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'''Telly Monster''' is a slightly neurotic young monster who lives at [[1304 Sesame Street]].
 
'''Telly Monster''' is a slightly neurotic young monster who lives at [[1304 Sesame Street]].
 
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Early on, Telly was often paired with [[Oscar the Grouch]], whom he tried to befriend against tremendous odds. The two were traveling companions in ''[[Follow That Bird]]'', and Telly is a member of Oscar's fan club, [[the Grouchketeers]]. The two starred in two recurring sketches together: "[[Ask Oscar]]," which Telly introduced; and "[[Sneak Peek Previews]]." A more recent pairing together was in a sketch demonstrating words that begin with the letter [[B]]. {{first|4248}}
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Early on, Telly was often paired with [[Oscar the Grouch]], whom he tried to befriend against tremendous odds. The two were traveling companions in ''[[Follow That Bird]]'', and Telly is a member of Oscar's fan club, [[the Grouchketeers]]. The two starred in two recurring sketches together: "[[Ask Oscar]]," which Telly introduced; and "[[Sneak Peek Previews]]." They were paired again in 2010 in a sketch demonstrating words that begin with the letter [[B]]. {{first|4248}}
   
In recent years, Telly has often been seen in the company of his good friend [[Baby Bear]]. Telly has a great love of triangles, and owns a pet hamster named [[Chuckie Sue]]. Telly has a favorite toy doll which he named "[[Freddy]]." When Telly was a baby monster, his favorite toy was a stuffed animal horse which he named "Clark" before he got "Freddy". In the video ''[[Bedtime Stories & Songs]]'', when Telly comes to [[Big Bird's nest]] for a sleepover, he brings a menagerie of different stuffed animals that almost overflow the entire nest. He also plays the bassoon, the tuba and, of course, the triangle. He also occasionally appears as a [[Monster on the Spot]] reporter. He also often jumps on a pogo stick, after [[Mr. Handford]] taught him how to in [[episode 3115|a 1993 episode]].
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Since the early 1990s, Telly has often been seen in the company of his good friend [[Baby Bear]]. Telly has a great love of triangles, and owns a pet hamster named [[Chuckie Sue]]. Telly has a favorite toy doll which he named "[[Freddy (doll)|Freddy]]." When Telly was a baby monster, his favorite toy was a stuffed animal horse which he named "Clark" before he got "Freddy". In the video ''[[Bedtime Stories & Songs]]'', when Telly comes to [[Big Bird's nest]] for a sleepover, he brings a menagerie of different stuffed animals that almost overflow the entire nest. He also plays the bassoon, the tuba and, of course, the triangle. He also occasionally appears as a [[Monster on the Spot]] reporter. He also often jumps on a [[Pogo Sticks|pogo stick]] which he learned from [[Mr. Handford]] in [[Episode 3115]].
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Telly's family has been represented most prominently by his older sister [[Mona Monster]]. His [[Telly's mom|mother]] has also made a few appearances, he has a younger sibling mentioned in [[Episode 1870]], and various other members of his [[Telly's family|extended family]].
   
 
Modern versions of the Telly puppet have movable eyelids to let his eyes widen, a handy technique when the monster is in panic mode. There are also two Telly puppets that have been interchangeably used throughout the show.<ref>Martin P. Robinson. "[http://web.archive.org/web/20160415001751/http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/telly-monster-trivia Telly Monster Trivia]", ''[[Sesame Family Robinson]]'', 14 August 2011. (archive)</ref> The more frequently used version is a "[[Sack-body Muppet|sack puppet]]", similar in design to [[Cookie Monster]] or [[Rowlf the Dog]], where the arm sleeves are directly attached to the base of the puppet. The second version is a full-body version of the character, with legs and feet attached. The puppet's arms are stuffed, with visible arm sleeves similar in design to the arms of [[Ernie]] or [[Fozzie Bear]].
 
