Happy Thanksgiving!  While we all digest our turkey feast and before the tryptophan kicks in, I thought it would be great to take a minute and kick back and salute all of the chefs who slaved in the kitchen today to make our turkey dinners, great!  So, let’s all have a laugh with the greatest chef of them all – The Swedish Chef!

This clip is from season 4 of The Muppet Show that originally aired for 120 episodes from September 5, 1976 – March 15, 1981 in the United Kingdom.  Reruns would eventually make their way to the United States where they were first shown in syndication on local television stations, before moving to cable where they continue to air today.

The Swedish Chef character was performed by Muppets creator Jim Henson and Frank Oz at the same time.  Oz would improvise by throwing objects with the character’s hands that Henson would have to ad-lib from.  After Henson’s death, veteran Muppet performer Bill Barretta has taken over the role.

The Swedish Chef has appeared in the Muppets spin-off TV series and films.  He most recently appeared in a 2013 ESPN commercial with New York Rangers’ goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

Here it is as a free bonus:

The Swedish Chef from The Muppets on display at the American History Museum.

THE 411

Name: The Swedish Chef

From: The Muppets TV series and movies

First appearance: Season 1, 1976

JERSEY JOE RECOMMENDS:

I freaking love The Swedish Chef!  He is absolutely my favorite Muppet character.  One of the greatest pieces of film ever recorded is his concession stand cameo in The Muppets Take Manhattan.

Check out the scene and enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving!

Image credits – Jeremy Shields and Andrew Kuchling