Top 10 Muppet Show Guest Stars

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.

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.

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.

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 to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Before our number one pick takes his or her curtain call, here are some honorable mentions:
- John Denver
- Paul Simon
- Harry Belafonte
- Johnny Cash
- Liza Minnelli

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.

Do you agree with our list? What “Muppet Show” guest star made you yell out, “Wokka, wokka, wokka?” For more hysterical top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.