Voice behind Ernie mourns passing of friend: 'We had such a good time'

Wim T. Schippers, the beloved Dutch voice actor behind Ernie, Count von Count, and Kermit the Frog, has passed away at the age of 83. Schippers died last week in Amsterdam.

His passing has been marked by heartfelt tributes from those who worked with him. A particularly touching obituary appeared in the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, signed by "your little friend Bert." This message, penned by Paul Haenen, the voice of Bert, read: "Dear Ernie, you will live on, but you will never be the same. We had such a good time. Your little friend Bert."

“

Dear Ernie, you will live on, but you will never be the same. We had such a good time. Your little friend Bert.

The broadcaster NTR, which airs "Sesame Street" in the Netherlands, also honored Schippers with its own obituary. The tribute emphasized his unparalleled ability to voice Ernie, stating, "No one in the whole world could imitate Ernie as well as he could. We are proud that he will continue to speak for Kermit the Frog, Ernie, and Count von Count forever in Sesame Street."

“

No one in the whole world could imitate Ernie as well as he could. We are proud that he will continue to speak for Kermit the Frog, Ernie, and Count von Count forever in Sesame Street.