Bil Baird

This article is about the puppeteer. For the athlete, see Bill Baird (athlete).

William Britton Baird (August 15, 1904 - March 18, 1987), professional name Bil Baird, but often referred to as Bill Baird, was an American puppeteer of the mid- and late 20^th century.

One of his better known creations was Charlemane the lion. He wrote The Art of the Puppet (1965) and also provided the puppets for Dark Shadows.

Life History

Born in Grand Island Nebraska, Baird grew up in Mason City, Iowa. Baird traced his love of puppets to the moment when his father made him a simple string puppet when he was eight. In 1921, he attended a local performance of the Tony Sarg production of “Rip Van Winkle”, which cemented his interest. By the time he was fourteen, Baird was creating his own puppets and giving performances in the attic of his parent's home.

A graduate of the University of Iowa and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, he began work with childhood idol Tony Sarg in New York City in 1928.

In 1934, Baird formed his own company, the Baird Marrionettes. Their first performance was at the Chicago’s World’s Fair.

In a career which spanned over 60 years, Baird and his puppets performed for millions. They toured Russia, appeared in "The Sound Of Music" (in the famous "Goat-herder" sketch), graced many World Fairs, and were part of five Macy Day Parades.

Baird was a recipient of a multitude of awards and honors, including the Medal of Achievement -- LOTOS Club of New York City, Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Iowa, and was honored in 1980 by the Union International de la Marionette and Puppeteers of America at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

External links

[Bil Baird, Master Puppeteer]

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