muppet
Character.zeldarose
PERFORMER various
DEBUT 1973
Zelda Rose in 2026

Zelda Rose in 2026

Zelda Rose is a tall, pink female Muppet with gray hair and a long orange nose. She was given her name in episode 203 of The Muppet Show when she performed "Who?" with her singing owl. In episode 124, she conducted a group of noisy library patrons to the tune of "The Blue Danube." Zelda was often seen in the audience, and in At the Dance skits with various partners.

Zelda made her debut on The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence. The puppet had previously been used (without a wig) as Twill, the violinist on The Ed Sullivan Show. In episode 115 of The Muppet Show, it was made to look like a farmer performed by Jim Henson. A prototype version of Zelda was used for the Flower-Eating Monster bit on The Julie Andrews Hour.

Zelda was often performed by Louise Gold, and occasionally by Jerry Nelson. Although Abby Hadfield performed her when she sang "Who?" on The Muppet Show, Louise Gold rerecorded her part when the song was released on The Muppet Show 2 record.

In Muppets Tonight episode 208, the puppet made a return appearance (though her name is never mentioned), as Dr. Phil van Neuter's mother.

The original puppet has since become part of the collection donated to the Museum of the Moving Image, and the newly-restored puppet was temporarily displayed in June/July 2025 as a part of The Muppet Babies Take MoMI. The character was rebuilt for the 2026 Muppet Show special, participating in the opening theme song.

Performer History

Filmography

Zelda seated in the Muppet Show audience on the side of a .

Zelda seated in the Muppet Show audience on the side of a Muppet lunchbox.

TMS203-ZeldaOwl

Book appearances

See also