Proto-Elmo

Like the origins of many Sesame Street characters, before Elmo became established as a regular on the show, the puppet was used as an Anything Muppet monster with a rotating ensemble or performers.

Some scripts simply call for an assortment of AMs and the end product just happened to use the Elmo puppet; other scripts specifically call for "AM Elmo", but as the AM designation dictates, the puppet is used in a more ancillary manner in these cases and shouldn't necessarily be considered authentic Elmo appearances.

Elmo performers
The character definitively appeared named as Elmo in street scenes during Season 11 where he spoke only in mumbles. Brian Muehl originated the character, playing him in at least nine episodes until Season 15's last episode. Richard Hunt picked up the character for a brief stint of six episodes in Season 16, two of which were taped before Kevin Clash took on the character, but aired after. Clash's performance of Elmo at first emulated Muehl and Hunt's characteristics, but he soon developed his own take which became the most well-known version.

Brian Muehl

 * Season 11 (1979-1980)
 * Episode 1439


 * Season 12 (1980-1981)
 * Episode 1475


 * Season 13 (1981-1982)
 * Episode 1594
 * Episode 1600
 * Episode 1651


 * Season 15 (1983-1984)
 * Episode 1851
 * Episode 1865
 * Episode 1924
 * Episode 1965

Richard Hunt

 * Season 16 (1984-1985)
 * Episode 1969
 * Episode 2009
 * Episode 2011
 * Episode 2018
 * Episode 2036 (taped before Clash took over, aired after)
 * Episode 2037 (taped before Clash took over, aired after)

Kevin Clash

 * Season 16 (1984-1985)
 * Episode 2025
 * Episode 2026
 * Episode 2035
 * Episode 2055
 * Episode 2094

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