‘The Muppet Show’ 50 Years Later: 19 Iconic Guest Stars Who Embraced the Madness!

Looking back 50 years later, The Muppet Show feels like something that shouldn’t have worked—and somehow worked perfectly. A felt frog hosting a weekly variety show? A backstage held together by chaos, vaudeville rhythms and groan-worthy puns? And yet, every week, it felt like an event. Not just for kids, but for parents, grandparents and anyone who loved old-school entertainment filtered through a delightfully off-kilter lens.

What really made the show, which originally aired in 1976, so special was the guest stars. Jim Henson and his team didn’t book celebrities to stand politely next to Kermit; they threw them headfirst into the madness. Broadway legends, Hollywood icons, pop stars, comedians and dramatic actors all showed up game, often poking fun at their own personas. Seeing performers like Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Gene Kelly or Bob Hope earnestly sing with pigs, frogs and bears somehow made them feel more human and, all these years later, definitely timeless.

Entertainment

Best 1976 TV Shows: 'Laverne and Shirley,' 'Charlie's Angels,' More

Television in 1976 felt like it had one foot in the comfort of the past and the other leaping straight into something brand new. The era of three networks was still firmly in place, but viewers were getting restless, wanting characters with more personality, shows with more energy and stories that reflected a changing world. […]

What follows is a look at 19 of the show’s guest stars who obviously had as much fun as the audience did. Sit back and enjoy, because it’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights…

1. Loretta Swit

Guest: Loretta Swit
Best known for: Her iconic role as Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M*A*S*H, a performance that evolved dramatically over the series’ 11-season run. Introduced initially as a rigid, by-the-book army nurse, Loretta Swit helped transform Margaret into one of television’s most fully realized female characters. Her work earned her two Emmy Awards and widespread critical respect, making her one of the defining faces of 1970s television. Beyond the series, Swit was also well known for her stage work, frequent television guest appearances, and later activism on behalf of animal welfare.
On the show: Musically, she performed (or was featured in) numbers including “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “Some of These Days” and the classic-style closer “Side by Side by Side / What Would We Do Without You?” She also appeared in two of the show’s signature recurring sketches in roles tailored to her—showing up as “Nurse Loretta” in Veterinarian’s Hospital and as “First Mate Loretta” in Pigs in Space.

2. Ethel Merman

Guest: Ethel Merman
Best known for: One of the most dominant and unmistakable stars in the history of American musical theater. Possessing a powerful, brassy voice that could cut through any orchestra without amplification, Merman originated a string of iconic Broadway roles, including Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, and Rose in Gypsy. Her bold, larger-than-life persona made her synonymous with the Golden Age of Broadway, while film adaptations and frequent television appearances introduced her to an even wider audience.
On the show: Musically, she was front and center throughout the hour, opening with “Java” and later anchoring an extended medley of Broadway duets—“You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “De Lovely,” “Together Wherever We Go,” “You’re Just in Love,” “Anything You Can Do” and “Mutual Admiration Society”—that leaned into her reputation as the ultimate musical powerhouse. One of the episode’s most memorable visual gags paired her with Animal in a silent blackout segment, contrasting her disciplined stage persona with his manic energy. She also appeared in a Talk Spot alongside Kermit and Miss Piggy, allowing for personality-driven humor, and took part in the UK-produced performance of “Don’t Sugar Me.” The show closed appropriately with Merman leading “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”

3. Elton John

Guest: Elton John
Best known for: One of the most successful and influential singer-songwriters in pop and rock history. Rising to international fame in the early 1970s, Elton John forged a distinctive sound and image through a prolific partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, producing a remarkable run of hits that blended rock, pop, and theatrical flair. Songs such as “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” made him a global superstar, while his flamboyant stage persona—complete with elaborate costumes and outsized glasses—redefined what a pop concert could be.
On the show: He performed several of his signature hits, including “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets” and “Honky Cat,” each staged with elaborate costumes, large ensembles of Muppets and exaggerated visual gags that amplified the theatricality of his music. Miss Piggy was prominently woven into the episode, most notably joining Elton on “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” reframing the pop duet as a comedic performance piece without undercutting the song itself. The Electric Mayhem Band served as a natural on-screen counterpart, reinforcing the concert atmosphere and blurring the line between guest star and house performers.

