The Jim Henson Company who produces Sesame Street confirmed today that the puppeteer who played The Count, Jerry Nelson, has died at the age of 78.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Lisa Henson, CEO and daughter to its founder Jim Henson, writes, "Jerry Nelson imbued all his characters with the same gentle, sweet whimsy and kindness that were a part of his own personality. He joined The Jim Henson Company in the earliest years, and his unique contributions to the worlds of Fraggles, Muppets, Sesame Street and so many others are, and will continue to be, unforgettable."

Besides The Count, Nelson also created Mr. Snuffleupagus, Sgt. Floyd Pepper, Camilla the Chicken and many other charters that appeared in Sesame Street, The Muppet's and Fraggle Rock.

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