Carlson, who hails from California, is well known for his work with Jim Henson including the television series Sesame Street, Dinosaurs (1991-1994, with fellow "muppeteer" Michelan Sisti)and Muppets Tonight (1996-1998) and the feature films Muppet Classic Theater (1994), Elmopalooza (1998), Dr. Doolittle (1998) and its sequel Dr. Doolittle 2 (2001), Cats & Dogs (2001, with Michael Clarke Duncan and Salome Jens), and The Muppets (2011, with Bill Cobbs). Carlson also teaches puppetry for film and television and is the National Chairperson of the SAG Puppeteers Committee.