Bill Barretta

William Paul Barretta (born June 19, 1964) is an American puppeteer, actor, producer, writer and director, who is best known for providing the puppetry and voice of characters such as Pepe the King Prawn, Johnny Fiama, Big Mean Carl, and Bobo the Bear. He originated the role of Louie, Elmo's dad, on Sesame Street. Barretta also inherited the roles of Rowlf the Dog, The Swedish Chef, Mahna Mahna, and Dr. Teeth after the death of Muppet creator Jim Henson. Early life Barretta was born William Paul Barretta in Yardley, Pennsylvania on June 19, 1964. He is the younger brother of children's book author and illustrator Gene Barretta. The brothers attended St. Mary's Hall-Doane Academy in Burlington, New Jersey. Bill eventually became a carpenter. He met Brian Henson while they were working at Sesame Place. Career Barretta has been performing with The Muppets since 1991, when he puppeteered the body of Sinclair family patriarch, Earl Sinclair on Dinosaurs. He later developed several new characters on Muppets Tonight, including Pepe the King Prawn, Johnny Fiama, Big Mean Carl, and Bobo the Bear.