Muppet creator Jim Henson began creating characters in college, such as ‘Kermit the Frog’ as a puppeteer. In 1969, he became a producer on Sesame Street, a popular kids’ show. In 1976, he created ‘The Muppet Show.’ ‘The Muppet Movie was the first of many films featuring Henson’s characters. Henson was honored with Emmys, Grammys, and a Peabody Award for his work.
Henson began creating puppets in high school. As a freshman at the University of Maryland, College Park, he created ‘Sam and Friends (1955–1961)’, a short-form comedy television program, collaborating with Jane Nebel. The two later married. In addition to producing coffee advertisements and developing experimental films, he earned a degree in home economics from the University of Maryland. He co-founded Muppets, Inc. with Jane Henson in 1958, which later became The Jim Henson Company. He joined ‘Sesame Street (1969-present)’ in 1969, helping to develop Muppet characters for the children’s educational television series.
Additionally, he and his team appeared on the first season of the sketch comedy show ‘Saturday Night Live (1975–present)’. He produced ‘The Muppet Show (1976-81)’ during this time. His characters, including Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog, and Ernie, made him famous. Jim Henson founded the Jim Henson Foundation and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in his later years
Henson died of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in New York City on May 16, 1990. In 1991, he was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2011, he was named a Disney Legend.
Below are some fabulous photos of Jim Henson from his life and career.
