NetflixMovies
Dave Goelz

Dave Goelz

21 movies on Netflix

Biography

Dave Goelz is an American puppeteer and actor who built puppets and performed with the Muppets. Born in Los Angeles in 1946, he began his career as an industrial designer before a 1972 workshop with Frank Oz led to a job with Jim Henson. He joined Henson's team and performed characters including Gonzo the Great, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beauregard, Zoot and Waldorf. On The Muppet Show he took on Gonzo as a starring role, and he also worked on Fraggle Rock. His later screen work includes The Muppets (2011) and Muppets Most Wanted (2014), in which he reprised several signature roles, and Inside Out (2015), where he voiced Subconscious Guard Frank; he returned as Mind Cop Frank in Inside Out 2 (2024). He voiced Baffi the Fizzgig in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019) and provided voices and served as co-executive producer on Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock.

80years old

Turns 81 on July 16in 247 days

  • Born Los Angeles
  • Star sign: CancerThe sign runs June 21 to July 22
  • Also credited as David Goelz and David Charles Goelz

Movie Career

Films
21
Career span
47 years1977 to 2024

Genres

First and latest

Share

Did you know?!

  1. A change of course

    Before joining the Muppets, Goelz worked for companies including John Deere, American Airlines and Hewlett-Packard, and while there he watched Sesame Street, fascinated by the design of the Muppet characters, costumes and performances.

  2. First role

    Goelz built the Muppet characters Nigel, Animal, Floyd Pepper and Zoot for The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence, with Zoot becoming his first major character.

  3. A change of course

    At the close of the first season, Goelz asked Henson whether he could come back the next year only as a performer, and Henson said yes.

  4. Getting ready for a role

    After season one, Goelz asked Henson for permission to build a Gonzo puppet that had an eye mechanism, and Henson said yes.

Dave Goelz movies on Netflix

Best known for

The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.

Top of the page, the section list
  1. The Muppet Christmas Carol1992 Comedy, Drama, Familyas The Great Gonzo

    IMDb rating 7.883K votes

  2. Muppets from Space1999 Adventure, Comedy, Familyas Gonzo / Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / The Birdmanvoice

    IMDb rating 6.322K votes

  3. The Muppets Take Manhattan1984as Gonzo / Chester the Rat / Bill the Frog / Zoot / Beauregard / Jim the Dog / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Penguinvoice

    IMDb rating 6.925K votes

  4. The Dark Crystal1982as Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster (performer) / General, Garthim Master (performer)

    IMDb rating 7.178K votes

  5. Inside Out2015as Subconscious Guard Frankvoice

    IMDb rating 8.1933K votes

  6. Labyrinth1986as Didymus / The Hat / The Four Guards / Left Door Knocker / Firey 3voice

    IMDb rating 7.3167K votes

  7. Jim Henson Idea Man2024as Himself

    IMDb rating 7.74.5K votes

  8. Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas1977as Wendell

    IMDb rating 8.15.7K votes

Most often with

Jim Henson directed four of these films, Kirk R. Thatcher four and James Bobin two. Steve Whitmire appears in fourteen of them, more than any other actor. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.

Top of the page, the section list
Steve Whitmire, 14 films togetherSee the 14 films with Steve WhitmireFrank Oz, 12 films togetherSee the 12 films with Frank OzJerry Nelson, 9 films togetherSee the 9 films with Jerry NelsonBill Barretta, 9 films togetherSee the 9 films with Bill BarrettaEric Jacobson, 7 films togetherSee the 7 films with Eric JacobsonJim Henson, 6 films togetherSee the 6 films with Jim HensonJim HensonDirector, 4 filmsSee the 4 films by Jim HensonKirk R. ThatcherDirector, 4 filmsSee the 4 films by Kirk R. ThatcherJames BobinDirector, 2 filmsSee the 2 films by James Bobin

