In 1976, Goelz joined the rest of the Henson team and flew to London to begin work on "The Muppet Show". In addition to reprising his role of Zoot and playing background roles, as in the earlier specials, Goelz was promoted to "Principal Muppet Performer" with the starring role of The Great Gonzo. The puppet had debuted in "The Great Santa Claus Switch", as Cigar Box Frackle, and had made brief appearances in Muppet Meeting Films and "Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass", with different performers. The sad-eyed creation was now given a permanent name and puppeteer. However, in addition to playing Gonzo, Goelz was still employed in the Muppet Workshop.