Recommended music: Rowlf – Cottleston Pie
It’s time to play the music with this #SomethingElseSunday post from the archives. Today, we’re celebrating 70 years of the Muppets and taking a look at the Palisades Toys Muppets Rowlf!
Rowlf the Dog debuted in Dog Chow commercials in 1962 and, by the following year, became the first Muppet to achieve nationwide recognition as a cast member on The Jimmy Dean Show. Performed exclusively by Jim Henson until 1990, Rowlf regularly appeared on The Muppet Show as the resident pianist and featured in recurring sketches such as “Veterinarian’s Hospital.”
Rowlf has contributed significantly to the music and humor of the Muppets over several decades. He was the first character featured in Muppet Studios’ year-long celebration of its 70th anniversary, which spotlights a different Muppet each week. Although I am behind since the celebration began last year, I intend to catch up at some point.
The sculpt for this Rowlf in a tuxedo figure was first shown with a White Tux Rowlf giveaway at Toy Fair 2002. About a year later, this version was released as part of the third wave of Palisades Toys figures. The tuxedo Rowlf was the only way to get the character on its own card. The regular version without clothes was made at the same time, but it was only available with the rare Backstage playset at the end of 2004.
This version included a baby grand piano, a bust of Beethoven for display, and a figure stand. I chose to pick up this figure loose, as I believe the upright piano and dollhouse candelabra better reflect Rowlf’s aesthetic in the Muppet Show’s “Rowlf at the Piano” segments.
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Dale's Toys 