Jerry Nelson, Voiced Sesame Street's Count von Count, Dead at 78

The puppeteer behind Sesame Street's Count von Count has died. Jerry Nelson passed away Thursday night in his Cape Cod, Massachusetts home, according to the Los Angeles Times. Nelson, who was 78, had been suffering from emphysema.

Nelson joined Sesame Street in 1970. He stopped handling the Count puppet in 2004, but he continued to voice the character until his death. His voice will be featured on the upcoming season of Sesame Street, which premieres September 24.

Nelson lent his talents to several other Muppets, as noted by Sesame Workshop in a statement Friday. The statement read in part, "He will forever be in our hearts and remembered for the artistry in his puppetry, his music, and the laughter he brought to children worldwide through his portrayal of Count von Count, Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock, the Amazing Mumford and many other beloved characters."

Among those other beloved characters: Fraggle Rock's Gobo Fraggle.