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Tumblr-Two-HeadedMonster
PERFORMER various
DEBUT 1978
DESIGN Jim Henson designer
  Caroly Wilcox builder
Frank N
TwoHeadedMonsterSign
2h2h

The monster in 2011, rebuilt with much shaggier hair

TwoHead-Newsstand

The monster working at the Newsstand added to the set in season 46.

The Two-Headed Monster is, as the name implies, a monster with two heads. He speaks gibberish that resembles baby talk, and many of his skits have to do with either cooperation or sounding out parts of words that suddenly show up. Skits with the Two-Headed Monster usually take place with the monster behind a brick wall.

Jerry Nelson remembered that he and Richard Hunt came up with the idea for the monster while playing around on the Sesame Street set, recalling in a 1999 interview:

We were just goofing around on the set one day, without a puppet even, and one of the writers was there and said, "What's that you're doing?" And we said, "One monster with two heads!" And they decided to do that.[1]

While right-handed performers use their right hands to perform the heads of characters and their left to perform left hands, whoever performs the left half of the monster performs the head with the left hand, and the right hand with their right hand.[2]

Although the heads don't normally go by names, they have been identified on occasion. In their debut Sesame Street sketch, Olivia reads a story to The Count about cooperation starring the monster, who are given the names Horn and Hardart. They were again called by these names in the end credits for YouTube's 2013 end-of-year video, entitled "YouTube Rewind: What Does 2013 Say?" (YouTube) In The Sesame Street Treasury Volume 13, the pair are featured in a photo answering phones. Their phones are labeled "Frank N." and "Stein" (Frankenstein).

From 2003 to 2006, the Two-Headed Monster made an appearance in each "Journey to Ernie" segment, with Big Bird asking both heads if they'd seen Ernie, and the monster pointing in both directions.

In Season 46, the monster was given a regular space on the street, maintaining a newsstand by the Subway Station.

The question of whether the monster is a singular being or not has led to semantic confusion, typified by this exchange between Bert and Ernie in A Muppet Family Christmas:

Bert: Now, who let the Two-Headed Monster be Santa Claus?
Ernie: Yeah, but, Bert, he said he'd never been in a play before... I mean they said it... um... both of him said it.

On at least one occasion, during the "Ugga Wugga Lullabye" song, the horns-up head refers to the horns-down side as "me" (both in the script and in dialogue).

Casting history[]

Primary Performers

Alternate Performers

Sketches[]

Picture Summary / EKA Description
2HeadStoryCoop

2HeadStoryCoop2
Cooperation
Episode 1121
The Count listens to Olivia read the story "The Two Headed Monster," enacted by the titular monster. The book is about how the monster cannot decide on what to do because both heads want to do different things. Eventually they learn that together, they are able to lift weights, play doctor ("Kildare! Kildare!"), play the piano ("Tchaikovsky! Mozart!"), and eat a salami-and-cheese sandwich.

In the character's debut appearance, the names of the monster are established as "Horn" and "Hardart." The left half is played by Richard Hunt (instead of Jerry Nelson, who performs the Count), while Peter Friedman performs the right half (a role which would go to Hunt as the regular performer).

2head.toothbrush
Toothbrush
Episode 1189
The monster learns how to use a toothbrush.
2HMLove
Love
Episode 1282
After fighting with each other, the monster reads the word "Love" and forget their feud.
2head.Feet
Feet
Episode 1289
The monster sounds out "feet," and then the camera trucks back to reveal a pair of live feet on some grass.
2head.Hiccups
Hiccups
Episode 1318
The monster tries to cure itself of the hiccups.
TwoHead-FALL
Fall
Episode 1319
The monster sounds out the word "Fall" and leaves fall on them. Then, they fall over.
TwoHeaderCakes
Surprise Cakes
Episode 1335
Each half of the monster sleeps one at a time, while the awake half shows the viewer that he has prepared a cake for the other half. Once both are awake, they surprise the other and present their cakes to each other. However, once they taste the other one's cake, they are disgusted, and switch them. Surprise!

A brief clip from this sketch was used during the 1981-1982 opening for the Dutch version of the show.

