Got to speak with the amazing Joe Kovacs the other day! If you're into puppeteers then maybe the name rings a bell. Mr. Kovacs has been Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House Live, as well as Barney the Dinosaur and more.
I cannot tell you how amicable and phenomenal he was. He was outside trying to get a moment alone at the party we were at and I came and badgered him. However he didn't act upset or anything. In fact he proceeded to talk to me for a long time, all the while people (parents and kids) were constantly coming by to say hi. He took it with such grace. I mean, I can only imagine how tedious is must be to have to act almost as a role model when these kids come up to meet him, and when you've been doing puppeteer for so long I can only imagine how many people have approached him. But he took time to say something to each and every one of them, adults and children alike! What a guy.
He works in New York so if you there and he's puppeteering a show near you, check it out, and talk to him if you can. He's nice, talented, and patient. Three amazing qualities.
