Vanessa Williams Dishes About Elmo!
Of all the leading men in the multimedia career of Vanessa Williams, Kevin Clash is — by far — the least recognized.
In fact, this strappingly handsome, soft-spoken and unassuming African-American gentleman may be the most famous anonymous star in the celebrity universe. For Clash, a puppeteer since his childhood in Baltimore, provides the voice and movements for Elmo, Sesame Street's stringy red ambassador of mirth and frequent collaborator with the divine Ms. Williams.
On the night of July 4, Williams and Elmo will perform a duet during A Capitol Fourth, the annual PBS music-and-fireworks spectacular broadcast from Washington (check local listings). Jason Alexander will host this year's brassy extravaganza, featuring Stevie Wonder, Jo Dee Messina, Michael Bolton, the National Symphony and, yes, the crouching, heard-but-not-seen Kevin Clash, who, as Elmo, will lead the nation in singing a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" to the U.S.A.
"Kevin is a consummate pro," says Williams of her friend and sometimes singing partner. "He's got great ideas, he's funny, he's warm, and, amazingly, he always hits the notes in an octave higher than anyone else sings. Working with him — and Elmo — is a no-lose situation."