Films together

  • Steve Whitmire14 films together, 1981 to 2014
    Steve Whitmire's page
    • Muppets Most Wanted2014IMDb rating 6.4Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / WaldorfvoiceWhitmire as Kermit the Frog / Foo Foo / Statler / Beaker / Lips / Rizzo the Rat / Link Hogthrob / The Newsmanvoice
    • The Muppets2011IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Kermit MoopetvoiceWhitmire as Kermit / Beaker / Statler / Rizzo / Link Hogthrob / The Newsmanvoice
    • A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa2008IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Waldorf / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / ZootvoiceWhitmire as Kermit the Frog / Rizzo the Rat / Statler / Beakervoice
    • The Muppets' Wizard of Oz2005IMDb rating 5.2Goelz as The Great Gonzo / The Great Gonzo as the Tin Thing / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Waldorf as Kalidah CriticvoiceWhitmire as Kermit the Frog / Kermit the Frog as the Scarecrow / Beaker / Rizzo the Rat / Rizzo the Rat as the Mayor of Munchkinland / Statler as Kalidah Criticvoice
    • It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie2002IMDb rating 6.2Goelz as The Great GonzoWhitmire as Kermit
    • Kermit's Swamp Years2002IMDb rating 5.3Goelz as WaldorfvoiceWhitmire as Kermit the Frog / Jack Rabbit / Chicovoice
    • Muppets from Space1999IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as Gonzo / Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / The BirdmanvoiceWhitmire as Kermit the Frog / Rizzo the Rat / Beaker / Cosmic Fish #1 / Rainbow / Miss Piggy (assistant)voice
    • The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland1999IMDb rating 5.9Goelz as Humongous ChickenvoiceWhitmire as Ernie / Stuckweed / Football Stenchman / Ice Cream Vendor / Parrotvoice
    • Muppet Treasure Island1996IMDb rating 7.0Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / ZootvoiceWhitmire as Kermit the Frog / Rizzo the Rat / Beakervoice
    • The Muppet Christmas Carol1992IMDb rating 7.8Goelz as The Great GonzoWhitmire as Rizzo the Rat
    • Labyrinth1986IMDb rating 7.3Goelz as Didymus / The Hat / The Four Guards / Left Door Knocker / Firey 3voiceWhitmire as The Four Guards / Firey 4 / Ambrosiusvoice
    • The Muppets Take Manhattan1984IMDb rating 6.9Goelz as Gonzo / Chester the Rat / Bill the Frog / Zoot / Beauregard / Jim the Dog / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / PenguinvoiceWhitmire as Rizzo the Rat / Gill the Frog / Baby Kermit / Chicken / College Student in Audience / Dogvoice
    • The Dark Crystal1982IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster (performer) / General, Garthim Master (performer)Whitmire as Scientistvoice
    • The Great Muppet Caper1981IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Beauregard / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Lobbuck LouvoiceWhitmire as Rizzo the Rat / Lipsvoice
  • Frank Oz12 films together, 1977 to 2024
    Frank Oz's page
    • Jim Henson Idea Man2024IMDb rating 7.7Goelz as HimselfOz as Himself
    • Inside Out2015IMDb rating 8.1Goelz as Subconscious Guard FrankvoiceOz as Subconscious Guard Davevoice
    • Muppets from Space1999IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as Gonzo / Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / The BirdmanvoiceOz as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam the Eaglevoice
    • The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland1999IMDb rating 5.9Goelz as Humongous ChickenvoiceOz as Bert / Grover / Cookie Monstervoice
    • Muppet Treasure Island1996IMDb rating 7.0Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / ZootvoiceOz as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Sam the Eagle / Animalvoice
    • The Muppet Christmas Carol1992IMDb rating 7.8Goelz as The Great GonzoOz as Miss Piggy
    • Labyrinth1986IMDb rating 7.3Goelz as Didymus / The Hat / The Four Guards / Left Door Knocker / Firey 3voiceOz as The Wiseman
    • The Muppets Take Manhattan1984IMDb rating 6.9Goelz as Gonzo / Chester the Rat / Bill the Frog / Zoot / Beauregard / Jim the Dog / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / PenguinvoiceOz as Miss Piggy / Fozzie / Animal / Bert / Cookie Monster / Ocean Breeze Soap Board Member / Sam the Eaglevoice
    • The Dark Crystal1982IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster (performer) / General, Garthim Master (performer)Oz as Aughra, a Keeper Of Secrets (performer) / Chamberlain (performer)
    • The Great Muppet Caper1981IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Beauregard / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Lobbuck LouvoiceOz as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam the Eagle / Gramps / Swedish Chefvoice
    • The Muppet Movie1979IMDb rating 7.6Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Doglion / Iraqian in El Sleezo Cafe / Nigel / PigvoiceOz as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam the Eagle / Doc Hopper's Men / Marvin Suggs / Swedish Chef (assistant) / Motorcycle Guyvoice
    • Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas1977IMDb rating 8.1Goelz as WendellOz as Chuck
  • Jerry Nelson9 films together, 1977 to 2002
    Jerry Nelson's page
    • Kermit's Swamp Years2002IMDb rating 5.3Goelz as WaldorfvoiceNelson as Statlervoice
    • Muppets from Space1999IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as Gonzo / Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / The BirdmanvoiceNelson as Robin / Statler / Ubergonzovoice
    • The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland1999IMDb rating 5.9Goelz as Humongous ChickenvoiceNelson as Count / Pestie / Grouch Mayor / Grouch Copvoice
    • Muppet Treasure Island1996IMDb rating 7.0Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / ZootvoiceNelson as Statler / Blind Pew / Mad Monty / Floyd Pepper / Lew Zealand / Tomato / Pirate / Skulls / Trelawney's Butler / Screaming Catvoice
    • The Muppet Christmas Carol1992IMDb rating 7.8Goelz as The Great GonzoNelson as Tiny Tim Cratchit
    • The Muppets Take Manhattan1984IMDb rating 6.9Goelz as Gonzo / Chester the Rat / Bill the Frog / Zoot / Beauregard / Jim the Dog / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / PenguinvoiceNelson as Camilla / Lew Zealand / Floyd / Bear / Chicken / Crazy Harry / Dog / Dr. Julius Strangepork / Granny / Penguin / Popsvoice
    • The Great Muppet Caper1981IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Beauregard / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Lobbuck LouvoiceNelson as Floyd Pepper / Pops / Lew Zealand / Crazy Harry / Louis Kazager / Slim Wilson / CB Voice / Man in Parkvoice