4. Billy Crystal

Guest: Billy Crystal
Best known for: He’s a versatile comedian and actor whose career spans stand-up, television, film, and hosting. He first gained widespread attention in the late 1970s as Jodie Dallas on Soap, one of television’s earliest openly gay recurring characters, showcasing his sharp comic timing and fearlessness. Crystal went on to become a major film star in the 1980s and 1990s, headlining comedies such as When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers and Analyze This, often blending humor with warmth and vulnerability. He also became synonymous with the Academy Awards, hosting the Oscars a record nine times, and later reached new generations through voice work, most notably as Mike Wazowski in Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
On the show: One of the most memorable moments featured Miss Piggy performing a parody screen test inspired by When Harry Met Sally, playfully reframing Crystal’s recent film success through the show’s anarchic lens. Musical elements included a Muppet-inflected rendition of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” while Crystal also took part in topical humor during a visit to The Eagle’s Nest, where the discussion turned to taxes. The episode balanced absurdity and satire with sketches like City Schtickers and the British-produced segment The Tubmans of Porksmith, showcasing the show’s international flavor. Crystal’s versatility was further highlighted in “Now You Has Jazz,” which leaned into exaggerated musical comedy. 

5. Connie Stevens

Guest: Connie Stevens
Best known for: Popular television and recording star of the late 1950s and 1960s whose appeal bridged teen idol culture and mainstream entertainment. She first gained national recognition as Cricket Blake on the ABC detective series Hawaiian Eye, where her combination of charm, humor and musical ability made her a standout and a fan favorite. At the same time, Stevens enjoyed success as a pop singer, scoring Top 40 hits with songs like “Sixteen Reasons” and “Kookie, Kookie (Lend Me Your Comb)” (the latter a duet with Edd Byrnes). Her career expanded to include film roles, frequent variety-show appearances and later work in television movies and reality-based programming.
On the show: Musically, Connie Stevens was featured in a range of styles, from the playful opener “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady” to more romantic material like “Teenager in Love,” “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and “Some Enchanted Evening.” She also appeared in ensemble-driven segments such as “At the Dance” and took part in the UK-produced spot “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” adding to the episode’s variety-show texture. Comedy highlights included a chaotic encounter with the Swedish Chef during “Meatballs,” the exaggerated slapstick of “Sax and Violence” and the over-the-top staging of the “1812 Overture.”

6. Gladys Knight

Guest: Gladys Knight
Best known for: She’s the powerhouse lead vocalist of Gladys Knight & the Pips, one of the most enduring and respected vocal groups in soul and R&B history. Emerging in the 1960s and reaching peak popularity in the 1970s, Knight’s emotive, gospel-inflected voice anchored a remarkable run of hits including “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Her ability to convey heartbreak, resilience and joy made her one of the definitive interpreters of American popular music. Beyond her work with the Pips, Knight has enjoyed a successful solo career, recorded for film and television soundtracks, and earned multiple Grammy Awards across decades.
On the show: She was featured across a wide stylistic range, performing standards like “Night and Day” and “God Bless the Child” alongside soul-driven material such as “Friendship Train” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” the latter serving as a natural showcase for her most recognizable sound. Knight also stepped into the show’s recurring sketch formats, appearing as The Weather Man in Veterinarian’s Hospital, where her calm delivery played against the sketch’s escalating absurdity. The episode’s variety texture was rounded out with the UK-produced spot “Alley Oop” and a visual-comedy segment built around Signor Baffi’s Knife-Throwing Act.

7. Alan Arkin

Guest: Alan Arkin
Best known for: One of the most versatile and quietly inventive actors of his generation, equally at home in broad comedy, sharp satire, and serious drama. He first gained major attention in the 1960s with an Academy Award–nominated performance in The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, followed by another nomination for The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. Over the decades, Arkin built an eclectic filmography that included comedies like Little Miss Sunshine—which earned him an Oscar win—alongside memorable roles in Catch-22 and Argo. He was also known for his work on stage, his directing, and later television roles, including the Netflix series The Kominsky Method.
On the show: Musically, he appeared in an eclectic lineup that ranged from the comic storytelling of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” to lighter fare like “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “I Got Rhythm” and “Let Me Go, Lover,” each staged with the Muppets providing visual counterpoint and absurd commentary. Arkin was also folded into one of the show’s signature recurring sketches with Pigs in Space: Weight Problems, where his restrained delivery contrasted with the exaggerated sci-fi melodrama around him.

