Top 20 Greatest Muppet Show Guest Stars

#20: Gilda Radner

The much-missed Gilda Radner appeared on this third season episode of “The Muppet Show,” bringing with her all of the charm and personality that made her a beloved presence on “Saturday Night Live.” Radner actually used one of her SNL characters for this episode’s cold open, appearing as Emily Litella prior to the opening credits. Elsewhere, Radner’s appearance alongside Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker goes predictably chaotic, which seems to be a running theme throughout the episode. It all works wonderfully, of course, thanks in part to Radner’s inherent likeability and professionalism.

#19: Harry Belafonte

Music has always been a huge part of the Muppet experience, with many artists from this world spending time alongside Jim Henson’s creations. Harry Belafonte stopped by the Muppet theater, but the musical icon had actually mapped out his appearance months earlier, while Henson was filming “The Muppet Movie.” The end results certainly speak to this level of preparedness, as evidenced by how much research went into designing the African masks for the “Turn the World Around” number. Belafonte also performed his hit tune “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” on the episode, and sat in alongside Animal for a super-entertaining drum-off. It’s enchanting stuff.

#18: Carol Burnett

One of the best things about “The Muppet Show” was how so many huge names wanted to show up. After all, it wasn’t as if Carol Burnett needed the exposure to certify her reputation as an icon. This is what helps make this fifth season episode special, since Burnett just appears to be having a ball. The sketch comedy legend’s experience feels tailor made for the anarchic “Muppet Show,” as Burnett’s cold open is constantly interrupted at every moment. The episode also features a running gag about Burnett trying to perform her “Lonely Asparagus” bit, which never actually comes to fruition. It’s a great example of how “The Muppet Show” could still deliver the comedic goods five seasons into its run.

#17: Johnny Cash

There’s a lot of hub-bub and behind-the-scenes hullabaloo regarding the appearance of Johnny Cash on “The Muppet Show.” Some big-time country radio bigwig is determined to steer the show away from the control of Kermit and Co., since Cash’s starring slot is such a huge deal. The icon sings a number of memorable numbers, including a show-closing duet with Miss Piggy. A lot of this episode admittedly shifts its focus away from Cash’s performances in favor of the backstage power struggles, but this is largely forgotten whenever The Man in Black takes the stage.

#16: Diana Ross

The Boss, Miss Diana Ross, was in full disco mode during this appearance on “The Muppet Show.” Her hit single “Love Hangover” was featured during this episode, as was “Last Time I Saw Him,” which brought soul and country vibes into the mix. The audience is actively hostile during this episode, loudly booing and rejecting most of the numbers that don’t happen to feature Ross. This is played up for laughs, of course, with Ross succeeding at telling one of Fozzie’s bad jokes, only for the bear to bomb once again shortly thereafter. It’s funny stuff.

#15: Gene Kelly

There’s no doubt about it: Gene Kelly was a huge grab for “The Muppet Show” back in 1981. This fifth season episode includes a comical “doomsday” wraparound story going on backstage. Kelly, meanwhile, is under the assumption he’s an actual guest, and not a guest star, and feels reluctant to perform. Kermit eventually tricks and cajoles Kelly along the way, but the real icing on the cake is reserved for the episode’s finale. The Hollywood legend performs “Singin’ in the Rain,” together with a medley of other hits, bringing the house down in fine fashion.

#14: Liza Minnelli

An old fashioned murder mystery serves as the central plot to this fourth season episode of “The Muppet Show,” guest starring the inimitable Liza Minnelli. The star does a great job playing along and vamping it up, while also never looking down her nose at the material. This level of professionalism and sticking-to-the-script allows for the wraparound story to feel successful, while also leaving time for the sketches. The movie within the episode also provides tons of laughs from Minnelli, while the star also finds time to sing songs like “Copacabana,” “A Quiet Thing” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”

#13: Paul Simon

Kermit seemed to know full well what kind of talent he had when Paul Simon was booked for “The Muppet Show.” The host dedicates this episode to Simon’s music, with many of the singer/songwriter’s compositions being featured on the show. The Great Gonzo sings “El Condor Pasa” with some chickens, Janice and Floyd take the lead on “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and Simon himself performs “Scarborough Fair” and “Loves Me Like a Rock.” It’s an episode that’s predictably goofy, and it’s nice to see Paul Simon letting himself go with all of the good-natured chaos.

#12: James Coburn

We sort of like to see our favorite stars work outside of their creative parameters once in a while. James Coburn shot to stardom on the back of a “tough guy” reputation, so it was nice seeing the actor show up on this fifth season episode of “The Muppet Show.” The writers play around with Coburn’s image, too, instantly pairing him up with the resident Muppet madman, Animal. It turns out James Coburn is into Zen Buddhism, however, which is the furthest thing from the…let’s go with “energetic”... drummer’s persona. They eventually join forces with their shared love of breaking stuff, such as dressing room chairs. It’s all great fun, and just another example of how “The Muppet Show” could be a home for everyone.

#11: John Denver

December of 1979 was a special month for John Denver and The Muppets. This wasn’t just because of Denver appearing on the fourth season episode of “The Muppet Show” in the UK, but also due to the airing of the collaborative Christmas special, “John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together.” Watching both back-to-back feels like a pleasant throwback to simpler times, as Denver’s likeability and underrated musical genius sets the stage for a great episode. Denver never takes himself too seriously, and this allows for his numbers to shine alongside the Muppet cast. This wasn’t the last time Denver and the Muppets would work together, either, with the television special “Rocky Mountain Holiday” premiering four years later.

