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| PERFORMER | Jerry Nelson |
| DEBUT | 1974 |
Herkimer Grouch is one of Oscar the Grouch's cousins. He makes a visit to the city in Episode 0568 of Sesame Street.
At first glance, Herkimer seems very similar to his cousin Oscar, as both have the same kind of fur, eyes, and even a similar gravelly voice and cranky demeanor. These aspects are particularly confusing to Bob, who mistakes Herkimer for his cousin when trying to retrieve a borrowed oil can. Only Herkimer's red bandana is their sole difference in outward appearance.
Herkimer is a farmer who lives in the country. As such, he is not used to the city life as Oscar is, though he does have an appreciation for its air pollution. The city noises also disrupt his sleep, but Oscar solves the problem by loudly playing the sounds of farm animals which help Herkimer relax. Susan, Luis, and Bob, however, can do without them.
Herkimer is made from a stock Oscar puppet, unique in its ability to move its eyes left and right. As a result, the puppet's eyes tend to boggle around whenever Herkimer gets really aggressive.