Modern versions of the Telly puppet have movable eyelids to let his eyes widen, a handy technique when the monster is in panic mode. There are also two Telly puppets that have been interchangeably used throughout the show.<ref>Martin P. Robinson. "[http://web.archive.org/web/20160415001751/http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/telly-monster-trivia Telly Monster Trivia]", ''[[Sesame Family Robinson]]'', 14 August 2011. (archive)</ref> The more frequently used version is a "[[Sack-body Muppet|sack puppet]]", similar in design to [[Cookie Monster]] or [[Rowlf the Dog]], where the arm sleeves are directly attached to the base of the puppet. The second version is a full-body version of the character, with legs and feet attached. The puppet's arms are stuffed, with visible arm sleeves similar in design to the arms of [[Ernie]] or [[Fozzie Bear]].
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==Origins==
 
==Origins==
 
[[File:Telly-eyes.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly, in his original, television-obsessed form. His habit of watching television just inches away from the set was perceived as a bad example to children.]]
 
[[File:Telly-eyes.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly, in his original, television-obsessed form. His habit of watching television just inches away from the set was perceived as a bad example to children.]]
[[File:Tellyplaystuba.jpg|thumb|300px]]
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[[File:Tellyplaystuba.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly playing his tuba.]]
 
[[File:Telly-babybear.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly and his best friend Baby Bear.]]
 
[[File:Telly-babybear.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly and his best friend Baby Bear.]]
[[File:SsTellyReporter.jpg|thumb|300px|Reporter Telly.]]
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[[File:SsTellyReporter.jpg|thumb|300px|"Monster on the Spot" reporter Telly.]]
 
[[File:Ray-charles-telly.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly with Ray Charles, Elmo and the Kids.]]
 
[[File:Ray-charles-telly.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly with Ray Charles, Elmo and the Kids.]]
 
[[File:4118c.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly hosts [[Ask Oscar]].]]
 
[[File:4118c.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly hosts [[Ask Oscar]].]]
[[File:Character.tellyfreddie.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly's doll [[Freddy]].]]
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[[File:Character.tellyfreddie.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly's doll [[Freddy (doll)|Freddy]].]]
 
[[File:Telly-follow-that-bird.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly in ''[[Follow That Bird]]'' wearing his [[The Grouchketeers|Grouchketeer]] outfit.]]
 
[[File:Telly-follow-that-bird.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly in ''[[Follow That Bird]]'' wearing his [[The Grouchketeers|Grouchketeer]] outfit.]]
 
[[File:OppositeCircus-Telly.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly's earliest known illustrated appearance, in ''The Sesame Street Circus of Opposites'']]
 
[[File:OppositeCircus-Telly.jpg|thumb|300px|Telly's earliest known illustrated appearance, in ''The Sesame Street Circus of Opposites'']]
Telly was initially conceived as a monster obsessed with watching television; his name is short for Television Monster. The character was first seen [[Episode 1257]], during [[Season 10 (1978-1979)|the tenth season]]. This particular build of the puppet had antennas coming out of the top of his head, and his eyes would whirl around as he endlessly watched TV. [[Bob Payne]] performed the character for the episode.
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Telly was initially conceived as a monster obsessed with watching television; his name is short for Television Monster. The character was first seen in [[Episode 1257]], during [[Season 10 (1978-1979)|the tenth season]], performed here by [[Bob Payne]]. This particular build of the puppet had antennas coming out of the top of his head, and his eyes would whirl around as he endlessly watched TV. An idea of making him a cyclops was dismissed early on.<ref>[[:File:Telly02.jpg|CTW memo, January 1979]]</ref>
   
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However, producers felt the character would serve as a negative role model for children by encouraging them to sit just as close to their own television screens, and no new material was produced for the character<ref>''[[Sesame Street Unpaved (book)|Sesame Street Unpaved]]'', page 78.</ref> with some scenes featuring Telly even being removed from his origin episode before taping began.<ref>[[:File:Telly01.jpg|CTW memo, January 1979]]</ref>
During production of [[Season 11 (1979-1980)|the following season]], [[Caroll Spinney]] fell off his bicycle while riding to the studio and his swollen ankle prevented him from performing [[Big Bird]] for some shows. [[Jon Stone]] quickly refitted the episodes (including [[Episode 1411|Episodes 1411]] and [[Episode 1412|1412]]) to instead feature Telly, now without the antennas and whirling eyes.<ref>{{40book|92}}</ref><ref>Brian Muehl on ''[[Podcasts|Getting Felt Up]]'' episode 67 (26:53) {{youtube|XCVEUT4i9U8}}</ref> The character was given to [[Brian Muehl]], who developed a low, gruff-sounding voice for Telly. By [[Season 12 (1980-1981)|the twelfth season]], Telly became a more prominent character and Muehl had developed Telly's worrywart personality, making Telly a character who always needed reassurance in order to be confident.
 
