Forgetful Jones

Forgetful Jones is a cowboy, so named because he always forgets everything. He appeared regularly on Sesame Street from Season 12 through Season 22. His horse is Buster, and his longtime (and longsuffering) girlfriend is Clementine. 
Forgetful's cowboy characteristics include referring to people as "pardner," singing with a guitar, and starring in Old West sketches and movie spoofs (including of High Noon and Oklahoma). However, as his name indicates, his defining trait is a severe short term memory problem, unable to remember instructions, what he was going to do, how to perform basic functions, the names of most of those he encounters, and sometimes even his own identity. In street scenes, other characters (often Maria) try to help him overcome the issue, with limited success. During the period when Big Bird's adult friends doubted the existence of Mr. Snuffleupagus, Forgetful met Snuffy more than once but, predictably, forgot who exactly it was. Despite all of this, Forgetful shows awareness of his condition and sings poignantly about how his memory issues do not impact his ability to care for others, serenading Clementine with "I'll Always Remember I Love You."
When addressing others, Forgetful's memory issues (which varied according to scene length and purpose) could range from simply trailing off before the name is supplied, using "whatshisname" or "stranger," or uttering an incorrect name seemingly at random. On occasion the wrong names were used for inside jokes or other gags beyond simple incorrectness. In Episode 2313, he gets Clementine's name wrong multiple times (to the point of calling her Ralph in a flashback), while in Episode 2618, he refers to the topographically named Prairie Dawn as "Desert."
Others in Forgetful's circle of family and friends include his other horse Whatshisname (Buster's brother), parents, a cousin, an uncle, and a great-great grandfather. 
Writer Norman Stiles, who created the character, spoke at length about his function beyond the comedy, how the curriculum goal was to address cognitive function, the importance of memory, and how to remember: 
 Muppet Workshop designer and builder Laurent Linn also discussed Hunt's approach to the character in the book Quilting with the Muppets: "Forgetful Jones...brought out more of the simple, sweet side of Richard, in the midst of some of his other more outrageous characters." 
After the death of Richard Hunt, Forgetful Jones stopped appearing as a major character. However, he continued to make occasional non-speaking cameos. These include the finale of Elmo Saves Christmas, in a flashback sequence in Episode 4197, some Season 45 episodes, Caroll Spinney's retirement party, and in a 2018 web video "12 Days of Christmas Cookies." 
The character eventually began to make speaking appearances again in Kinect Sesame Street TV, the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con (during the "Sesame Street Puppets Live!" show), and Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration; performed in these instances by Matt Vogel.Matt Vogel on TwitterRyan Dillon on Instagram He also appears in The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo as an audience member.
According to Episode 1561, Forgetful actually lives about 40 miles away from Sesame Street.
==Sketches==
Picture	Summary / First Appearance 	Description
 	Brushing TeethEpisode 1446 	Clementine reminds Forgetful Jones to do something before going to bed, something that involves teeth. Forgetful tries to remember, and eventually figures that he has to brush Buster's teeth.
 	Horse StoryEpisode 1465 	Clementine finds Forgetful once again in a situation where he has no memory. She has him assess the clues to remember - he's sitting in a great chair for reading, has a lamp for reading and a book. Forgetful finally remembers - Buster was reading him a book.
 	Forgetful's AlphabetEpisode 1472 	On the ranch, Forgetful is able to remember the entire alphabet. He does, however, forget one thing: that he was able to remember it.
 	Forgetful Jones Forgets his HorseEpisode 1481 	Forgetful Jones needs something to ride around the ranch. Clementine gives him clues: It has four legs and a bushy tail, eats hay, and neighs. It's his horse Buster, who arrives with the jeep.
 	Forgetful Forgets His CoatEpisode 1488 	It's a chilly winter day, and Forgetful is freezing. Clementine tells him it's because an important piece of clothing is missing from his attire. Once Forgetful realizes that he's missing his coat, he goes inside to get it...but forgets how to open the door, and crashes through it!
 	"Who Could Forget the Day That We Met"Episode 1497 	Forgetful Jones sings a song to Clementine about the first time they met, but gets all of the details wrong.
 	"Song of Forgetful Jones"Episode 1510 	Forgetful tries singing the song to Clementine, but needs help remembering the song's original context.
 	Forgetful Jones Takes a TripEpisode 1654 	Clementine and Buster get on a train, and try to tell Forgetful Jones that he's supposed to get on the train with them, but Forgetful Jones would much rather remember on his own why he's at the train station. The train leaves just as Forgetful remembers why he's there.
 	Forgetful Calls his CousinEpisode 1657 	Clementine reminds Forgetful Jones to call his cousin on her birthday (even though he's got a ribbon tied to his finger and to the phone). When he calls, his equally forgetful cousin doesn't remember having a cousin, and asks him to describe what he looks like.
