About René and His Artists

RENE [1927-2014]
From early in his childhood, Rene dedicated himself to perfecting the skills of performer and builder. Through the years, his enthusiasm remained as strong as it was the day he began hand-carving his first marionette from a block of wood, just as the legendary Geppetto created Pinocchio. It was with this zeal that René to created beautiful puppets, with a true craftsman’s painstaking attention to detail to the end of his life.


Rene performed his unique style of puppetry for many years. From film and television to Las Vegas showrooms, luxury cruise ships, and clubs abroad, Rene is known all over the world. His family shows delighted visitors at Southern California’s most famous tourist attractions such as Knott’s Berry Farm, the San Diego Zoo, and Universal Studios Hollywood, just to name a few.  And his puppets can be seen in commercials for Mercedes Benz, JC Penney, Toyota, Continental Airlines and the California Dairy Association.


JOE SELPH
Joe has been entertaining audiences throughout the Los Angeles area for more than 25 years.  An accomplished magician, clown, and puppeteer, he has been labeled “L.A.’s most unique children’s entertainer”.  He is also well known for his work in film and television with The Jim Henson Company as well as Universal Studios, Sony Pictures, and PBS.


As a child, Joe received his first marionette as a gift, which sparked his lifelong love of the art of puppetry.  He continued to collect marionettes throughout his childhood, performing shows for friends and family.  When he moved to the Los Angeles area, he was introduced to Rene who hired him to perform at birthday parties and private events.  A few years later they began performing as a team, taking their unique style of puppetry to events all over the Southern California area.

Joe continues the outstanding tradition of René performances throughout the year. Be sure to check the schedule to experience the wonder of this amazing work!

 

Contact Us via email: inquiry@renesmarionettes.com or call 818.848.6809