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[[Season 11 (1979-1980)|The following season]], the Telly puppet was stripped of the antenna and whirling eyes and became a generic monster<ref>Brian Muehl on ''[[Podcasts|Getting Felt Up]]'' episode 67 (26:53) {{youtube|XCVEUT4i9U8}}</ref> appearing in some episodes (such as [[Episode 1343]] and [[Episode 1365|1365]]), where he communicates purely in monster grumbles. He made an early speaking appearance in an insert with [[Suzanne Farrell]], practicing on the barre with [[Herry Monster|Herry]] and [[Kermit the Forg|an AM Monster]]. {{first|1387}}
  +
 
Later in production for that season, [[Caroll Spinney]] fell off his bicycle while riding to the studio and his swollen ankle prevented him from performing [[Big Bird]] for some shows. [[Jon Stone]] quickly refitted the episodes (including [[Episode 1411|Episodes 1411]] and [[Episode 1412|1412]]) to instead feature Telly.<ref>{{40book|92}}</ref> The character was given to [[Brian Muehl]], who developed a low, gruff-sounding voice for Telly. By [[Season 12 (1980-1981)|the twelfth season]], Telly became a more prominent character and Muehl had developed Telly's worrywart personality, making him a character who always needed reassurance in order to be confident.
   
 
When [[Martin P. Robinson]] took over in 1984, he originally began with the personality Muehl already established for the character, using a voice similar to Muehl’s Telly voice. However, Telly evolved over time, gaining a much stronger emotional range:
 
When [[Martin P. Robinson]] took over in 1984, he originally began with the personality Muehl already established for the character, using a voice similar to Muehl’s Telly voice. However, Telly evolved over time, gaining a much stronger emotional range:
   
 
{{quote|His main thing now is that he believes totally in whatever he’s into...and he can turn on a dime and that doesn’t belie what he was feeling before. He can go from great joy to great sorrow and it’s all totally genuine.<ref>''[[Street Gang]]'' page 245</ref>}}
 
{{quote|His main thing now is that he believes totally in whatever he’s into...and he can turn on a dime and that doesn’t belie what he was feeling before. He can go from great joy to great sorrow and it’s all totally genuine.<ref>''[[Street Gang]]'' page 245</ref>}}
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Another of Telly's more definable traits, his affinity for triangles, was developed by writer [[Lou Berger]] in [[Episode 2780]] (1990). Berger noted that he wished to give Telly a passion for something outside of being neurotic and became inspired when seeing his son playing with some triangles at home.<ref>''Sesame Street Unpaved'', page 79.</ref>
   
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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*For ''Sesame Street's'' [[Season 40 (2009-2010)|40th season]], [[Sesame Workshop]] featured a digital promotion called "Muppetbook", which featured profiles similar to those seen on [[Facebook]]. The profile listed squares, circles, and [[Woody Allen]] movies (too much anxiety) as Telly's pet peeves. Among his favorite songs are "[[I Whistle a Happy Tune]]," "[[Bobby McFerrin|Don't Worry, Be Happy]]," and "[[We Don't Cry Out Loud|Don't Cry Out Loud]]."
 
*For ''Sesame Street's'' [[Season 40 (2009-2010)|40th season]], [[Sesame Workshop]] featured a digital promotion called "Muppetbook", which featured profiles similar to those seen on [[Facebook]]. The profile listed squares, circles, and [[Woody Allen]] movies (too much anxiety) as Telly's pet peeves. Among his favorite songs are "[[I Whistle a Happy Tune]]," "[[Bobby McFerrin|Don't Worry, Be Happy]]," and "[[We Don't Cry Out Loud|Don't Cry Out Loud]]."
   
