Edgar Bergen

Famed vaudevillian Edgar Bergen (1903-1978) and his wooden sidekick, Charlie McCarthy held particular meaning for Jim Henson (who called his work an inspiration on the 1988 show Memories Then & Now). Bergen guest starred on episode 207 of The Muppet Show, accompanied by both Charlie and his other dummy, Mortimer Snerd. Bergen's daughter, Candice Bergen, had previously appeared as a guest star on the series, and his wife Frances Bergen made a cameo in The Muppets Take Manhattan.
Bergen made a cameo in The Muppet Movie with Charlie McCarthy, playing judges at the Bogen County Fair. Bergen died shortly after his scene was filmed; Jim Henson appeared at a Hollywood tribute to the man with Kermit the Frog who noted, "This is the first time I ever played a funeral."Associated Press "Final tributes: a new Hollywood trend" Sept 5, 1984 In his honor, The Muppet Movie is "dedicated to the memory and magic of Edgar Bergen." 
This idea of magic is echoed by Jim Henson who said, 
Bergen discussed Jim Henson's work and how puppets and dummies took on lives of their own: 
==References==
* Archival footage of Bergen and McCarthy appeared in the Muppet Babies episode "Muppets Not Included." 
Bergen.jpg|Letter from Jim Henson to Edgar BergenJuly 26th, 1977
==Sources==
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Category:Muppet Show Guest Stars
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Category:Muppet Movies Cameos
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