    • The Muppet Movie1979IMDb rating 7.6Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Doglion / Iraqian in El Sleezo Cafe / Nigel / PigvoiceNelson as Floyd Pepper / Crazy Harry / Robin the Frog / Lew Zealand / Camilla / Blue Fracklevoice
    • Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas1977IMDb rating 8.1Goelz as WendellNelson as Emmet Otter
  • Bill Barretta9 films together, 1996 to 2021
    Bill Barretta's page
    • Muppets Haunted Mansion2021IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as Gonzo / Bunsen / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Chip / Randy PigBarretta as Pepe the Prawn
    • Muppets Most Wanted2014IMDb rating 6.4Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / WaldorfvoiceBarretta as Pepe the King Prawn / Rowlf the Dog / Dr. Teeth / The Swedish Chef / Bobo the Bear / Big Mean Carl / Baby Boss / Carlo Flamingo / Leprechaun Security Guardvoice
    • The Muppets2011IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Kermit MoopetvoiceBarretta as Swedish Chef / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Pepe The Prawn / Bobo / Foozie Bear / Whatnot Farmer / Muppet Garyvoice
    • A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa2008IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Waldorf / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / ZootvoiceBarretta as Pepe the Prawn / Swedish Chef / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Bobo the Bear / Husband Pigeonvoice
    • The Muppets' Wizard of Oz2005IMDb rating 5.2Goelz as The Great Gonzo / The Great Gonzo as the Tin Thing / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Waldorf as Kalidah CriticvoiceBarretta as Pepe the Prawn as Toto / Dr. Teeth / Johnny Fiama / Lew Zealand / Swedish Chefvoice
    • It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie2002IMDb rating 6.2Goelz as The Great GonzoBarretta as Pepe the Prawn
    • Kermit's Swamp Years2002IMDb rating 5.3Goelz as WaldorfvoiceBarretta as Croaker / Horace D' Fly / Roy the Frog / Turtle #2voice
    • Muppets from Space1999IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as Gonzo / Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / The BirdmanvoiceBarretta as Pepe the Prawn / Bobo as Rentro / Johnny Fiama / Bubba the Rat / Cosmic Fish #2voice
    • Muppet Treasure Island1996IMDb rating 7.0Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / ZootvoiceBarretta as Clueless Morgan / Swedish Chef / Blind Pew (hands) / Pirate / Pig / Skullsvoice
  • Eric Jacobson7 films together, 2002 to 2021
    Eric Jacobson's page
    • Muppets Haunted Mansion2021IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as Gonzo / Bunsen / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Chip / Randy PigJacobson as Miss Piggy / Fozzie / Animal / Sam Eagle
    • Seth Rogen's Hilarity for Charity2018IMDb rating 5.1Goelz as Gonzo…voiceJacobson as Fozzie Bear…voice
    • Muppets Most Wanted2014IMDb rating 6.4Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / WaldorfvoiceJacobson as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Sam Eagle / Animalvoice
    • The Muppets2011IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Kermit MoopetvoiceJacobson as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam Eagle / Marvin Suggsvoice
    • A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa2008IMDb rating 6.3Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Waldorf / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / ZootvoiceJacobson as Fozzie Bear / Miss Piggy / Animal / Sam the Eaglevoice
    • The Muppets' Wizard of Oz2005IMDb rating 5.2Goelz as The Great Gonzo / The Great Gonzo as the Tin Thing / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Waldorf as Kalidah CriticvoiceJacobson as Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Fozzie Bear as the Cowardly Lion / Miss Piggy as the Witches / Animal / Sam the Eaglevoice
    • It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie2002IMDb rating 6.2Goelz as The Great GonzoJacobson as Miss Piggy
  • Jim Henson6 films together, 1977 to 2024
    Jim Henson's page
    • Jim Henson Idea Man2024IMDb rating 7.7Goelz as HimselfHenson as Himself
    • The Muppets Take Manhattan1984IMDb rating 6.9Goelz as Gonzo / Chester the Rat / Bill the Frog / Zoot / Beauregard / Jim the Dog / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / PenguinvoiceHenson as Kermit the Frog / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Waldorf / Swedish Chef / Ernie / Granny / Horse & Carriage Rider / Link Hogthrob / The Newsmanvoice
    • The Dark Crystal1982IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster (performer) / General, Garthim Master (performer)Henson as Jen, a Gelfling (performer) / High Priest, a Ritual Master (performer)
    • The Great Muppet Caper1981IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Beauregard / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Lobbuck LouvoiceHenson as Kermit the Frog / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Swedish Chef / Waldorf / The Muppet Newsman / Zeke / Man having Snapshot in Restaurantvoice
    • The Muppet Movie1979IMDb rating 7.6Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Doglion / Iraqian in El Sleezo Cafe / Nigel / PigvoiceHenson as Kermit the Frog / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Waldorf / Swedish Chef / Link Hogthrob / Doc Hopper's Menvoice
    • Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas1977IMDb rating 8.1Goelz as WendellHenson as Kermit the Frog
  • Jim HensonDirector, 4 films, 1977 to 1986
    All films by Jim Henson
    • Labyrinth1986IMDb rating 7.3Goelz as Didymus / The Hat / The Four Guards / Left Door Knocker / Firey 3voice
    • The Dark Crystal1982IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster (performer) / General, Garthim Master (performer)
    • The Great Muppet Caper1981IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Beauregard / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Lobbuck Louvoice
    • Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas1977IMDb rating 8.1Goelz as Wendell
  • Kirk R. ThatcherDirector, 4 films, 2002 to 2021
    All films by Kirk R. Thatcher
  • James BobinDirector, 2 films, 2011 to 2014
    All films by James Bobin
    • Muppets Most Wanted2014IMDb rating 6.4Goelz as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorfvoice
    • The Muppets2011IMDb rating 7.1Goelz as Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Kermit Moopetvoice
  • Also six films together1 more actor
    • Brian HensonJim Henson Idea Man (2024), Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021), The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005), Muppets from Space (1999), Labyrinth (1986) and The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

