work, my exposure was mainly through syndication, making the memorial a revealing encounter with the Muppet creators.
As a devoted Henson fan, I had never delved into the personal lives of the Muppet performers. However, "Funny Boy" changed that for me. I can confidently say it's one of the best biographies I've ever read. The book is impeccably researched, expertly written, and unwaveringly dedicated, offering a comprehensive exploration of Hunt's life. It doesn't rush into the Muppets' world, providing a detailed account of Hunt's journey.
Hunt's charismatic personality shines through the pages, making the reader feel a part of his laughter and life experiences. His role extended beyond puppeteering; he grasped the essence of performance. Jim Henson's trust in Hunt, leaving him in charge of the new generation of performers while pursuing movie projects, speaks volumes about Hunt's capabilities.
The emotional journey in the book is profound. From Hunt's fortuitous meeting with Jim Henson to witnessing his career evolution and becoming a source of joy for many, the highs are numerous. Despite knowing the inevitable outcome, Hunt's battle with AIDS and the subsequent loss is heart-wrenching. As a reader, it's a mix of emotions – sadness at the poignant ending and privilege in gaining a deeper understanding of Hunt as a person and his significance to others.
Reflecting on this biography, I appreciate Hunt not just as a performer but as a human being. It has undoubtedly been one of the most captivating reads for me this year, connecting my cherished memories of his characters to the profound impact he had on people's lives.
June 28, 2024
While speculation continues about the relationship between Ernie and Bert, a former resident of Sesame Street was definitely gay and played Ernie’s right-hand man, literally.
In “Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography,” Jessica Max Stein intimately covers the professional career and private life of the affable, talented, and friendly man who was quick to make friends in his puppeteer career.
From an early age in suburban, Closter, New Jersey, Richard Hunt was already entertaining neighborhood kids with his own puppet shows. His high school experience involved theater and an early education in the performing arts. He had the desire to travel across the George Washington Bridge to New York City, where he hoped his career would take off.
In its early years, Hunt had seen “Sesame Street,” and perhaps Henson's earlier creations on TV back when even Kermit the Frog didn’t have a name.
“I had grown up watching the Muppets,” Hunt is quoted as saying in an interview. “I’d drop anything to watch them. I thought they were weird.”
Just weird enough for Hunt to one day cold-call the Henson workshop from a payphone to snag a job interview at 18.
One of his first duties was operating the right hand of Ernie (performed by Henson), the joke-playing roommate of Bert (performed by Frank Oz). Due in part of their close proximity – one operating the head and body, the other an arm ¬– their relationship quickly grew to earnest friendships with Henson and his fellow creators.
Let’s get things started
As the Henson creative outlets expanded, Hunt joined the creators and cast of what was going to be a new show. After a disastrous variety show that was featured a bit too much violence, Henson was hesitant, but was convinced to bring the show to London, where they would begin taping of “The Muppet Show.” Why London? British investor Lew Grade had the only deal offered at the time.
Kermit led his wacky crew through a variety show that each week included a special guest. Hunt created and embodied the characters of Scooter, the stage manager; Janice, the groovy bass player; Gladys the Cow; Beaker, the scientist’s often exploding lab partner; one half of balcony hecklers Statler (Hunt) & Wells; Miss Piggy (for one season) and Sweetums, one of the full-bodied monsters who always seemed to turn out to be nicer than you’d think.
As “The Muppet Show” became a hit in multiple countries, Hunt began to enjoy his life and his healthy paycheck, traversing countries while supporting his family after his father’s death. He even bought his mother’s home so she wouldn’t have to pay the mortgage. On a return to New York City, Hunt bought a big black taxi cab, perhaps as a souvenir of his previous London days, and would take great joy in tooling his friends around town to restaurants and parties.
Of Hunt’s lavish showings of affection to friends, including always insisting on paying restaurant bills, one surviving friend wondered if Hunt’s intense desire to be funny, and to be liked, masked a childhood where his alcoholic father continually failed to gain employment. Hunt’s need to support and show it others spread widely, anyway.
And while he kept his relationships and occasional hookups private, he gradually began to introduce guys he dated as “a friend.” That was until his relationship with Nelson Bird, a painter, became more serious. By that time pretty much everyone in the cast and crew knew that Hunt was gay. They just didn’t address it, or care, or judge.