*A refitted version of the Telly Monster puppet was once used as the [[The Two-Headed Monster's Mother]].
+
*A refitted version of the Telly Monster puppet was once used as the [[The Two-Headed Monster's Mother|Two-Headed Monster's Mother]].
   
 
==Filmography==
 
==Filmography==
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*''[[The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years]]''
 
*''[[The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years]]''
 
*''[[Learning About Letters]]''
 
*''[[Learning About Letters]]''
*''[[Sleepytime Songs and Stories]]''
+
*''[[Bedtime Stories & Songs]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street, Special]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street, Special]]''
  +
*''[[Big Bird's Favorite Party Games]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting]]''
 
*''[[The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson]]''
 
*''[[The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson]]''
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*''[[We All Sing Together]]''
 
*''[[We All Sing Together]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street Jam: A Musical Celebration]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street Jam: A Musical Celebration]]''
*''[[Sesame Street's All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Streets Forever]]''
+
*''[[Sesame Street All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever!|Stars and Street Forever]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street Stays Up Late]]''
 
*''[[Sesame Street Stays Up Late]]''
 
*''[[Don't Forget to Watch the Movie]]''
 
*''[[Don't Forget to Watch the Movie]]''
 
*''[[Elmo Saves Christmas (special)|Elmo Saves Christmas]]''
 
*''[[Elmo Saves Christmas (special)|Elmo Saves Christmas]]''
 
*''[[Imagine That! (video)|Imagine That]]''
 
*''[[Imagine That! (video)|Imagine That]]''
*''[[Elmo Says BOO! (video)|Elmo Says BOO!]]''
+
*''[[Telling the Truth]]''
 
*''[[Quiet Time (video)|Quiet Time]]''
 
*''[[Quiet Time (video)|Quiet Time]]''
 
*''[[Sing Yourself Sillier at the Movies]]''
 
*''[[Sing Yourself Sillier at the Movies]]''
*''[[Telling the Truth]]''
+
*''[[Elmo Says BOO! (video)|Elmo Says BOO!]]''
*''[[The Great Numbers Game]]''
 
*''[[The Alphabet Jungle Game]]''
 
 
*''[[Elmopalooza]]''
 
*''[[Elmopalooza]]''
 
*''[[The Alphabet Jungle Game]]''
 
*''[[The Great Numbers Game]]''
  +
*''[[Surprise Sounds Kitchen|Surprise Sounds Kitchen commercial]]''
  +
*''[[Surprise Sounds Play Store|Surprise Sounds Play Store commercial]]''
  +
*''[[Elmo's Radio Control Roadway|Elmo's Radio Control Roadway commercial]]''
 
*''[[A Brief History of Motion Pictures]]''
 
*''[[A Brief History of Motion Pictures]]''
 
*''[[Kids' Favorite Songs (video)|Kids' Favorite Songs]]''
 
*''[[Kids' Favorite Songs (video)|Kids' Favorite Songs]]''
 
*''[[The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland]]''
 
*''[[The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland]]''
*''[[Language to Literacy]]''
 
 
*''[[CinderElmo]]''
 
*''[[CinderElmo]]''
 
*''[[Language to Literacy]]''
 
*''[[Elmo's Musical Adventure: Peter and the Wolf]]''
 
*''[[Elmo's Magic Cookbook]]''
 
*''[[Elmo's Magic Cookbook]]''
 
*''[[Let's Make Music]]''
 
*''[[Let's Make Music]]''
*''[[Elmo's Musical Adventure: Peter and the Wolf]]''
 
 
*''[[Music Works Wonders]]''
 
*''[[Music Works Wonders]]''
 
*''[[Elmo's World: Happy Holidays!]]''
 