8. Bernadette Peters

Guest: Bernadette Peters
Best known for: She’s one of the most celebrated and versatile performers in American musical theater, renowned for her distinctive voice, emotional intelligence and luminous stage presence. She rose to prominence on Broadway in the late 1960s and 1970s and became closely associated with the work of Stephen Sondheim, earning Tony Awards for her performances in Song and Dance and Annie Get Your Gun, along with iconic turns in Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods. Peters also enjoyed a successful film and television career, appearing in movies such as The Jerk and Pennies from Heaven, while frequently headlining TV specials and guest roles.
On the show: She was featured prominently in musical numbers that ranged from the playful tongue-twister “How Could You Believe Me When I Said I Loved You When You Know I’ve Been a Liar All My Life” to lighter pieces like “Take a Little One Step,” “Chopsticks,” “I’m Five” and “Apple Jack,” along with the more reflective “Just One Person.” Peters was also integrated into several of the show’s recurring formats, including an appearance as Shoe in Veterinarian’s Hospital, a visit to Muppet Labs centered on Bunsenium, and a Muppet News Flash segment. Comedy highlights included a chaotic encounter with the Swedish Chef during “Bomb Egg” and the fable-inspired sketch “The Ant and the Grasshopper.” The episode’s international flavor came through in the UK-produced spot “Sheik of Araby,” rounding out an hour that treated Peters as a versatile performer equally at home in Broadway-style musicality and the Muppets’ brand of gleeful craziness.

9. Bob Hope

Guest: Bob Hope
Best known for: You would be hard-pressed to find a more influential entertainer of the 20th century, whose career spanned vaudeville, radio, film, television and live performance. Rising to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, Hope became synonymous with rapid-fire one-liners, self-deprecating humor and a persona built around comic cowardice and charm. He starred in dozens of films—most famously the long-running Road to… series with Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour—and became a fixture of American television through his long-running NBC comedy specials. Beyond entertainment, Hope was equally renowned for his tireless work with the USO, performing for American troops around the world for more than five decades, which earned him widespread admiration and numerous honors.
On the show: Bob Hope’s episode blended his trademark one-liner humor with the show’s variety format, allowing him to move comfortably between musical numbers and topical comedy. Musically, Hope appeared in a wide-ranging selection that included “Pig Calypso,” “For What It’s Worth,” “Nola” and a closing rendition of “Don’t Fence Me In.” rThe episode also leaned heavily into recurring comedy segments, with Hope popping up in two Muppet News Flash sketches—one centered on fishing season and another on opera season—where his dry delivery played off the escalating chaos around him.

10. Brooke Shields

Guest: Brooke Shields
Best known for: She became one of the most recognizable figures to emerge from late-20th-century pop culture, achieving fame at an unusually young age as both a model and an actress. Brooke Shields first gained widespread attention as a child model before becoming a controversial yet iconic film star with roles in Pretty Baby and The Blue Lagoon, which cemented her status as a global sensation. In the 1980s, Shields became equally famous for her Calvin Klein jeans advertisements, turning her into a defining face of youth and fashion. As she matured, she successfully reshaped her career through television, stage work, and comedy, earning acclaim for roles on Suddenly Susan and later guest appearances on shows like Friends.
On the show: This was took a whimsical, storybook tone, using her presence to anchor a series of fantasy- and literature-inspired sketches. Musical moments included “Falling Song” and the wordplay-driven “These Are the Yolks, Folks,” while the UK-produced “When You’re Smiling” medley added a classic variety flourish. Much of the episode drew directly from Alice in Wonderland, with Shields featured in a surreal caterpillar scene, a staged reading of “Jabberwocky,” and an extended Mad Tea Party sequence that culminated in a group performance of “We’re Off to See the Wizard.”

11. Candice Bergen

Guest: Candice Bergen
Best known for: This is one sharp, intelligent actress whose career spans film, television and political satire, with a reputation for combining wit, authority and elegance. She first gained attention in the 1960s with prominent film roles in The Sand Pebbles and Carnal Knowledge, establishing herself as a serious screen presence rather than a conventional ingénue. Bergen later became a television icon as the title character of Murphy Brown, portraying a tough, uncompromising broadcast journalist whose career-driven independence made her a defining female character of late-20th-century television. The role earned her multiple Emmy Awards and placed her at the center of real-world cultural and political debates, particularly surrounding motherhood and women in the workplace.
On the show: She was featured in several musical numbers, including “What Now My Love,” “Put Another Log on the Fire,” “Look at That Face” and “Friends,” which allowed the episode to move between tongue-in-cheek wit and more reflective moments. Bergen also appeared in ensemble staples such as At the Dance and took part in a Talk Spot that leaned into conversational comedy rather than broad slapstick.

