Ricky & Doris: An Unconventional Friendship in New York City. With Puppets!

Ricky Syers is an off-beat 50 year old street performer who found his calling as a puppeteer after a lifetime of manual labor. While performing in New York City’s Washington Square Park, he met Doris Diether, an 86 year old community activist. They became friends and he made a marionette that looks just like her. Now she’s joined his act and the two of them can often be seen performing together.

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Ricky & Doris: An Unconventional Friendship in New York City. With Puppets!

00:00 Introduction
00:37 Ricky's puppet and marionette garage workshop
01:38 Anatomy of a marionette puppet
02:07 How Ricky got interested in puppetry and marionettes
03:15 Doris likes to meet interesting people at the park
04:12 Ricky and Doris perform with marionettes at the park

[PEREYRALA]

"I'd rather die on the street as a street performer, than try to create a life that satisfies someone else." Well spoken sir. Many people would love to be free, but few have the actual fortitude to make it happen.

[jenweber]

I’m sitting here smiling like a dork watching this 😂 this is beautiful! I would love to meet them both

[KongKaiju]

Doris has sadly passed away in September of 2021. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. We need more uplifting content like this in our daily lives.

[sophiechandler]

That dog puppet is genius! What an amazing guy and talented puppeteer. 🤩 She is a fabulous lady too! Very heartwarming 🥰

[ricpowers]

This is a guy who has followed his heart. He refused to continue being an imposter of himself as a laborer, and embraced his true self as a puppeteer type dude. Best to you brother.

[Paladin]

He seems to fill the role of the son that this sweet childless lady never had. Beautiful story.

[brooklynn]

Simple act of kindness is all it takes to start a beautiful friendship. Im so happy they found each other.

[angelapietras]

These puppets are so cute I could have watched them for hours, love that dog.🥰

[leenabel]

My sister and I met Ricky and "Chops" about 6 years ago outside a bar in Dunellen, NJ. We were amazed by his talent and artistry and hired him to do a private performance for the children in our family. I was cleaning today and came across one of the photos. Decided to check online to see what Ricky was up to. So glad to see this video telling his story. Thanks AARP!

[mtnwriter]

"I hated work more than anybody." ""Music was my half-step out." "I was an artist trying to be all those other things." Brother, you took the words right out of my mouth, and the mouths of so many others. Well said. I could even feel the anguish as you spoke those words.

[zoehumphrey]

Just a thought....can you imagine....a whole load of people like him teaching our children...as the song says...”what a wonderful place this would be”....peace❤️❤️❤️

[KainTheMoon]

Such an uplifting story. Proof that you're never too late to learn something new, or make a new friend. Two fine souls. May Doris RIP.

[puffpuffpass]

It's Amazing how many people are out there with hidden talents that have never been seen.
Totally Amazing to see. Thanks 👌👏

[mscpcrystal]

Some people are just "cool" without trying at all. God bless the artists.

[svenlundergard]

"I was an artist trying to be all of those other things" and "I'd rather die on the streets doing what I love to do..." Love this talented guy and his beautiful friend. Such an amazing artist!!!

[Havanacuba]

When I first started watching this I thought that was a real dog for a few seconds, the way it moves is amazing, what an inspirational pair of people

[tfoy]

When i see people like this...i weep for what this country is capable of being ...and afraid of what it is becoming...we need more people who do not see age or color or anything but another interesting human being to connect with

[terencem]

This guy knows how to truly live the gift of life.❤

[fleaflicker]

I need this to be a series!! I need more of them!💞

[tracyfox]

Awww! How often do people just stop and talk to someone elderly let alone become dear friends?! Such a sweet story! I really love seeing that some people haven’t lost their humanity and are still generally caring about others.❤️
Ricky is soooo talented! His marionettes are absolutely fantastic!!😍