*''[[Elmo's World: Happy Holidays!]]''
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*''[[Kinect Sesame Street TV]]''
 
*''[[Kinect Sesame Street TV]]''
 
*''[[Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas]]''
 
*''[[Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas]]''
  +
*''[[Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration]]''
  +
*''[[Elmo's Playdate]]''
   
 
==Book appearances==
 
==Book appearances==
*''[[The Sesame Street Circus of Opposites]]'' (1981)
+
* ''[[The Sesame Street Circus of Opposites]]'' (1981)
*''[[Sesame Street coloring books|City]]'' (1982)
+
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|City]]'' (1982)
 
* ''[[Who's Who on Sesame Street|More Who's Who on Sesame Street]]'' (1982)
 
* ''[[Who's Who on Sesame Street|More Who's Who on Sesame Street]]'' (1982)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Bert's Big Band Paint-with-Water Book]]'' (1983 reprint)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Bert's Big Band Paint-with-Water Book]]'' (1983 reprint)
 
* ''[[People in Your Neighborhood (1983 book)|People in Your Neighborhood]]'' (1983)
 
* ''[[People in Your Neighborhood (1983 book)|People in Your Neighborhood]]'' (1983)
*''[[A Baby Sister for Herry]]'' (1984)
+
* ''[[A Baby Sister for Herry]]'' (1984)
*''[[Lovable, Furry Old Grover in Please Don't Push the Red Button]]'' (1984)
+
* ''[[Lovable, Furry Old Grover in Please Don't Push the Red Button]]'' (1984)
*''[[A Silly Sesame Street Story: The Three Little Pigs]]'' (1984)
+
* ''[[A Silly Sesame Street Story: The Three Little Pigs]]'' (1984)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Big Bird's Book of Rhymes]]'' (1985)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Big Bird's Book of Rhymes]]'' (1985)
 
* ''[[Big Bird Joins the Carnival]]'' (1985)
 
* ''[[Big Bird Joins the Carnival]]'' (1985)
*''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Ernie's Finish the Picture]]'' (1985)
+
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Ernie's Finish the Picture]]'' (1985)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Follow That Bird Activity Book]]'' (1985)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Follow That Bird Activity Book]]'' (1985)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Follow That Bird coloring book]]'' (1985)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Follow That Bird coloring book]]'' (1985)
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* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Find the Shapes]]'' (1986)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Find the Shapes]]'' (1986)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Through the Year]]'' (1986)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Through the Year]]'' (1986)
*''[[The Runaway Soup and Other Stories]]'' (1987)
+
* ''[[The Runaway Soup and Other Stories]]'' (1987)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Colors]]'' (1987)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Colors]]'' (1987)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Shape Up!]]'' (1987)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Shape Up!]]'' (1987)
*''[[Big Bird's Square Meal]]'' (1988)
+
* ''[[Big Bird's Square Meal]]'' (1988)
*''[[Going Places]]'' (1988)
+
* ''[[Going Places]]'' (1988)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|A New Playground on Sesame Street]]'' (1988)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|A New Playground on Sesame Street]]'' (1988)
*''[[Oh, I Am So Embarrassed!]]'' (1988)
+
* ''[[Oh, I Am So Embarrassed!]]'' (1988)
 
* ''[[The Sesame Street ABC Book of Words]]'' (1988)
 
* ''[[The Sesame Street ABC Book of Words]]'' (1988)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Come As You Are]]'' (1989)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Come As You Are]]'' (1989)
*''[[The New Who's Who on Sesame Street]]'' (1989)
+
* ''[[The New Who's Who on Sesame Street]]'' (1989)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Museum of Monster Art]]'' (1990)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Museum of Monster Art]]'' (1990)
*''[[How to Get to Sesame Street (book)|How to Get to Sesame Street]]'' (1991)
+
* ''[[How to Get to Sesame Street (book)|How to Get to Sesame Street]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street 123]]'' (1991)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street 123]]'' (1991)
*''[[We're Counting on You, Grover!]]'' (1991)
+
* ''[[We're Counting on You, Grover!]]'' (1991)
*''[[What Do You Do?]]'' (1992 edition)
+
* ''[[What Do You Do?]]'' (1992 edition)
*''[[Grover's 10 Terrific Ways to Help Our Wonderful World]]'' (1992)
+
* ''[[Grover's 10 Terrific Ways to Help Our Wonderful World]]'' (1992)
*''[[Happy and Sad, Grouchy and Glad]]'' (1992)
+
* ''[[Happy and Sad, Grouchy and Glad]]'' (1992)
*''[[We're Different, We're the Same]]'' (1992)
+
* ''[[The Sesame Street Book of Poetry]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Elmo's Mother Goose]]'' (1993)
+
* ''[[We're Different, We're the Same]]'' (1992)
*''[[From Trash to Treasure]]'' (1993)
+
* ''[[Sesame Street's Mother Goose Rhymes]]'' (1993)
*''[[Around the Corner on Sesame Street]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[From Trash to Treasure]]'' (1993)
*''[[Bright and Early with Elmo]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[Around the Corner on Sesame Street]]'' (1994)
*''[[Elmo's Big Lift-and-Look Book]]'' (1994)
+
* ''[[Bright and Early with Elmo]]'' (1994)
*''[[Ready, Set, Go! A Counting Book]]'' (1995)
+
* ''[[Elmo's Big Lift-and-Look Book]]'' (1994)
*''[[Sesame Street Stays Up Late (book)|Sesame Street Stays Up Late]]'' (1995)
+
* ''[[Ready, Set, Go! A Counting Book]]'' (1995)
  +
* ''[[Sesame Street Stays Up Late (book)|Sesame Street Stays Up Late]]'' (1995)
*''[[B is for Books!]]'' (1996)
 
