Jim Henson

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Wilkins and Wontkins reproductions

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Jim Henson, creator, The Muppets -full

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Lucas - Henson - 1986

Jim Henson (1989) headshot

Mickeykermit

English Heritage blue plaque at Jim Henson's former home (close)

Jim Henson (September 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990) was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, filmmaker, and screenwriter who achieved worldwide fame as the creator of The Muppets. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, and raised in Hyattsville, Maryland, Henson began developing puppets while attending the University of Maryland, College Park. He created Sam and Friends (1955–1961), a five-minute puppet show for WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. The characters, including the first version of Kermit the Frog, introduced a complex, benevolent form of puppetry that would characterize Henson's later work.

The success of Sam and Friends led to appearances on national talk shows and advertising work, and eventually to the creation of Sesame Street in 1969, where Henson and his team developed characters such as Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Ernie. Sesame Street became a revolutionary educational children's program, still broadcast worldwide. In 1976, Henson created The Muppet Show, which starred Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and many other characters. The show was an international success and led to several spin-off movies such as The Muppet Movie (1979), The Great Muppet Caper (1981), and The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984).

Henson also founded the Jim Henson Company, the Jim Henson Foundation, and Jim Henson's Creature Shop, where he continued to innovate in the field of puppetry with projects like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including Emmys, Grammys, a Peabody Award, and a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Henson was known for his ability to bring characters to life in a way that was full of warmth, humor, and imagination. He believed in the power of storytelling and the importance of creating content that could speak to both children and adults. His legacy is carried on through his company, his foundation, and his family, continuing to influence the world of entertainment and the art of puppetry.

Henson's sudden death from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in 1990 at the age of 53 was met with worldwide shock and mourning. Tributes were held across the globe, reflecting the broad impact of his work on popular culture. His contributions to entertainment and the arts made him an iconic figure of the 20th century, and his characters and storytelling continue to be beloved by new generations.

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