Being green
Jim Henson’s empire expanded globally from merchandise to multiple language versions of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show.” But Henson, always itching to find something other projects, spearheaded “The Muppet Movie,” the first in a series of successful family flicks with the same sense of humor for the adults to enjoy as well. Others, like “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal,” may have been critical pans at the time, but became cult favorites.
After becoming HIV-positive, Hunt began to struggle with his own occasional illnesses, but continued working on a new project, “Fraggle Rock” from 1983 to 1987. In the show, Hunt played multiple characters and even directed an episode.
The multi-species series emphasized harmony between cultures with a witty edge. From the beginning, the show was developed for an international audience, as opposed to merely dubbed later as with previous productions.
Of course, it should come as no surprise that the work environment of such a creative staff would envelop Hunt in empathy. This, of course, is the group that gave us the rainbow connection.
By Chapter 10, it’s 1982 and that infamous New York Times article about a disease affecting gay men may have been brushed aside, but it only took a few more months for Hunt’s acquaintances, then friends, then even more to succumb to the disease that became known as AIDS. Hunt endured the death of a longtime boyfriend and his own opportunities confections that took his life in 1992.
But four years before that, Hunt played a major role in creating what is now a pretty much forgotten show, “The Ghost of Faffner Hall” in 1988/9. Similar to “The Muppet Show,” the program took on a revue structure set in a London theater doomed for demolition. It only lasted 13 episodes but remains favored among devoted Muppet fans. Another show, “Puppetman,” never made it past a pilot.
Biographer Stein writes that throughout the up-and-down of productions and creativity, Hunt was open with friends and staff about his HIV status, which was hard to ignore as more and more friends began to die.
In addition to the predictably heartbreaking later chapters, what remains is the biographer’s years of research, interviews with friends, family, and coworkers, and a thorough index. Kudos to Stein’s tremendous skill in sharing the vibrant life of the artist that was Richard Hunt, and the joy that he created.
In “Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography,” Jessica Max Stein intimately covers the professional career and private life of the affable, talented, and friendly man who was quick to make friends in his puppeteer career.
From an early age in suburban, Closter, New Jersey, Richard Hunt was already entertaining neighborhood kids with his own puppet shows. His high school experience involved theater and an early education in the performing arts. He had the desire to travel across the George Washington Bridge to New York City, where he hoped his career would take off.
In its early years, Hunt had seen “Sesame Street,” and perhaps Henson's earlier creations on TV back when even Kermit the Frog didn’t have a name.
“I had grown up watching the Muppets,” Hunt is quoted as saying in an interview. “I’d drop anything to watch them. I thought they were weird.”
Just weird enough for Hunt to one day cold-call the Henson workshop from a payphone to snag a job interview at 18.
One of his first duties was operating the right hand of Ernie (performed by Henson), the joke-playing roommate of Bert (performed by Frank Oz). Due in part of their close proximity – one operating the head and body, the other an arm ¬– their relationship quickly grew to earnest friendships with Henson and his fellow creators.
Let’s get things started
As the Henson creative outlets expanded, Hunt joined the creators and cast of what was going to be a new show. After a disastrous variety show that was featured a bit too much violence, Henson was hesitant, but was convinced to bring the show to London, where they would begin taping of “The Muppet Show.” Why London? British investor Lew Grade had the only deal offered at the time.
Kermit led his wacky crew through a variety show that each week included a special guest. Hunt created and embodied the characters of Scooter, the stage manager; Janice, the groovy bass player; Gladys the Cow; Beaker, the scientist’s often exploding lab partner; one half of balcony hecklers Statler (Hunt) & Wells; Miss Piggy (for one season) and Sweetums, one of the full-bodied monsters who always seemed to turn out to be nicer than you’d think.
As “The Muppet Show” became a hit in multiple countries, Hunt began to enjoy his life and his healthy paycheck, traversing countries while supporting his family after his father’s death. He even bought his mother’s home so she wouldn’t have to pay the mortgage. On a return to New York City, Hunt bought a big black taxi cab, perhaps as a souvenir of his previous London days, and would take great joy in tooling his friends around town to restaurants and parties.
