Performed by...Dave Goelz
First appearance...
The Muppet Show Episode 402: Crystal Gayle (1979)
Most recent appearance...
On-Screen - The Muppet Show Episode 417: Star Wars (1980)
Other - Disney Parks Star Wars Merchandise (2008-present)
Best known role...
Mysterious intergalactic evil being in a black suit
True identity...
The world may never know!
WHO IS DEARTH NADIR?
Dearth Nadir is a villain from The Muppet Show. Cloaked in black and wearing a mask, no one knows the true identity of this evil being. Nadir haunts the crew of the S.S. Swinetrek in the "Pigs in Space" segment in two different episodes. In his first appearance in Episode 402 with guest star Crystal Gayle, Dearth Nadir invaded the Swinetrek with his army of chicken stormtroopers. After some banter, Nadir orders his chicken-troopers to peck the crew, including Captain Link Hogthrob, Dr. Julius Strangepork, and First Mate Miss Piggy, to death.
When Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and R2-D2, from something called Star Wars, were guest stars on the show in Episode 417, they took to the Swinetrek to search for their lost comrade Chewbacca the Wookie. Their search did not last too long before their communications were hailed by that villainous scourge Dearth Nadir. The Swinetrek lands on the surface of the planet Koozebane to face Dearth Nadir, who is holding Chewbacca captive.
This leads Luke Skywalker, Captain Link Hogthrob, and the rest to face off with Dearth Nadir. As the menacing fiend approaches, breathing forcefully, he simply asks Skywalker the terrifying question... "Who's your tailor, I love that outfit!" We never get an answer, so Dearth Nadir uses some terrible power to neutralize all of the weapons--except for Chewbacca, who arrives to attack Nadir. Dearth Nadir seems defeated, until he calls in his secret weapon: Angus McGonagle the gargling Argyle Gargoyle!!
After coming to a stalemate, both Skywalker and Nadir wonder what could possibly get them out of this mess. Kermit the Frog rushes in with the answer... a song and dance number! Dearth Nadir happily joins in on performing a medley of "You Are My Lucky Star" and "When You Wish Upon a Star" before never being seen onscreen again.
Dearth Nadir has been immortalized in scores of merchandise throughout the years. He graced the cover of Muppet Magazine (shockingly unmasked), appeared in comics for both Muppet Magazine and the Muppet Babies comic book, has been seen on posters and t-shirts, and was made into a PVC and action figure at Disney Parks in 2008 (seen at right). Dearth Nadir continues to be used in a lot of Disney Parks merchandise, and the world may still never know who he is.WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED DEARTH NADIR?
No one needs this villainous scourge! He is ruthless and menacing to the entire galaxy. If only we knew his true identity...
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com