Written by Jarrod Fairclough
(Six years ago The Muppet Mindset started a series where every week a different Muppet would be given the spotlight. We have decided to end the series today with one last hurrah!)
GLORIA ESTEFAN
PERFORMED BY:
Peter Linz
FIRST APPEARANCE:
The Muppets Season 1, Episode 11 ‘Swine Song’
ORIGIN OF NAME:
First Spanish name Miss Piggy could think of.
WHO IS GLORIA ESTEFAN?
Gloria Estefan is a baby penguin that Miss Piggy adopts during her trip to Argentina between episodes 10 and 11 of The Muppets. He is given his own poncho to wear, and has bonded with Uncle Deadly, who has become his unofficial guardian. He enjoys martinis, ice cream, and throwing up on suede shoes.
Gloria Estefan’s gender is unclear depending on who is talking about him, but we have had confirmation from the proper people that he is in fact a male. He is Peter Linz’s only speaking character in the series so far.
WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED GLORIA ESTEFAN?
Gloria Estefan was introduced when the series was going through its retooling, and Miss Piggy was made to be more likable. Gloria Estefan is the embodiment of Miss Piggy’s new caring nature, even if she has palmed him off to Uncle Deadly. Gloria Estefan is also the only speaking character of our good friend Peter Linz, and we are thankful to hear his voice (or squeaks) once again.
On another note, as stated above, this is the final Weekly Muppet Wednesday, as we felt that the series had run its course. My thanks to everyone who has contributed to them over the six years. We will endeavor to update the completed list of Weekly Muppet Wednesday‘s soon!
The Muppet Mindset 
With this character, at least Peter Linz has a character on this show, but I sure would like for Walter to come back. Robin is also coming back for tonight’s episode, “Little Green Lie”.