Of Hunt’s lavish showings of affection to friends, including always insisting on paying restaurant bills, one surviving friend wondered if Hunt’s intense desire to be funny, and to be liked, masked a childhood where his alcoholic father continually failed to gain employment. Hunt’s need to support and show it others spread widely, anyway.
And while he kept his relationships and occasional hookups private, he gradually began to introduce guys he dated as “a friend.” That was until his relationship with Nelson Bird, a painter, became more serious. By that time pretty much everyone in the cast and crew knew that Hunt was gay. They just didn’t address it, or care, or judge.
Being green
Jim Henson’s empire expanded globally from merchandise to multiple language versions of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show.” But Henson, always itching to find something other projects, spearheaded “The Muppet Movie,” the first in a series of successful family flicks with the same sense of humor for the adults to enjoy as well. Others, like “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal,” may have been critical pans at the time, but became cult favorites.
After becoming HIV-positive, Hunt began to struggle with his own occasional illnesses, but continued working on a new project, “Fraggle Rock” from 1983 to 1987. In the show, Hunt played multiple characters and even directed an episode.
The multi-species series emphasized harmony between cultures with a witty edge. From the beginning, the show was developed for an international audience, as opposed to merely dubbed later as with previous productions.
Of course, it should come as no surprise that the work environment of such a creative staff would envelop Hunt in empathy. This, of course, is the group that gave us the rainbow connection.
By Chapter 10, it’s 1982 and that infamous New York Times article about a disease affecting gay men may have been brushed aside, but it only took a few more months for Hunt’s acquaintances, then friends, then even more to succumb to the disease that became known as AIDS. Hunt endured the death of a longtime boyfriend and his own opportunities confections that took his life in 1992.
But four years before that, Hunt played a major role in creating what is now a pretty much forgotten show, “The Ghost of Faffner Hall” in 1988/9. Similar to “The Muppet Show,” the program took on a revue structure set in a London theater doomed for demolition. It only lasted 13 episodes but remains favored among devoted Muppet fans. Another show, “Puppetman,” never made it past a pilot.
Biographer Stein writes that throughout the up-and-down of productions and creativity, Hunt was open with friends and staff about his HIV status, which was hard to ignore as more and more friends began to die.
In addition to the predictably heartbreaking later chapters, what remains is the biographer’s years of research, interviews with friends, family, and coworkers, and a thorough index. Kudos to Stein’s tremendous skill in sharing the vibrant life of the artist that was Richard Hunt, and the joy that he created.
June 11, 2024
Sure, it wasn’t a PERFECT book. But it sure is the most fun I’ve had reading a book in a long while (hence my dedicating enough time to finish it within a week, something I can’t ordinarily accomplish with a sizeable book).
Books like Funny Boy are the reason I read biographies (semi-frequently). Often, a heartfelt and genuine portrayal of someone’s life (however big or small), interspersed with a myriad of quotations is all you need to make an even more compelling read than your average fiction novel.
Unlike the Jim Henson biography (written by Brian Jay Jones; a book I consider to be perfect), there is one thing with Stein’s writing that occasionally bugged me: repetition of events. Like, I already know this person said this about Richard Hunt and had such and such a dynamic with him because you’ve noted it 30 pages before. But other than that, I loved it.
My biggest concern going in was that I was going to get equal parts Hunt and Henson, given that Jim’s legacy often overshadows every other Muppet performer. That I did not get. Whilst Jim is mentioned often, it is only to contextualise Hunt’s life and his worldview. Right from the first page I got to know this boisterous character (someone who I’ve always admired but never really knew much about, something the biography acknowledges outright). Reading about all his work, relationships and how they often intersected was so joyous and interesting.
Loved this biography so, so much.
Books like Funny Boy are the reason I read biographies (semi-frequently). Often, a heartfelt and genuine portrayal of someone’s life (however big or small), interspersed with a myriad of quotations is all you need to make an even more compelling read than your average fiction novel.