2head.manners.spoon
Manners
Episode 1340
The monster learns to use manners while eating with a spoon.
2477j
Hat
Episode 1349
After sounding the word "hat," The monster shares one giant straw hat.
TwoHeadPiano
Piano
Episode 1366
The monster finds a piano and decides to play it. The left half wants to play short notes, while the other half prefers to run his fingers across the keyboard. They decide to cooperate, and both use their notes to play "Chopsticks."
1576d
Trumpet Practice or Sleep?
Episode 1390
One head wants to play the trumpet, but the other head wants to sleep.
TwoHeadDANCE!
Dance
Episode 1395
The monster sounds out the word "dance" at a disco.
Twoheader--SAD
Sad
Episode 1422
The monster, after telling itself a joke, reads "SAD" and suddenly gets emotional.
1836e
Run
Episode 1446
The monster sounds out the word "run," and starts running.
Sesametwoheadedmonster
"Two Heads Are Better Than One"
Episode 1447
Herry sings with the monster about cooperation.
TwoHeadBath
Bathtime
Episode 1449
The Two-Headed Monster shares a bathtub and help each other get clean. They are discouraged when they are finished and empty the tub, but find joy in drying.
3853-09
Playground or Zoo
Episode 1475
The monster argues over whether to go to the playground or the zoo.
TwoHeads-2
Kermit Draws a 2
Episode 1479
After Kermit the Frog draws the number 2 onscreen (via a telestrator), the monster appears, inadvertently providing visual aid for Kermit to count with.
TwoHeaderSandwich
Sandwich
Episode 1479
The left half is about to enjoy a large sandwich until the right half asks for some. The left half becomes selfish until his brother starts crying. They end up splitting the sandwich in two.
3187n
Mom
Episode 1481
The monster sounds out the word "mom," and then the viewer sees the monster's mother.
2head.HOP
Hop
Episode 1482
The monster sounds out the word "hop" and starts hopping.
2head.MAD
Mad
Episode 1513
The monster gets mad when the word "MAD" appears on-screen.
HiDeHoMan
Hi De Ho Man
Episode 1540
Cab Calloway sings Hi-De-Ho Man with the Two-Headed Monster and the Anything Muppets.
2head.Telephone
Telephone
Episode 1569
The monster finds a TELEPHONE, and reads the word.
TwoHeadPOP
Pop
Episode 1569
The monster reads the word "Pop" and blows up a balloon so they can pop it.
2head.PR
P vs R
Episode 1574
The monster fights over the letters P and R, one of them displaying P foods and the other one displaying R foods (and a radio). They have a picnic, which is cut short because of another r-word: rain.
Jumpjive
Jump Jive
Episode 1575
Cab Calloway sings "Jumpin' Jive" when the Two-Headed Monster can't decide whether to jump or jive.
2headedcoinflip
Coin Flip
Episode 1583
The Two-Headed Monster are arguing over which direction to go, so Gordon decides to help by teaching them how a coin flip works. Once the monster learns how it works, they decide to stay and play the coin flip game instead!
3958i
Snowman
Episode 1622
The monster has built a two-headed snowman and struggles with how to apply a carrot nose.
Followarrowfollowarrow
Follow Arrows
Episode 1627
The monster's arrows point in opposite directions, so they straighten the arrows out and follow them.
1709u
Headphones
Episode 1628
One head is listening to some funky music on some headphones. The other head wakes up and asks to listen to the music, but the first head doesn't want to stop listening. They fight over the headphones, which get longer as they struggle. After seeing this, they both shout share, each head takes a speaker, and walks off-screen while the music becomes completely audible to the viewer.
2head.Shapes
Shapes
Episode 1629
The monster observes different shapes.
2257f
Honk
Episode 1653
After sounding out the word "honk," several Honkers suddenly appear and honk their noses. The left half of the monster then honks the right half's nose (and hurts him).
1706m
Pillow
Episode 1669
The monster shares a pillow.
2293u
Pat
Episode 1697
After sounding the word "pat," The monster pats each other, and they stop crying.
1736e
Singing Lesson
Episode 1736
In Bob's room, Bob gives the Two-Headed Monster a singing lesson: singing "Sing."
2head.bubbles
Bubbles
Episode 1738
The monster blows bubbles.
Listening
Listening
Episode 1767
Kermit the Frog explains the importance of listening, using the monster as an example.
TwoHeadSameDifferentMirrors
Same and Different: Mirrors
Episode 1769
Both heads look at themselves in mirrors, and the right half notices that both of them are the same; they have the same nose, mouth, and hands. The other half points out that they're different: their horns point different ways, their hair is different, and their laughter is different.
2head.Quiet
Quiet
Episode 1850
The monster observes the letter Q, then the word QUIET.
2head.A2
A Fight
Episode 1857
Part 1: Both heads of the monster argue over which letter is an A. The right head points to the lowercase a ...
Part 2: The left head points to the capital A ...
Part 3: Luis sees the monster arguing, and informs it that both of these letters are the letter A. Relieved, the monster showers him with kisses.

