Body-carried or worn, mechanically remotely-controlled novelty devices include one or more articulated members, each in the shape of a whimsical or anatomical feature, that may be covertly actuated by bending a digit, writs, etc. of a human wearer. The articulated member(s) may be attached to a headband, belt, slipper, shoulder strap or the like. A hinged, pivoted or bendable portion of each articulated member may be coupled by a Bowden cable extending down the user's sleeve to an actuator, such as a ring, lever or key, proximate the user's hand. Actuator levers may be installed in slippers, or the like, and coupled to articulated members having shapes, such as mouths or extended toe portions of the slippers, to animate the articulated members. In elaborate embodiments, each finger or toe may actuate a different portion of an articulated member or a distinct articulated member.