*''[[Elmo's Lift-and-Peek Around the Corner Book]]'' (1996)
+
* ''[[B is for Books!]]'' (1996)
*''[[Rise and Shine!]]'' (1996; reworked as ''Up, Up, Up!'' in 2011)
+
* ''[[Elmo's Lift-and-Peek Around the Corner Book]]'' (1996)
  +
* ''[[Rise and Shine!]]'' (1996; reworked as ''Up, Up, Up!'' in 2011)
 
* ''[[Elmo's Christmas Colors]]'' (1997)
 
* ''[[Elmo's Christmas Colors]]'' (1997)
*''[[Pumpkin Patch Party]]'' (1997)
+
* ''[[Pumpkin Patch Party]]'' (1997)
*''[[The Sesame Street Word Book]]'' (1998)
+
* ''[[The Sesame Street Word Book]]'' (1998)
*''[[Elmo's ABC Book]]'' (2000)
+
* ''[[Elmo's ABC Book]]'' (2000)
*''[[Watch Out for Banana Peels]]'' (2000)
+
* ''[[Watch Out for Banana Peels]]'' (2000)
*''[[Elmo and the Monsters]]'' (2001)
+
* ''[[Elmo and the Monsters]]'' (2001)
*''[[Clap Your Hands!]]'' (2002)
+
* ''[[Clap Your Hands!]]'' (2002)
 
* ''[[Look and Find Elmo]]'' (2002)
 
* ''[[Look and Find Elmo]]'' (2002)
*''[[Get Up and Go Songs]]'' (2003)
+
* ''[[Get Up and Go Songs]]'' (2003)
 
* ''[[Cookie's Color Caper]]'' (2004)
 
* ''[[Cookie's Color Caper]]'' (2004)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Elmo's World: Sports!]]'' (2004)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Elmo's World: Sports!]]'' (2004)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Fun with Friends]]'' (2004)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Fun with Friends]]'' (2004)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Boo!]]'' (2005)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Boo!]]'' (2005)
*''[[Hooray for Our Heroes!]]'' (2005)
+
* ''[[Hooray for Our Heroes!]]'' (2005)
 
* ''[[Red or Blue, I Like You!]]'' (2005)
 
* ''[[Red or Blue, I Like You!]]'' (2005)
 
* ''[[My First Manners|Be a Friend]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[My First Manners|Be a Friend]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[My First Manners|Be Polite]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[My First Manners|Be Polite]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Fly Away with Big Bird]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[Sesame Street coloring books|Fly Away with Big Bird]]'' (2006)
*''[[Sesame Street educational workbooks (Learning Horizon)|Name Those Shapes]]'' (2006)
+
* ''[[Sesame Street educational workbooks (Learning Horizon)|Name Those Shapes]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[My First Manners|Please and Thank You]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[My First Manners|Please and Thank You]]'' (2006)
 
* ''[[Friendly, Frosty Monsters]]'' (2007)
 
