Delbert the La Choy Dragon

thumb|300px|Delbert rebuilt for exhibition.
Delbert the La Choy Dragon appeared in television commercials for La Choy chow mein from 1965 to 1967. In some commercials he was teamed with Mert, a meek, bespectacled Muppet spokesman.
Though originally built as a live-hand character, in 1966, he was rebuilt as a full-bodied character to engage with live actors in domestic settings.Jim Henson's Red Book entry, 10/25/1966 The puppet was capable of emitting fire from its mouth, creating a unique effect in the commercial he appeared in.
Frank Oz, who puppeteered the La Choy Dragon to Jim Henson's voice, notably hated performing inside the full-body suit.Plume, Ken. FilmForce Interview. February 10, 2000. Caroll Spinney has noted the dragon as a precursor to Sesame Street’s Big Bird, including a 1984 interview with The Age"Big Bird wings in with just one grouch: Oscar", The Age, March 15, 1984, page 40. and his memoir The Wisdom of Big Bird.Spinney, Caroll. The Wisdom of Big Bird. p. 38-39
Although he's not named in commercials, Delbert refers to himself by name in a 1966 promotional film (advertising new commercials airing during The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.). His name has been documented elsewhereMuppetFest Q&A with Kirk ThatcherHenson.com Archive and appeared on limited merchandise produced of the character, including an inflatable toy (pictured below) and a hand puppet.
A rebuilt version of Delbert has been seen in recent exhibits such as Jim Henson: Puppeteer. The 2010 comic book The Muppet Show Comic Book: Family Reunion makes a reference to the La Choy Dragon in the last panel, showing a giant Delbert in a chef's hat attacking a building as Skeeter prepares to stop him.
Image:Lachoylivehand.JPG|The hand puppet version of the La Choy Dragon.
La-Choy-slide-04cropped.jpg
Image:Lachoydragon.jpg|The La Choy Dragon in a supermarket.
Image:Dragon.jpg|The La Choy Dragon pictured on a can of Chow Mein noodles
Image:Lachoy-newsad83.jpg|Inflatable La Choy Dragon promotional item
==See also==
* Dragons
==Sources==
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Category:Commercials Characters
Category:Muppet Characters
Category:Full-Bodied Muppets