Unlike the Jim Henson biography (written by Brian Jay Jones; a book I consider to be perfect), there is one thing with Stein’s writing that occasionally bugged me: repetition of events. Like, I already know this person said this about Richard Hunt and had such and such a dynamic with him because you’ve noted it 30 pages before. But other than that, I loved it.
My biggest concern going in was that I was going to get equal parts Hunt and Henson, given that Jim’s legacy often overshadows every other Muppet performer. That I did not get. Whilst Jim is mentioned often, it is only to contextualise Hunt’s life and his worldview. Right from the first page I got to know this boisterous character (someone who I’ve always admired but never really knew much about, something the biography acknowledges outright). Reading about all his work, relationships and how they often intersected was so joyous and interesting.
Loved this biography so, so much.
May 2, 2024
Funny Boy is great depiction of a guy who happened to be top of the line performer and puppeteer. I wish I knew how many years Jessica Max Stein gave for research to write this book. Because, you know... It is thorough! There is so much informative, documentary stuff, but Richard Hunt's character is painted so well that I felt a little bit annoyed by him. And maybe a little jealous. But he had a great life, even if too short.
I love Muppets, of course, but my interests were always focused on Henson and technical marvels he used to bring puppets to life. Also, I love biographies and autobiographies, but except some Jim Henson books on my to-read list I never got around to read anything related to Muppets that is non-fiction. I can recognize names of performers and their voices (thank you Muppet LPs!), faces of Henson and Oz. But Richard Hunt? Nothing. And just like that, this book became a pleasant surprise.
I read this book for ten days, mostly because I wanted to savor it. I started watching The Muppet Show again, just to check out some things that are said in the book. And I'm not surprised at all that Richard was gay, he had that Broadway quality in him. While reading I would ask myself how is that possible that Hunt never ended up on Broadway, but he really did a gig after gig in Muppetverse. So he flexed his rainbow persona at private parties and soirees, and there were many.
It was kinda weird to connect the way Hunt was being depicted, with pictures of him inserted throughout the book. In said pictures he always looks very profesh and serious. Not a hint of queer. Where is that energy the book is about? Sometimes, you just have to trust words more than the presented illustrations. Also, I felt a couple of times that some of Richard's personality traits were being mentioned repetitively. There was a space for an editor to trim this book to perfection.
But did I liked it? Immensely. And I cried. So, heads up! Don't let the tears fall on the book/kindle, you'll need it for all those nice quotes that you highlighted.
In the end, I'd like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of the book.
I love Muppets, of course, but my interests were always focused on Henson and technical marvels he used to bring puppets to life. Also, I love biographies and autobiographies, but except some Jim Henson books on my to-read list I never got around to read anything related to Muppets that is non-fiction. I can recognize names of performers and their voices (thank you Muppet LPs!), faces of Henson and Oz. But Richard Hunt? Nothing. And just like that, this book became a pleasant surprise.
I read this book for ten days, mostly because I wanted to savor it. I started watching The Muppet Show again, just to check out some things that are said in the book. And I'm not surprised at all that Richard was gay, he had that Broadway quality in him. While reading I would ask myself how is that possible that Hunt never ended up on Broadway, but he really did a gig after gig in Muppetverse. So he flexed his rainbow persona at private parties and soirees, and there were many.
It was kinda weird to connect the way Hunt was being depicted, with pictures of him inserted throughout the book. In said pictures he always looks very profesh and serious. Not a hint of queer. Where is that energy the book is about? Sometimes, you just have to trust words more than the presented illustrations. Also, I felt a couple of times that some of Richard's personality traits were being mentioned repetitively. There was a space for an editor to trim this book to perfection.
But did I liked it? Immensely. And I cried. So, heads up! Don't let the tears fall on the book/kindle, you'll need it for all those nice quotes that you highlighted.
In the end, I'd like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of the book.
April 20, 2025
No book has made me cry harder IN MY LIFE. So thanks for that, Jessica Max Stein 😂
It’s hard not to compare this book to the biography of Jim Henson written by Brian Jay Jones, which paints an overall positive and less critical image of the founder of the Muppets. But this book, Funny Boy, retained both its objectivity and fondness in a way that, in my mind, Jones’ book fails to. Stein did her research and laid out the life of one of the Muppets’ key members, Richard Hunt, in a way that is compelling, factual, thorough, and endearing. Like Stein, I have always been drawn to Hunt within the Henson troupe. Through images of him only, I could tell that he was a person worth knowing, a person who had an exuberant and expansive personality. This book reiterates that through the well-told story of his life that lays out both his accomplishments and his fumblings in the same objective tone. Stein did an excellent job in capturing the blessings and the tragedies of his life.