* ''[[Friendly, Frosty Monsters]]'' (2007)
 
* ''[[Good Night, Tucked in Tight]]'' (2007)
 
* ''[[Good Night, Tucked in Tight]]'' (2007)
 
* ''[[Have Yourself a Furry Little Christmas]]'' (2007)
 
* ''[[Have Yourself a Furry Little Christmas]]'' (2007)
*''[[Music Player Storybook]]'' (2007)
+
* ''[[Music Player Storybook]]'' (2007)
*''[[Rosita's Easter on Sesame Street]]'' (2007)
+
* ''[[Rosita's Easter on Sesame Street]]'' (2007)
*''[[Sesame Street Super Sticker Book]]'' (2007)
+
* ''[[Sesame Street Super Sticker Book]]'' (2007)
*''[[What Makes You Giggle?]]'' (2007)
+
* ''[[What Makes You Giggle?]]'' (2007)
*''[[Color Carnival]]'' (2008)
+
* ''[[Color Carnival]]'' (2008)
*''[[Storybook ABCs]]'' (2008)
+
* ''[[Storybook ABCs]]'' (2008)
*''[[Count to 10]]'' (2009)
+
* ''[[Count to 10]]'' (2009)
*''[[Love, Elmo]]'' (2009)
+
* ''[[Love, Elmo]]'' (2009)
 
* ''[[My Big Book of Firsts]]'' (2009)
 
* ''[[My Big Book of Firsts]]'' (2009)
 
* ''[[Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood? (2009)|Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?]]'' (2009)
 
* ''[[Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood? (2009)|Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?]]'' (2009)
*''[[Healthy Monster Triathlon]]'' (2010)
+
* ''[[Healthy Monster Triathlon]]'' (2010)
*''[[Plant a Tree for Me!]]'' (2010)
+
* ''[[Plant a Tree for Me!]]'' (2010)
*''[[Potty Time for Monsters]]'' (2011)
+
* ''[[Potty Time for Monsters]]'' (2011)
*''[[Elmo and Ernie's Joke Book]]'' (2012)
+
* ''[[Elmo and Ernie's Joke Book]]'' (2012)
*''[[Elmo's Rockin' Rhyme Time!]]'' (2012)
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* ''[[Elmo's Rockin' Rhyme Time!]]'' (2012)
*''[[Over on Sesame Street]]'' (2012)
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* ''[[Over on Sesame Street]]'' (2012)
   
 
==Character merchandise==
 
==Character merchandise==

Revision as of 05:56, 9 May 2020

Telly-Triangle
PERFORMER Brian Muehl 1980-1984
  Martin P. Robinson 1984-present
DEBUT 1979
TellyMonster

Telly Monster is a slightly neurotic young monster who lives at 1304 Sesame Street.

Early on, Telly was often paired with Oscar the Grouch, whom he tried to befriend against tremendous odds. The two were traveling companions in Follow That Bird, and Telly is a member of Oscar's fan club, the Grouchketeers. The two starred in two recurring sketches together: "Ask Oscar," which Telly introduced; and "Sneak Peek Previews." They were paired again in 2010 in a sketch demonstrating words that begin with the letter B. (First: Episode 4248)

Since the early 1990s, Telly has often been seen in the company of his good friend Baby Bear. Telly has a great love of triangles, and owns a pet hamster named Chuckie Sue. Telly has a favorite toy doll which he named "Freddy." When Telly was a baby monster, his favorite toy was a stuffed animal horse which he named "Clark" before he got "Freddy". In the video Bedtime Stories & Songs, when Telly comes to Big Bird's nest for a sleepover, he brings a menagerie of different stuffed animals that almost overflow the entire nest. He also plays the bassoon, the tuba and, of course, the triangle. He also occasionally appears as a Monster on the Spot reporter. He also often jumps on a pogo stick which he learned from Mr. Handford in Episode 3115.

Telly's family has been represented most prominently by his older sister Mona Monster. His mother has also made a few appearances, he has a younger sibling mentioned in Episode 1870, and various other members of his extended family.