12. Gene Kelly

Guest: Gene Kelly
Best known for: Kelly is one of the most influential figures in the history of movie musicals, celebrated for revolutionizing screen dance with an athletic, naturalistic style that blended ballet, tap and everyday movement. Rising to stardom in the 1940s and 1950s, Kelly starred in and choreographed a string of landmark MGM musicals, most famously Singin’ in the Rain, widely regarded as the greatest movie musical ever made. His work in films such as An American in Paris and On the Town helped redefine the genre, emphasizing character, storytelling and physical exuberance over theatrical formality. Beyond performing, Kelly was also a pioneering director and choreographer who pushed technical boundaries, from integrating animation with live action to using real-world locations.
On the show:  This episode was framed as an affectionate salute to classic Hollywood musical tradition, with the material built around his identity as a dancer, singer, and screen legend. Musically, he was featured in a wide range of numbers, from the Cajun-flavored “Jambalaya” and the reflective “Cool Water” to lighter pieces like “You Wonderful You.” The episode also leaned into playful contrasts, pairing Kelly with Muppet-driven comedy in segments such as the blended “Frère Jacques” / “The Worry Song” and a climactic “Singin’ in the Rain” medley that recontextualized his most famous film moment through the show’s variety format. Kelly appeared in several of the series’ recurring sketches, including Veterinarian’s Hospital, Pigs in Space.

13. George Burns

Guest: George Burns
Best known for: One of the longest-lasting and most beloved figures in American comedy, whose career spanned vaudeville, radio, film, television and stage across more than seven decades. He first rose to fame as half of the legendary comedy duo Burns and Allen, alongside his wife, Gracie Allen, with their radio and television programs becoming cornerstones of mid-20th-century entertainment. Burns’ trademark cigar, arched eyebrow and dry, knowing delivery made him instantly recognizable, while his persona as a genial observer of life’s absurdities aged gracefully with him. In the later phase of his career, Burns enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, winning an Academy Award for The Sunshine Boys and charming new generations with his portrayal of God in Oh, God!.
On the show: Musical moments included a duet-friendly turn on “Train Back Home” with Rowlf and a large ensemble performance of “It All Depends on You” / “You Made Me Love You,” which brought together Piggy, Gonzo, Scooter, Nigel, and several Muppet regulars. Comedy highlights were spread across familiar formats, with Burns appearing in Veterinarian’s Hospital during the “Telephone” sketch and chatting casually with Gonzo in Guest Star’s Dressing Room.

14. Jean Stapleton

Guest: Jean Stapleton
Best known for: It would have to be her indelible portrayal of Edith Bunker on All in the Family, one of the most influential and controversial sitcoms in television history. As the gentle, soft-spoken wife of Archie Bunker, Stapleton created a character who initially appeared naïve but gradually revealed deep emotional intelligence, compassion and quiet strength. Her nuanced performance provided a vital counterbalance to the show’s biting political satire and earned her three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Beyond All in the Family, Stapleton enjoyed a long and respected career on stage, in television films and in guest roles, but Edith Bunker remains her defining achievement.
On the show:  Musically, she was featured in numbers such as “Tico Tico,” “Play a Simple Melody” and “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” all of which emphasized timing and personality over flash. Stapleton also appeared in ensemble staples like At the Dance and took part in the UK-produced spot “Daddy Wouldn’t Buy Me a Bow Wow.” Comedy highlights included a Talk Spot with Sam the Eagle and the Swedish Chef, where her calm demeanor played against their rigid seriousness and chaos, as well as a turn in Muppet Melodrama, which allowed her to lean into exaggerated theatrical conventions.

15. Julie Andrews

Guest: Julie Andrews
Best known for: Beloved is the word that comes to mind for this accomplished performer, celebrated for her crystalline singing voice, regal screen presence and remarkable versatility. She first achieved international stardom on Broadway, originating Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady before becoming a Hollywood icon with her Academy Award–winning debut in Mary Poppins. Andrews cemented her legacy with The Sound of Music, one of the most successful films of all time, and went on to balance musical roles with sophisticated comedies and dramas, including Victor/Victoria.
On the show: This one was shaped as a warm, music-forward hour that leaned into Julie Andrews’ association with classic film musicals while allowing the Muppets to gently disrupt that elegance. She was featured prominently in songs closely tied to her screen persona, including “The Lonely Goatherd” and “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” both reworked to accommodate puppets, sight gags, and playful interruptions. Andrews also took part in more reflective and character-driven moments, such as “Song for Kermit,” which positioned her as a gracious collaborator rather than a performer set apart. The episode wove her into the show’s regular formats as well.

