Matthew James Vogel (born October 6, 1970) is an American puppeteer, actor and director known for his work with Sesame Workshop and The Muppets Studio. 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 in Kansas City, Kansas. As a child, he was a fan of both Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. He interned at Mesner Puppet Theater where he played his first role of Victor Frankenstein in Paul Mesner Puppets’ production of “Frankenstein” in 1993. After 1993, he moved from Kansas City to New York.

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. Vogel also served as the assistant puppeteer for Ernie, performing alongside Steve Whitmire. Following Jerry Nelson's death in 2012, he inherited the role of Count von Count. He has additionally performed Mr. Johnson, Forgetful Jones, Sherlock Hemlock, and the Yip-Yip Martians. Since 2013, Vogel has performed Alex, a Muppet addressing parental incarceration, for the Sesame Street in Communities initiative. Since 2008, Vogel has been a principal performer with the Muppets, inheriting many of Nelson's character roles. Vogel 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, Vogel was officially announced as the new performer for Kermit the Frog, succeeding 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 subsequently taking the role to allow Kermit and Robin to appear in scenes together. In 2016, Vogel voiced Wilkins in Alice Through the Looking Glass.

Personal life

Vogel has been married to his wife Kelly C. McDonnell since August 31, 1997. They have five children.

Filmography

Film

Television

Other appearances