The Two-Headed Monster has reversed performers in this sketch. The right half was performed by Jerry Nelson, while the left half was performed by Richard Hunt.

2HeaderPhoneBooth
Telephone Booths
Episode 1863
Luis teaches the monster how to use the new telephone booths on Sesame Street. Once they've figured out how to use it, one of the heads uses one booth to call the other head on the other booth.
TwoHeadSameDifferentHats
Highest Flattery
Episode 1880
In a three-part segment, the monster sees a cardboard cut-out of himself wearing cowboy hats. The monster decides to find hats that matches, and copy the picture. Once they have succeeded, the cardboard cut-out falls over, as does the monster.
2head.SCHOOL
School
Episode 1907
The Two-Headed Monster reads the sign atop a miniature school building, and observes a small group of children that run out of it. Once they've left, the monster picks up the now empty building, and declares, "School's out!"
2head.TAP
Tap
Episode 1912
The monster spells the word "tap," then tap-dances away.
TwoHeadedBed
Bed
Episode 1932
The monster sounds out the word "Bed." They then use the word as a bed for their dolly.
TwoHeadClarinet
Clarinet Cooperation
Episode 1955
Bob gives the monster a music lesson on their clarinet with two mouthpieces, but one head wants to play fast, and the other one slow. When Bob suggest they play at different times, the monster impresses Bob by playing different melodies on the same instrument.
2head.Seatbelt
Car Crash
Episode 1966
The monster drives an old green jalopy as they sound out "seatbelt" and "safety." They buckle up, and go for a drive that proves to be very short, since they get into a huge auto accident and crash into a wall (as an old stock car crash sound effect is heard).
2073m
Emotions
Episode 1982
The monster shows his emotions.
2Head.Love
Lullabye
Episode 2014
At night, one of the heads of the Two-Headed Monster sings his other the "Ugga Wugga Lullabye".
Janecurtin
Alphabet Argument
Episode 2033
The monster disagrees on whether to sing or say the alphabet. Jane Curtin resolves the fight by singing the Alphabet Song. When the monster asks Curtin to join in, all three end up speaking in the same monster language!
Howmanygame2
The How Many Game
Episode 2076
The monster appears on one of Guy Smiley's game shows. The monster has to bring in two of something. The monster brings in one bowling ball, four sheep, and three cows, but then realizes that the monster has two heads.
2096r
Pencil
Episode 2096
The monster finds a pencil with a broken point, and demonstrates the fun you can have with it.
Twoheadedmonsternewspaper
Newspaper
Episode 2097
The monster finds a newspaper, and thinks up different uses for it. A man comes along and claims the paper as his, and reads the funny papers (with the monster reading over his shoulders).
2head.Shoes
Shoe Sizes
Episode 2142
The monster's heads can't agree on which shoes to wear. They eventually agree on something: the shoebox.


2head.SHAKE
Shake
Episode 2557
The Two-Headed Monster sounds out the word SHAKE, and an earthquake happens.
TwoHeadHeavyLight
Tipping the Scales
Episode 2577
The monster brings in a suitcase filled with heavy and light objects, and places them on a wall. The right half lays out a feather, a ribbon, and a tissue. The left half puts down a book, a brick, a rock, and a 1000 pound weight, but the more weight that is placed on the wall causes the ground they're standing on to tilt!
2head.Shadow
Shadow
Episode 2578
The monster sounds out the word "shadow" and then sees one of itself projected behind them.

This segment was taped on December 20, 1988, and was directed by Jon Stone.[3]

2head.story
Story
Episode 2590
The monster takes turns reading itself a story.

This segment was taped on December 20, 1988, and was also directed by Jon Stone.[3]

TwoHeadedSpin
Spin
Episode 2595
The monster sounds out the word "Spin" and watch it spin around, getting dizzy in the process.
TwoHeadFeelingSong
Feelings Song
Episode 2710
The monster sings about the emotions they have, including mad, happy, and scared. In the end, they decide to surprise a small yellow monster, and all go out for ice cream.
2head.mytwashcan
Trash Can
Episode 2718
The Two-Headed Monster finishes a bag of popcorn, and almost leaves it on the brick wall, but then argues over which trash can to throw it in. Finally, it rips the bag in half to "share" the trash.