Modern versions of the Telly puppet have movable eyelids to let his eyes widen, a handy technique when the monster is in panic mode. There are also two Telly puppets that have been interchangeably used throughout the show.[1] The more frequently used version is a "sack puppet", similar in design to Cookie Monster or Rowlf the Dog, where the arm sleeves are directly attached to the base of the puppet. The second version is a full-body version of the character, with legs and feet attached. The puppet's arms are stuffed, with visible arm sleeves similar in design to the arms of Ernie or Fozzie Bear.

Origins

Telly-eyes

Telly, in his original, television-obsessed form. His habit of watching television just inches away from the set was perceived as a bad example to children.

Tellyplaystuba

Telly playing his tuba.

Telly-babybear

Telly and his best friend Baby Bear.

SsTellyReporter

"Monster on the Spot" reporter Telly.

Ray-charles-telly

Telly with Ray Charles, Elmo and the Kids.

4118c

Telly hosts Ask Oscar.

Character

Telly's doll Freddy.

Telly-follow-that-bird

Telly in Follow That Bird wearing his Grouchketeer outfit.

OppositeCircus-Telly

Telly's earliest known illustrated appearance, in The Sesame Street Circus of Opposites

Telly was initially conceived as a monster obsessed with watching television; his name is short for Television Monster. The character was first seen in Episode 1257, during the tenth season, performed here by Bob Payne. This particular build of the puppet had antennas coming out of the top of his head, and his eyes would whirl around as he endlessly watched TV. An idea of making him a cyclops was dismissed early on.[2]

However, producers felt the character would serve as a negative role model for children by encouraging them to sit just as close to their own television screens, and no new material was produced for the character[3] with some scenes featuring Telly even being removed from his origin episode before taping began.[4]

The following season, the Telly puppet was stripped of the antenna and whirling eyes and became a generic monster[5] appearing in some episodes (such as Episode 1343 and 1365), where he communicates purely in monster grumbles. He made an early speaking appearance in an insert with Suzanne Farrell, practicing on the barre with Herry and an AM Monster. (First: Episode 1387)

Later in production for that season, Caroll Spinney fell off his bicycle while riding to the studio and his swollen ankle prevented him from performing Big Bird for some shows. Jon Stone quickly refitted the episodes (including Episodes 1411 and 1412) to instead feature Telly.[6] The character was given to Brian Muehl, who developed a low, gruff-sounding voice for Telly. By the twelfth season, Telly became a more prominent character and Muehl had developed Telly's worrywart personality, making him a character who always needed reassurance in order to be confident.

When Martin P. Robinson took over in 1984, he originally began with the personality Muehl already established for the character, using a voice similar to Muehl’s Telly voice. However, Telly evolved over time, gaining a much stronger emotional range:

His main thing now is that he believes totally in whatever he’s into...and he can turn on a dime and that doesn’t belie what he was feeling before. He can go from great joy to great sorrow and it’s all totally genuine.[7]

Another of Telly's more definable traits, his affinity for triangles, was developed by writer Lou Berger in Episode 2780 (1990). Berger noted that he wished to give Telly a passion for something outside of being neurotic and became inspired when seeing his son playing with some triangles at home.[8]

Notes

  • Telly, along with Barkley, was Brian Muehl's favorite character to perform. Muehl said of him: "Telly was a big chunk of my heart and soul. The fact that he came about because Caroll Spinney fell off his bike on the way to the studio, hurt his ankle, and someone had to fill in for Big Bird on the script/show - Telly was born! - he's got such a show biz cliche about it, it's always made him near and dear to me."[9]
  • According to an appearance at the Nebula Awards, Telly is five years old.[10]

Filmography

Book appearances

Character merchandise

Sources

  1. Martin P. Robinson. "Telly Monster Trivia", Sesame Family Robinson, 14 August 2011. (archive)
  2. CTW memo, January 1979
  3. Sesame Street Unpaved, page 78.
  4. CTW memo, January 1979
  5. Brian Muehl on Getting Felt Up episode 67 (26:53) (YouTube)
  6. Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street, page 92
  7. Street Gang page 245
  8. Sesame Street Unpaved, page 79.
  9. Email communication from Brian Muehl. 2013
  10. 2:00:33 mark of Nebula Awards video

See also