#10: Peter Sellers

After busting our guts as Inspector Clouseau in the “Pink Panther” series, this British actor took his comedic chops and many personalities to the Muppet Theater stage for the show’s second season. He’s a delight in the cold open, reprising his famous role dressed in iconic detective garb – but there’s way more. Things really get hysterical when he spoofs another one of his most immortal personas. Going by the name of Doctor Merkwürdigliebe – which translates to Dr. Strangelove in German – Sellers plays a German masseur who gives Link Hogthrob a very memorable massage, delivered in the inimitable Sellers style that earned the actor an Emmy nomination for his hosting duties.

#9: Buddy Rich

This jazz musician was widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient drummers of all time, and this penultimate episode of the series – which originally aired in 1981 – allowed him to really strut his stuff. Kermit is suitably impressed with the display of his amazing technique, as he plays percussion on a variety of items on his way to the stage in a blackout – but that’s just a warm-up. When the host and resident Muppet drum expert Animal go head-to-head, Rich shows just what he can do on a real drum set. Animal didn’t stand a chance.

#8: Rita Moreno

Despite the greatness of Animal’s performance with Buddy Rich, he was even funnier when he got to perform opposite this Broadway star in 1976 in one of the series’ first episodes. Moreno is one of the few performers ever to have won an Oscar, Grammy, Tony, and an Emmy, and it’s this appearance that earned her that Emmy. We’d say it’s a well-deserved honor. You need proof? Her dancing, singing and comedy chops are on lock, but just watch her perform the classic tune “Fever” with your favorite shaggy-haired drummer, who does his best to get in the way, and you’ll see what we mean.

#7: Vincent Price

This performer had a storied career, including appearances in classic horror films like the original “House of Wax” and on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album. But his “Muppet Show” appearance in 1977 allowed him to demonstrate his considerable comedic flair, which is part of the series’ appeal in that it let serious actors relax and be themselves. On top of being a great first-season episode, it also marks the first time that the mood of an entire show was built around the guest. The episode’s horror vibe inspires great moments, and even lets Kermit play against type as a vampire.

#6: John Cleese

Although this hysterical British comedian had many amazing moments as a member of Monty Python, his work with the Muppets produced similarly memorable bits in this 1977 episode, which Cleese himself had a hand in writing. Of particular note is Cleese’s Long John Silverstein sketch, where he shares the stage with an especially talkative parrot – harkening back to Monty Python’s famous “Dead Parrot” sketch, of course. No one could play angry as amusingly as Cleese, and the Muppets take advantage of that talent. But even when at his nastiest with Kermit, Cleese is clearly having a ball.

#5: Julie Andrews

One of our favorite things is this “Sound of Music” star’s performance with the Muppets in 1978, although she’d already appeared on many TV specials with them previously. Fitting in perfectly with her co-stars, she’s marvelous reprising “The Lonely Goatherd” from the classic film, accompanied by yodeling Muppet animals, but that’s far from all she does in the episode. A particular highlight is the tender and sweet song she wrote for and sings to Kermit, “When You Were a Tadpole.” Her amazing charisma throughout the episode keeps it consistently strong.

#4: The stars of “Star Wars”

A few months before the 1980 release of “The Empire Strikes Back,” C-3PO, R2-D2 and Luke Skywalker re-united with the voice of Yoda – aka Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Sam Eagle, Animal or simply Frank Oz – on this fourth season episode of “The Muppet Show.” Landing in the Muppet Theater in search of Chewbacca, Luke refuses to perform – but fortunately (we think), his cousin Mark Hamill is happy to oblige. Later on, Luke’s back, and is faced with First Mate Miss Piggy standing in for Princess Leia. Naturally, she can’t keep her hands off of him. The result is a hysterical sci-fi parody, which brings out the best in Hamill and the Muppets.

#3: Steve Martin

While episodes of the “Muppet Show” are usually punctuated by a laugh track, this is one episode where canned laughter wasn’t necessary: this hysterical comedian was so funny as a guest star in this 1977 episode that the usual laugh track was mostly replaced by the backstage laughter of Muppets cast members. Martin’s juggling and balloon animal making, along with his irresistible charisma and unique comic persona, get a great showcase here. Martin is also a talented banjo player, and he gets a good chance to show off his skills in the performance of “Dueling Banjos” backed by a variety of Muppet characters.

#2: Elton John

This rock star’s exuberant personality and flamboyant fashions made him a perfect fit for the Muppets. But by the time he appeared on the show in 1978, Sir Elton was sick of the getups and requested that he NOT do the crazy costumes and huge glasses. They must’ve come to some kind of agreement, because we were not let down in the wild outfit department: his performance of “Crocodile Rock” backed by a chorus of puppet crocs is particularly hilarious. And no one can ever forget his duet with Miss Piggy on “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart.” Even if Sam the Eagle wasn’t a fan, Sir Elton certainly won us over.

#1: Alice Cooper

As mentioned, “The Muppet Show” was a great way for stars to show their softer sides. Never was this more true than for Alice Cooper. One of the most controversial rockers of the era, known for outrageous onstage antics like beheading live chickens, the rock star was able to make his persona family-friendly enough to deliver a standout performance – and he made the Muppets a bit edgier in the process. The show’s creators built a hysterical show around Cooper’s fascination with horror, and it features Cooper as Satan’s agent who’s trying to get the Muppets to sell their souls. And when he gets musical, as in the hard-rocking “School’s Out,” he creates some of the show’s finest ever musical segments.

Did you watch “The Muppet Show” growing up? Or did you discover Jim Henson’s creations later on? Let us know your most nostalgic Muppet Memories in the comments!