Count von Count
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Count von Count (b. October 9, 1,830,653 BC? (1,832,652 years old according to Sesame Street Unpaved)), often known as simply "The Count," is one of the Muppet characters on Sesame Street, performed by Jerry Nelson. He is a vampire.
The Count's main purpose is educating children on simple mathematics concepts, most notably counting. The Count has a compulsive love of counting (arithmomania); he will count anything and everything, regardless of size, amount, or how much annoyance he is causing the other Muppets. Some have suggested that including an obsessive-compulsive Muppet on the children's program was Jim Henson's way of teaching young people about the nature of those with mental disorders, and how they should be accepted socially and treated the same as the general population. This is a minority viewpoint, however, it does jibe with the overall educational message of Sesame Street.
Interestingly, some traditional vampire myths depict vampires as having a similar obsession with counting small objects, providing a means of distracting them by tossing a handful of seeds or salt on the ground. The Count's own arithromania may simply be a coincidence, however, inspired by the pun on his title of nobility. According to his theme song, The Song of the Count: "When I'm alone, I count myself. One count!"
Originally, following a counting session, the Count would laugh maniacally, "AH! AH! AH!" as thunder roared overhead. This practice, however, has been discontinued, as it scared too many modern children.
When the Count sings, the background music resembles gypsy music, no matter what the song.
The Count bears a noticeable resemblance to Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula, including a similar accent and oversized, pointed eye-teeth, but it would appear that he is different from other vampires. For example, most vampires wither in direct sunlight; the Count does not and in fact enjoys being outside.
The Count lives in a castle which he shares with many bats. Sometimes he counts them. Some of the pet bats are named, including Grisha, Misha, Sasha, and Tattiana. He has a cat, Fatatatita, as well.
The Count is very occasionally seen to have a girlfriend, Countess Dahling Von Dahling. His brother and mother have made appearances on the show.
History of the character on Sesame Street
The Count debuted on Sesame Street in Season 4 (1972-73), performed by Jerry Nelson.
He made an appearance in The Muppets Take Manhattan, then in Sesame Street movies Follow That Bird and Elmo in Grouchland.
In Season 33, the Count got a daily segment on Sesame Street, simply called The Number of the Day.
Other notes
- In the Mexican show Plaza Sésamo, the Count's name is El Conde Contar.
- In the Dutch show Sesamstraat, the Count's name is Graaf Tel.
- In the German show Sesamstraße, the Count's name is Graf Zahl.
- Once, he hypnotized Bert and Ernie.
- In one episode, his sheep went on strike because he would not stop counting them. In another, he stays for the night at Bert and Ernie's house, but counts all night, preventing Ernie from falling asleep.nl:Graaf Tel