Jessica Max Stein, thank you for this. I’m so glad that Richard’s story is out here and that you’ve spread a little of his light. But I’m going to need you to reimburse me for all the damn tissues I had to use in reading this. Seriously, I think the library book I borrowed has water damage.
“‘I was just so excited to be alive. And I thought everybody else would be too. So I was always THERE. And always present, and always at this high-level pitch.’”
Thank you, funny boy 💛 We miss you.
It’s hard not to compare this book to the biography of Jim Henson written by Brian Jay Jones, which paints an overall positive and less critical image of the founder of the Muppets. But this book, Funny Boy, retained both its objectivity and fondness in a way that, in my mind, Jones’ book fails to. Stein did her research and laid out the life of one of the Muppets’ key members, Richard Hunt, in a way that is compelling, factual, thorough, and endearing. Like Stein, I have always been drawn to Hunt within the Henson troupe. Through images of him only, I could tell that he was a person worth knowing, a person who had an exuberant and expansive personality. This book reiterates that through the well-told story of his life that lays out both his accomplishments and his fumblings in the same objective tone. Stein did an excellent job in capturing the blessings and the tragedies of his life.
Jessica Max Stein, thank you for this. I’m so glad that Richard’s story is out here and that you’ve spread a little of his light. But I’m going to need you to reimburse me for all the damn tissues I had to use in reading this. Seriously, I think the library book I borrowed has water damage.
“‘I was just so excited to be alive. And I thought everybody else would be too. So I was always THERE. And always present, and always at this high-level pitch.’”
Thank you, funny boy 💛 We miss you.
February 16, 2024
Rutgers University Press provided an early galley for review.
I have been a big fan of the Muppets since the early 1970's, so diving into Richard Hunt's story was a big interest to me.
Stein does a good job establishing who Hunt was - from how he grew up and went through school, and how he evolved as a performer once he connected with Henson and the rest of the original crew. As a big fan of The Muppet Show, I especially appreciated the evolution of the pilots to getting the show up and running. It made me want to pull out my old DVDs and revisit those seasons again. I also came to realize how much involvement Hunt had on certain Muppet properties that were favorites of mine. He clearly carried the responsibilities on several projects after Henson moved on to other things.
Despite all the successes, I came away with the feeling that Hunt was looking for something more for a long time. This created a sadder undertone of his story for me. I did feel, though, a sense of closure both with his handling of the passing and memorial for Henson, and then how he faced his own mortality in the end. Stein does a great job in conveying how Hunt wanted to remind people to live and experience while we can.
I enjoyed this one.
I have been a big fan of the Muppets since the early 1970's, so diving into Richard Hunt's story was a big interest to me.
Stein does a good job establishing who Hunt was - from how he grew up and went through school, and how he evolved as a performer once he connected with Henson and the rest of the original crew. As a big fan of The Muppet Show, I especially appreciated the evolution of the pilots to getting the show up and running. It made me want to pull out my old DVDs and revisit those seasons again. I also came to realize how much involvement Hunt had on certain Muppet properties that were favorites of mine. He clearly carried the responsibilities on several projects after Henson moved on to other things.
Despite all the successes, I came away with the feeling that Hunt was looking for something more for a long time. This created a sadder undertone of his story for me. I did feel, though, a sense of closure both with his handling of the passing and memorial for Henson, and then how he faced his own mortality in the end. Stein does a great job in conveying how Hunt wanted to remind people to live and experience while we can.
I enjoyed this one.