16. Liza Minnelli

Guest: Liza Minnelli
Best known for: Celebrated for her electrifying stage presence, powerhouse voice and deeply emotional delivery. The daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli, she forged her own identity early, winning a Tony Award for Flora the Red Menace before achieving screen immortality as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Minnelli became synonymous with sophisticated, high-energy concert work, headlining legendary live performances such as Liza with a Z, while also appearing in films like New York, New York, Arthur and numerous television specials.
On the show: Liza Minnelli’s episode was structured almost entirely around musical performance, positioning her as a high-energy centerpiece whose theatrical intensity drove the hour. She was featured in a concentrated run of songs that emphasized both contemporary pop and classic Broadway stylings, including “Copacabana,” “Great Day” and “A Quiet Thing.” The show also leaned into Minnelli’s Broadway pedigree with a rousing rendition of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” reframed through the Muppets’ visual comedy rather than played straight.

17. Mark Hamill

Guest: Mark Hamill
Best known for: His enduring and multifaceted career bridges blockbuster film, animation, television and stage. He achieved global fame as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars and its sequels, becoming one of the most recognizable heroes in cinema history and a defining figure of modern pop culture. While the Skywalker role made him an icon, Hamill later reinvented himself as one of the most respected voice actors of his generation, particularly for his definitive portrayal of the Joker across animated series, films and video games beginning with Batman: The Animated Series. His Joker is widely regarded as the character’s gold standard. Beyond genre work, Hamill has built a strong résumé in theater, television guest appearances and genre television.
On the show: This one focused very much on Hamill’s Star Wars fame, using it as the backbone for one of the show’s most overt pop-culture parodies. The centerpiece was a two-part Pigs in Space storyline, “The Star Wars Cast Board the Swinetrek,” which transplanted the space opera mythology into the show’s long-running sci-fi spoof, complete with a mock news update announcing that “The Swinetrek Has Landed.” Outside of that narrative, Hamill was woven into a mix of musical and novelty segments, including “Rama Lama Ding Dong,” the gentle closer “You Are My Lucky Star” / “When You Wish Upon a Star” and the deliberately absurd “Six String Orchestra.” Comedy highlights included a Muppet News Flash covering the National Sheep Dog Trials and a sight gag in which Hamill and Angus McGonagle gargled “Summertime.”

18. Sylvester Stallone

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Guest: Sylvester Stallone
Best known for: He’s one of the defining action stars of the late 20th century and a rare example of a Hollywood leading man who also shaped his own mythology as a writer and filmmaker. He rose from near anonymity to international fame with Rocky, which he wrote and starred in as underdog boxer Rocky Balboa, earning Academy Award nominations and launching one of cinema’s most enduring franchises. Stallone cemented his action-hero status with the creation of John Rambo in First Blood, a character that became emblematic of 1980s action cinema and evolving portrayals of Vietnam veterans. Across decades, Stallone balanced brute physicality with emotional vulnerability, particularly in later Rocky films and Creed, which reframed his most famous role through aging, mentorship and legacy.
On the show: Stallone is repeatedly placing him in situations that undercut or gently mocked his physical image. Musical numbers included “Hawaiian War Chant,” “Lady Be Good” and “A Bird in a Gilded Cage,” along with a playful take on “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.” Physical comedy was a recurring motif, most notably in the Punching Bag segment, which leaned into expectations of brute strength, and a slapstick appearance involving Professor Albert Flan and Otto the Automatic Entertainer. Stallone was also folded into the show’s regular formats, appearing in Veterinarian’s Hospital, enduring Fozzie’s Comedy Acts and chatting casually with Link Hogthrob.

19. Steve Martin

Guest: Steve Martin
Best known for: Well excuuuuuuse us! Steve Martin is one of the most versatile entertainers to emerge from the 1970s comedy boom, seamlessly moving between stand-up, film, writing and music. He first became a cultural phenomenon through his cerebral, absurdist stand-up routines—popularized by appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Saturday Night Live—which subverted traditional joke structure and turned him into an unlikely rock-star comic. Martin successfully transitioned to film stardom with comedies such as The Jerk, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Pink Panther and Father of the Bride, blending manic humor with surprising warmth. Beyond comedy, he has earned acclaim as a novelist, playwright and accomplished bluegrass musician, winning multiple Grammy Awards.
On the show: He was featured in a barrage of novelty-driven musical numbers, including “Garbage Can-Can,” “Swanee Ribbit,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbit Round the Old Oak Tree,” “Old Man Ribbit,” “Ramblin’ Guy,” “The Varsity Drag” and “Yes, We Have No Bananas,” many of them reframed through frog-heavy wordplay and visual gags. Physical comedy was central to the episode, with Martin performing both his balloon-animal routine and his signature “Juggling Guy” act, leaning into the intentionally awkward style that defined his stand-up work of the era.