Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Frank

Written by Ed Castle.

FRANK

Performed by…
Frank Oz

First appearance…
The Perry Como Winter Show (1972)

Most recent appearance…
The Muppet Show Episode 317: Spike Milligan (1978)

Best known role…
Upright bass player for The Country Trio; puppet representation of Frank Oz

WHO IS FRANK?
Frank is the upright bass player for the Country Trio band, alongside Jerry on guitar and Jim on banjo. He first appeared with the band on The Perry Como Winter Show in 1972 where they performed “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim.” The following year Frank returned to TV with the band on The Dick Cavett Show to perform the classic tune “Mamma Don’t Allow.”

When The Muppet Show began in 1976, Frank made a few appearances with the rest of the Country Trio. His first Muppet Show appearance was with the Trio in perhaps their most wellknown performance of “To Morrow” in Episode 105: Rita Moreno. In the song, Frank spoke the last line of the song, “I don’t get it” in a deep guttural voice. The Trio also performed “In The Summertime” in Episode 123: Kaye Ballard, where Frank was once again relegated to backup vocals.

Frank’s final on screen appearance was in Episode 317: Spike Milligan from Season 3, appearing somewhere in the background of the parade of international Muppets along with his fellow bandmates.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED FRANK?
Without Frank Oz, there would be no Muppets… Frank is a Muppet representation of Frank Oz… It helps preserve the legacy and respect due to Frank himself, enough said.