Jim Henson

Date of Birth: September 24, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: May 16, 1990

Biography

James Maury Henson, better known as Jim Henson, was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker renowned for his creation of The Muppets. Born on September 24, 1936, in Greenville, Mississippi, Henson displayed a keen interest in art and performance from a young age. He began his foray into puppetry during his high school years and created the character of Kermit the Frog while attending the University of Maryland, College Park. Henson’s career catapulted to fame with the launch of “Sam and Friends,” a local television show featuring his Muppets, which eventually led to the creation of “Sesame Street” in 1969. His work on “The Muppet Show,” which premiered in 1976, made him a household name and brought characters like Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo into popular culture. In addition to his television success, Henson directed and produced several films, including “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), and “The Dark Crystal” (1982). His innovative use of puppetry and animatronics revolutionized the entertainment industry. Henson continued to create and innovate until his untimely death on May 16, 1990, from bacterial pneumonia. His legacy lives on through the continued popularity of The Muppets and his influence on generations of puppeteers and entertainers.

5 Interesting Facts about Jim Henson

1. Jim Henson created his first puppets while still in high school.

2. Kermit the Frog, one of Henson’s most iconic characters, was originally made from Henson’s mother’s old coat and a ping pong ball.

3. Henson was posthumously inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991.

4. He was awarded the Disney Legends Award in 2011 for his contribution to the entertainment industry.

5. Henson’s film “The Dark Crystal” was one of the first to use animatronics extensively.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jim Henson

1. “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.”

2. “When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world.”

3. “There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met.”

4. “The most sophisticated people I know – inside they are all children.”

5. “My hope is still to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Jim Henson’s net worth was estimated to be around $100 million.

Children

Jim Henson had five children: Lisa Henson, Cheryl Henson, Brian Henson, John Henson, and Heather Henson. Many of his children have continued his legacy in puppetry and filmmaking.