"My mouth's bleeding Bert! My mouth's bleeding! Zuzu's petals..." Always loved Bert the cop (Ward Bond) and Ernie the cab driver (Frank Faylen aka Herbert T. Gillis in the Many Loves of Dobie Gillis) and so did Jim Henson 😁 #ernieandbert #jimhenson #collectorscall

 I posted this comment and photo on ZUZU'S PETALS Facebook page and a member made the comment "The naming of the characters rumor was dispelled by family members."  Yeah right, it was a coincidence.   I know for a fact that The Count on Sesame Street was based on Jack Davis' design of Dracula from Rankin/Bass' Mad Monster Party and his other Dracula art.   I have a friend who actually discussed it with Jim at the time.   I am sure the family would dispel that too, but it is true.