This segment was taped on November 20, 1989, and was directed by Jon Stone.[3]

2Head-TRIP
Trip
Episode 2721
The monster trips over the parts of the word TRIP.
2head.milk
Milk Carton
Episode 2726
After drinking cartons of milk, The monster reuses the cartons as toy trains.
2head.TwinkleTwinkle
Twinkle, Twinkle
Episode 2737
The monster sings "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
2head.CHEESE
Cheese
Episode 2742
After sounding out the word "cheese," the monster poses for many pictures.

This segment was taped on November 20, 1989, and was also directed by Jon Stone.[3]

3956w
Two Headed Baseball
Episode 2795
Robin Williams asks Elmo and the kids whether they would allow a nonsense talking, horned two-headed stranger to play baseball with them. The Two-Headed Monster shows up to play.
Hoots.2head
Fast and Slow Music
Episode 2823
Hoots the Owl convinces the monster that whether music is fast or slow, it's still enjoyable.
2Head.Cookie
Mountains or Seashore?
Episode 2837
The monster is in a disagreement about where to go for vacation: the mountains or the seashore. Cookie Monster says he likes both, better than going to Cucamonga for the National Cookie Convention. Two-Head gets inspired, and heads off for Cucamonga, leaving Cookie to choose between the mountains and the seashore.
2headedmonsterschool
Two-Headed Monster School
Episode 2853
The Two-Headed Monster are the teachers of a two-headed-oriented classroom, with Elmo and Telly as their pupil/pupils (they are sharing the same shirt). The first lesson is to say "Good Morning" in monster language, then how to argue over what to read.
2head.Surprise
Surprise
Episode 2924
The monster demonstrates surprise.
LoudSoftANCarter
Loud and Soft
Episode 4056
Elmo wants to play with the Two Headed Monster, but they can't decide on whether to play baseball or hockey. Aaron and Nick Carter pass by and are told what's happening, which the brothers can relate to. They sing "Loud and Soft," and sing of their differences. This resolves the monster's argument; now they want to sing! But what can they sing? They start arguing again!
TwoHead14
14
Episode 4214
Chris (in voice-over) says the monster will show 14. One half shows 7 pigs, while the other has 7 chickens, neither of which are 14. But when added together, they make 14!
TwoHead10
The Number 10
Episode 4249
Chris instructs the monster to show the number of the day (10). They each think the number they're holding is the number of the day, until Chris tells them to put the two numbers next to each other.
TwoHead-Rectangle
Rectangle
Episode 4261
Chris announces the monster who show a rectangle. When they each show a triangle, they learn that they can put them together to make a rectangle.
Robin-Conflict
Conflict
Episode 4280
The Two-Headed Monster help Robin Williams explain the word "conflict."
TwoHead-Milk
Who Has More Milk?
Episode 4301
The monster comes across two glasses of milk, but they are of uneven proportions and they try to find a way for them both to be equal.
TwoHead-Turns
Take Turns
Episode 4402
Chris teaches the Two-Headed Monster how to take turns when playing with a toy car.
TwoHead-Catch
Playing Catch
Episode 4510
The monster learns to keep trying when learning to catch a ball.

Notes[]

2headed

The Furchester Hotel

  • An altered version of the Two-Headed Monster puppet, with different facial features and no horns, appears as a background monster in The Furchester Hotel.

Filmography[]

Twoheadedmonster

Big Bird in China

2HM-peterwolf

as the hunters in Peter and the Wolf

Journey-beach-2hm

Journey to Ernie

MFC-Santa-2head

The monster dresses as Santa Claus in A Muppet Family Christmas.

TwoHeadedMonster-Pointing

Episodic appearances[]

Book appearances[]

2HM fullbody01

The Sesame Street Question and Answer Book About Animals

MeditationBook-2Head

Monster Meditation: Try, Try Again, Two-Headed Monster

See also[]

Sources[]

  1. Muppet Central Interview with Jerry Nelson
  2. 40 Years of Sunny Days has rehearsal footage of Jerry Nelson performing his half this way.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Documents provided by trusted source
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