Billy the Bear is a brown bear who debuted in episode 301 of The Muppet Show. He appeared when the Swedish Chef broadcast from the forest in episode 401 (performed by Richard Hunt), but didn't get his name until episode 412 (performed by Dave Goelz), where he won a Fred Award for Best Bear Comedian. The puppet was later refurbished into Vernon the Grizzly Bear for episode 122 of The Animal Show.