 	Bath TimeEpisode 1666 	Clementine hears water running, which reminds Forgetful that he was about to do something. Using the clues at hand (a bar of soap, a backbrush and a towel), Forgetful remembers that it's bath time. Buster's bath time, that is...
 	In the DarkEpisode 1690 	Forgetful Jones, Clementine and Buster are in the dark because Forgetful forgot to turn something on. It's not the water, the electric fan or the radio ... it's the light!
 	"What's the Name of That Song?"Episode 1696 	At the saloon, Clementine asks for Forgetful to sing a song. Buster plays "What's the Name of That Song?" on the piano, and the crowd (including a cow) sings along, but Forgetful keeps asking what the name of the song is.
 	This is Your StoryEpisode 1700 	Guy Smiley hosts "This is Your Story" and salutes Forgetful Jones, with visits from his parents, a teacher and his Uncle Ned (whom he continually guesses for every other voice). Guy gives Forgetful Jones a photo album so next time he can actually recognize his loved ones.
 	Bus FussEpisode 1975 	Forgetful Jones and a Honker wait at the bus stop for a bus to Madison Square Garden, where the two will meet up with Clementine for a rodeo. Luis tells the pair to take the #11 bus and makes sure Forgetful remembers it. He forgets it immediately after and as others (Susan, Oscar, and Bob) pass by, he thinks he's taking the "Good Morning" or the "Phooie!" bus. All the while, the Honker frantically tries correcting him. Bob passes by and gives them the time, 11 o'clock, reminding Forgetful of the correct bus, just in time to boast about when Luis returns.
 	"I'll Always Remember I Love You"Episode 1813 	Forgetful Jones forgets to pick up Clementine, who is upset that he always forgets things. Forgetful then sings to her, letting her know that he always remembers that he loves her. After the song, Clementine comments that it's her best birthday ever, reminding Forgetful why he has a box with him.
 	LoveEpisode 1844 	Forgetful and Clementine talk about the word "love".
center 	Kermit's MovieEpisode 1922 	Director Kermit is making a western film with Forgetful Jones as the star. Forgetful is supposed to enter through the saloon doors and shout, "Everybody freeze!" Of course, he forgets this, and instead enters under, around and over the door. He gets the line right for the first three takes, but when he finally goes through the door: "Everybody ... frolic!"
 	Name That Sound!: HonkerEpisode 1957 	Mr. Honker honks when guessing sounds in this game show, but since Guy Smiley can't understand his honks, the Honker brings the objects in. Sounds include a cow (to which he brings in Gladys the Cow), a horse (to which he brings in Buster the Horse, accompanied by Forgetful Jones, who forgets whether or not he's a horse), and a fire engine (which Mr. Honker brings, full of honkers).
 	"I'm a Real Cowboy"Episode 1965 	Clementine and some cowboys sing a song to Forgetful Jones to remind him of what they are, but Forgetful keeps guessing different things.
 	Kermit's Telephone DemoEpisode 1977 	Kermit teaches viewers how to use a telephone, with "help" from Forgetful Jones.
 	Forgetful and Daniella — NOEpisode 2031 	Muppet & Kid Moments: Forgetful asks Daniela what word is written on a "No" sign, but he thinks she is refusing to tell him.
 	Forgetful and Daniella — R and PEpisode 2032 	Forgetful Jones asks Daniela to help him understand the difference between a letter R and P.
 	Forgetful and Daniella: YESEpisode 2053 	Forgetful asks a girl named Daniela if she will tell him the word on a sign, which says "Yes". But every time she tells him the word, he thinks she's saying yes to telling him the word.
 	Brushing Teeth (remake)Episode 2068 	A remake of an earlier sketch, but with Richard Hunt as Forgetful Jones, Kevin Clash as Clementine, and Martin P. Robinson as Buster.
 	Forgetful Jones Forgets his Horse (remake)Episode 2081	A remake of an earlier sketch, but with Richard Hunt as Forgetful Jones, Kevin Clash as Clementine and Martin P. Robinson as Buster.
 	Forgetful's Four FriendsEpisode 2165 	Forgetful has gathered Lisa Bonet, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe and Keshia Knight Pulliam to help him with something, but he can't remember what it is. One by one, each kid has to leave, leaving Forgetful alone. At the last minute, Forgetful remembers what he wanted the kids to help him with: subtraction. But now he can't remember what he wanted to subtract.
 	Clementine's Guessing GameEpisode 2218 	Clementine plays a game with the viewers to see if they can guess what Forgetful Jones is riding on.
 	"Write it Down"Episode 2295 	Maria, Luis and Gordon appear as vaudeville performers who, in song, suggest that Forgetful write things down in order to remember.
 	"Write It Down" (Rap version)Episode 2345 	Maria, Luis, David, and Forgetful Jones rap about writing things down.
 	Going on vacationEpisode 2470 	Forgetful Jones and his grandma are trying to figure out which one of them was going on a cruise ship. Forgetful checks the suitcase and discovers that it holds his grandma's clothes, so it is she who is going on the cruise. As they get interrupted, they both forget what they were doing and end up waving to the people on the boat and wish them a happy vacation.