August 28, 2024
From time to time you feel nostalgic. For me, that often means watching old Sesame Street clips from the 70s/80s. Richard Hunt’s characters (especially Forgetful Jones and Gladys the Cow) really made me laugh. I knew we’d lost Richard to AIDS way too soon, but several years ago, after another night staying up way too late watching old Sesame Street clips, I googled him to find out more about his life. Then I saw that someone named Jessica Max Stein was in the early stages of interviewing Hunt’s family, friends and former colleagues for a book about his life. I filed that away and made a point of checking for any book about Hunt maybe once a year or so. A couple weeks ago (although I was five months late for publication day), I saw it had been published! I just finished the book tonight with tears in my eyes. An absolutely wonderful, beautiful book about an unforgettable man. A true maker of magic. Thank you Jessica Max Stein for your labor of love. Thank you Richard Hunt for being unapologetically YOU.
May 6, 2024
As a lover of all things Muppets, this may have been the best biography I have ever read in the Muppet universe. The attention to detail on every milestone of this amazing man's life and honoring the fact that despite he being a Muppet himself, his vulnerability was profound yet did not diminish his love for joy. Yes, Jim Henson's efforts created an art form that will live on forever, but Richard Hunt gave it more life than one could possibly imagine. Jessica's exploration of this performer's life is both genuine and informative. For all the lovers and dreamers, this is a story that best encapsulates that objective.
February 19, 2025
I loved this book! Richard auditioned and hired me for my first Muppet gig back in 1981. He was usually the one to train the new people, and his initial workshops were an intense introduction to the Muppet style of performing, very professional but also so much fun. Richard was a joyous force on set, and it was obvious how much he was admired and respected by the other Muppet performers and Jim. He was such a generous but private person, and Professor Stein's biography tells so much more of his story than I ever knew. The writing is clean and funny and insightful as she is careful to acknowledge the broader context of the times, and of being gay in America. Outstanding!
March 17, 2024
I have been an avid and enthusiastic Muppet fan for over 45 years, and I’ve read virtually everything written about them and Jim Henson. Funny Boy was a much-needed addition to the history and lore of the Muppets and their remarkable performers. Richard Hunt was an amazing, one of a kind performer and human being, and this book captures his spirit, his talent, and his uniqueness with unheard stories of him and the Muppets.
A beautiful, well written, insightful, and touching book. I loved every word of it.
A beautiful, well written, insightful, and touching book. I loved every word of it.
December 29, 2024
Strong recommend to Muppets fans. This biography of Richard Hunt (the fifth muppeteer, the original Scooter, Sweetums, Beaker, Janice, and Statler) is lovingly crafted and so full of detail, much of which comes from interviews with other muppeteers, family, and friends (also archival Muppet records). Hunt emceed Henson's funeral and died about a year and a half later due to AIDS-related complications. I was already not only a Muppets fan but a fan of Hunt's work (I adore Scooter), but I think any Muppet fan would enjoy this.
May 11, 2024
A fascinating and well done biography of an important performer whose work has touched and inspired millions. I really enjoyed Jessica Max Stein’s “Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography”, although as the number of pages left got thinner and thinner, my sense of dread increased, knowing the sadness that was to come. A good read about a good person who is very much still missed.
June 19, 2024
Very charming. Like all things muppets, it was sweet, moving, and gave me all the feels. Fun anecdotes and behind the scenes moments. Not the most thrilling or “what’s gonna happen next” type story/life, but one that I’m glad has been immortalized in this lovely book about a lovely man. Felt like I got to know an old friend even better!
October 16, 2024
This was very interesting as although it’s about someone I knew from the muppets, I knew next to nothing about the actual person.
Very well researched and some great detail although there is far too many descriptions of fraggle rock episodes etc which feels like the writer was adding just to bump up the word count.
Also, they use the phrase ‘salad days’ too often!
Other than that, a great read!
Very well researched and some great detail although there is far too many descriptions of fraggle rock episodes etc which feels like the writer was adding just to bump up the word count.
Also, they use the phrase ‘salad days’ too often!
Other than that, a great read!
September 3, 2025
Endeeringly sweet biography of a life of resilience and optimism and positivity in the face of adversity. Richard Hunt is an inspiration and Stein has taken incredible care to paint his life accurately and with a zest I feel he would have appreciated.
April 17, 2024
I adore Henson era Muppets. Thank you to the author for letting me see more of the Original Five.
I did not cry at the funeral chapters. Probably.
I did not cry at the funeral chapters. Probably.
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