    When several people share the same number of films, the ones with the most films on Netflix are in the chart.

Box office

What Dave Goelz's films earned in cinemas worldwide.

Top of the page, the section list

Combined worldwide box office

$1.4 billion

12 of the 21 films have a worldwide figure.

Of the 21 films: 12 worldwide figure; 7 never in cinemas; 2 figure not found.

  • 12Worldwide figure
  • 7Never in cinemas
  • 2Figure not found

Top grosser

Inside Out2015as Subconscious Guard Frank (voice)$858 million

Highest grossing

The eight biggest films earned 95% of the total. The bars are drawn to scale.

  1. 1
    Inside Out2015as Subconscious Guard Frank (voice)
    $858M61.2% of the total
  2. 2
    The Muppets2011as Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf / Kermit Moopet (voice)
    $165M11.8% of the total
  3. 3
    Muppets Most Wanted2014as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Zoot / Beauregard / Waldorf (voice)
    $80M5.7% of the total
  4. 4
    The Muppet Movie1979as The Great Gonzo / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Doglion / Iraqian in El Sleezo Cafe / Nigel / Pig (voice)
    $76M5.5% of the total
  5. 5
    The Dark Crystal1982as Fizzgig, a Friendly Monster (performer) / General, Garthim Master (performer)
    $45M3.2% of the total
  6. 6
    Muppet Treasure Island1996as The Great Gonzo / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Waldorf / Zoot (voice)
    $39M2.7% of the total
  7. 7
    The Muppet Christmas Carol1992as The Great Gonzo
    $35M2.5% of the total
  8. 8
    The Great Muppet Caper1981as The Great Gonzo / Beauregard / Zoot / Dr. Bunsen Honeydew / Lobbuck Lou (voice)
    $31M2.2% of the total
The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), $25.5 millionMuppets from Space (1999), $22.3 millionLabyrinth (1986), $12.7 millionThe Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999), $11.7 million

$72.3 millionfrom the other 4 films with a worldwide figure, 5% of the total

Online

Official profiles and reference pages.

Top of the page, the section list