Zelda made her debut on The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence. The puppet had previously been used (without a wig) as a violinist on The Ed Sullivan Show. In episode 115 of The Muppet Show, it was made to look like a farmer performed by Jim Henson. A prototype version of Zelda was used for the Flower-Eating Monster bit on The Julie Andrews Hour. Zelda was often performed by Louise Gold, and occasionally by Jerry Nelson. Although Abby Hadfield performed her when she sang "Who?" on The Muppet Show, Louise Gold rerecorded her part when the song was released on The Muppet Show 2 record.