This interview—and video—show that Brett Goldstein is a bigger Muppets fan than anyone
It’s no secret that Brett Goldstein loves the Muppets. The Ted Lasso writer and star took his multiple Emmy awards and newfound fame and went straight to a guest appearance on Sesame Street. Now, he’s sitting down with the Muppets to talk about one of his favorite holiday traditions: watching The Muppet Christmas Carol. While he may play the Scrooge-like Roy Kent on TV, Goldstein is actually sweet and kind IRL, and you’re going to want to watch every second of this adorable interview on EW’s “Around the Table.”
“My name is Brett Goldstein. I’m an actor, a writer, a director, a plumber, and I love the Muppets,” Goldstein says at the start of the video, which features Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Robin. “Sure, Citizen Kane and Vertigo are good films, but I think we can all agree that, objectively, the greatest film of all time is The Muppet Christmas Carol. It is my huge honor and great delight that I am joined today by the original cast of The Muppet Christmas Carol to reminisce and talk about the 30th anniversary of that masterpiece.”
In the wide-ranging interview, Goldstein asks the muppets about their favorite parts of the movie, the filming experience, and which songs stand the test of time (spoiler alert: it’s all of them).
“My favorite part? Being Charles Dickens, a great author whose last name rhymes with chickens,” Gonzo says. “Let’s face it. I was perfect for the part.”
Kermit adds, “The skating on the ice. That was a lot of fun, especially for a frog. We haven’t had ice in the swamp since the pre-Cambrian era, so that was a real treat for me.”
And for Robin? “Oh, gee. There was so many. I liked the whole movie. Actually one of the most difficult parts for me was pretending that Uncle Kermit was my father. I kept calling him, “Uncle Kermit,” instead of Father Dad.”
In true Miss Piggy style, the Queen of the Muppets’ favorite part of the movie was, “letting loose on Scrooge and telling him what I thought of him. Everybody credits those three ghosts for changing his attitude, but I think it was moi yelling at him that really made him change.”
Goldstein used the interview to reveal that, even 30 years after the movie’s release, he still cries at the sound of coughing. He also personally extended an invitation (from himself and the Royal Family) for the Muppets to return to London anytime.
In case there’s any doubt about Goldstein’s undying love for the Muppets and this movie, he once performed the entire film (with singing included) in six minutes to raise money for Parkinson’s research—and yes, there’s video.
And if that doesn’t put you right in the holiday spirit, bah humbug, because nothing will.
Celebrate The Muppet Christmas Carol‘s 30th anniversary by streaming the movie on Disney+.
