Speed Walker costume from Almost Live! ca. 1990
This “Speed Walker” costume was worn by Bill Nye (b. 1955) on the comedy show Almost Live! which aired from 1984 to 1999 on King 5 in Seattle. Nye studied mechanical engineering at Cornell University and moved to Seattle to work for Boeing and later Sundstrand Data Control. While working as an engineer, he also became interested in standup and the local comedy scene. In 1986 he left his full-time engineering job and became a writer and performer on Almost Live! In addition to gaining the moniker of “Bill Nye the Science Guy” through his comedic science demonstrations, his other most popular character was “Speed Walker.” While Superman adheres to a strict moral code, Speed Walker fights crime while maintaining strict adherence to the regulations of the International Speed Walking Association. The concept was originally written by Joe Guppy, but Guppy felt that Nye was the right person to play the goofy yet earnest hero.
ID Number: 2024.39.4.23.ONLINE
Date: 1989-1991
Physical Description: 1 Costume, Performance; cotton; Sweatshirt: 27 in.H x 21.5 in.W: Shorts: 13.5 in.H x 19 in.W
Credit: MOHAI, 2024.39.4.2-3