 	Oklahoma!Episode 2544 	Director Kermit is filming Oklahoma with Forgetful Jones as the star. Forgetful is supposed to enter sing "Oklahoma!" but sings "Ache-lahoma!", "Eeklahoma!" and "Ike-lahoma!" instead. When he finally gets it right, the production assistant says it's time for lunch. John Weidman wrote this sketch.Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show episode 255 31:40
 	Around the RockEpisode 2586 	Forgetful Jones and Clementine ride on horseback, and come across a rock. Clementine consults her book, The Cowgirl's Companion, to figure out how to handle a rock in your trail: go around it.
 	High 12Episode 2614 	In a parody of High Noon, Clementine doesn't want Forgetful to meet Sinister Sam, the meanest man in the west, at the train station at twelve, especially since it is their wedding day. Forgetful convinces her that "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do". When Sam shows up, he tells Forgetful, in a threatening manner, that he has something to say: That it's nice of him to remember to meet him at the train station.
center 	Forgetful and Daniella: MEEpisode 2709 	Once again, Forgetful has trouble understanding a word on a sign.
 	MirrorEpisode 2798 	Forgetful is about to eat a sandwich Clementine made for him, when he observes a cowboy who looks just like him in the mirror. He invites the other cowboy to lunch. He goes into the kitchen to tell Clementine to make another sandwich for a special cowboy. He shows her his new friend, but she explains that it's just his reflection. Disheartened, Forgetful wonders who will eat the second sandwich, and Clementine reminds him of someone within earshot. Forgetful then opens the door to let Buster eat the sandwich and asks Clementine if she'd like to join them.
==Filmography==
*The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
*Follow That Bird (1985)
*The Muppets: A Celebration of Thirty Years (1986)
*Play-Along Games and Songs (1986)
*A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
*Let's Learn to Play Together (1988)
*Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting (1989)
*Sing Yourself Silly! (1990)
*Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake (1991)
*Sesame Street Jam: A Musical Celebration (1993)
*Elmo Saves Christmas (1996)
*Elmopalooza (1998)
*Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration (2019)
*The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo (2020)
===Episodic appearances===
*Season 12: 1452, 1462, 1499, 1503, 1532, 1561, 1562
*Season 13: 1579, 1583, 1584, 1611, 1647, 1650, 1658, 1662, 1663, 1669, 1671, 1672, 1673, 1678, 1691, 1693
*Season 14: 1712, 1716, 1719, 1720, 1724, 1726, 1727, 1734, 1738, 1739, 1741, 1742, 1743, 1744, 1746, 1771, 1775, 1778, 1781, 1784, 1786, 1791, 1794, 1798, 1807, 1808, 1810, 1811, 1813, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1824 
*Season 15: 1836, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1843, 1856, 1864, 1866, 1869, 1872, 1877, 1878, 1901, 1905, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1919, 1922, 1925, 1935, 1939, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1954, 1963
*Season 16: 1968, 1971, 1975, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2015, 2030, 2038, 2041, 2046, 2047, 2049, 2051, 2052, 2055, 2061, 2067, 2070, 2077, 2082, 2085
*Season 17: 2127, 2129, 2132, 2137, 2138, 2152, 2165, 2168, 2171, 2180, 2200, 2212, 2216, 2219, 2225
*Season 18: 2265 (not seen), 2284, 2285, 2290, 2295, 2306, 2308, 2312, 2313, 2345, 2346, 2349
*Season 19: 2461, 2468, 2473, 2478, 2479, 2485
*Season 20: 2496, 2499, 2521, 2547, 2578
*Season 21: 2618, 2619, 2636, 2650, 2659, 2665, 2684, 2693, 2698, 2700, 2722, 2723
*Season 22: 2799, 2825, 2837, 2868
==Book appearances==
*City (1982)
* Who's Who on Sesame Street (1982, 1989, 1994, and 1999 editions)
* Seasons of the Year (1982)
* Bert's Big Band Paint-with-Water Book (1983 reprint)
* The Sesame Street Treasury (1983)
**Volume 6 (cover, photo story)
**Volume 10 (character profile)
* Trace & Color (1984)
*Welcome Home, Big Bird (1985)
*Grover's Guide to Good Manners (1992) - in this book, Forgetful's skin tone is green.
*My Name Is Big Bird (1992)
*A New Way to Get to Sesame Street (1992)
*Clap Your Hands! (2002)
*Blast from the Past (2015)
* Sesame Street 2024 comic book
** Issue 4: The Amazing Mumford's Card Trick
==Sources==
;Footnotes
==See also==
*Old West sketches
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Category:Sesame Street Muppet Characters
Category:Sesame Street Characters
Category:Muppet Characters
Category:Sesame Street Character Sketches
Category:Westerns