Señor Wences (1896-1999, born Wenceslao Moreno) was a Spanish ventriloquist, and the guest star in The Muppet Show episode 508.
Wences was one of the highest paid vaudeville acts in the world. Hugely popular with American TV audiences through appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, Wences was also a top nightclub favorite. He continued to perform well into his nineties. Wences' characters were Johnny, the performer's own hand adorned with a painted face, and Pedro, a head in a box. When conversing with Pedro, Wences would frequently ask if he was alright, with Pedro responding "s'alright" or "s'okay."
Wences was born three months after Muppet Show episode 210 guest star George Burns. However, since he filmed his episode of the show three years later than George Burns, he is the oldest guest star to appear on the show. Wences died in New York on April 20, 1999, at the age of 103.
References[]
- In one Esskay Meats commercial, Kermit and Harry the Hipster scat to a jazz beat while Pat Mackenzie promotes "Hot Shots." At one point, Pat thanks them, to which they musically respond "S'alright!"
- Big Bird speaks to his puppet Phoenix in Sesame Street Episode 1531 using the s'alright exchange made famous by Wences.
- Labyrinth references the s'alright routine in the dialogue between the Wiseman and his hat.