AceShowbiz -

Jerry Nelson, a longtime family member of "Sesame Street", has died. The puppeteer who voiced arithmomaniac vampire Count von Count was mourned by friends and colleagues at the Sesame Workshop and Jim Henson Company.

Jerry, who was also a member of "The Muppet Show", "Fraggle Rock" and various Muppet movies, reportedly died of complications from the various cancers and respiratory diseases that he suffered in his final years. He was 78 years old.

"A member of the Sesame Street family for more than 40 years, he will forever be in our hearts and remembered for the artistry in his puppetry, his music, and the laughter he brought to children worldwide through his portrayal of Count von Count, Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock, the Amazing Mumford and many other beloved characters," read a statement on the Sesame Workshop.

Lisa Henson, the CEO of Jim Henson, also sent condolence, "Jerry Nelson imbued all his characters with the same gentle, sweet whimsy and kindness that were a part of his own personality. He joined The Jim Henson Company in the earliest years, and his unique contributions to the worlds of Fraggles, Muppets, Sesame Street and so many others are, and will continue to be, unforgettable."

The Sesame Workshop concluded, "We will miss his extraordinary spirit and the joy he brought to our Street," while the Jim Henson executive added, "On behalf of the Henson family and everyone at The Jim Henson Company, our deepest sympathies go out to Jerry's family and to his many fans."