Date of Birth: September 24, 1959
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Biography
Steven Lawrence Whitmire, known professionally as Steve Whitmire, is an American puppeteer and voice actor, best known for his work with the Muppets. Born on September 24, 1959, in Atlanta, Georgia, Whitmire began his career in the late 1970s, joining the Jim Henson Company in 1978. He initially started as a background puppeteer on “The Muppet Show” and gradually took on more significant roles. Whitmire is renowned for inheriting two of Jim Henson’s most iconic characters after Henson’s untimely death in 1990: Kermit the Frog and Ernie from “Sesame Street.” His performances have been integral to the Muppets franchise, contributing to films, television series, and live performances. Whitmire’s dedication to preserving the spirit and integrity of these beloved characters has earned him acclaim from both fans and colleagues alike. In addition to Kermit and Ernie, Whitmire has performed several other Muppet characters, including Rizzo the Rat, Bean Bunny, and Wembley Fraggle from “Fraggle Rock.” His tenure with the Muppets lasted until 2016 when he was controversially replaced as Kermit the Frog. Despite this, Whitmire remains a respected figure in the world of puppetry and entertainment.
5 Interesting Facts about Steve Whitmire
1. Steve Whitmire worked with the Muppets for nearly four decades, from 1978 to 2016.
2. He was handpicked by Jim Henson to take over the role of Kermit the Frog after Henson’s death.
3. Whitmire has performed in every Muppet movie from “The Muppet Movie” (1979) to “Muppets Most Wanted” (2014).
4. He voiced Ernie on “Sesame Street” from 1993 to 2014.
5. Whitmire was replaced as Kermit the Frog in 2017, a decision that was met with substantial public and media attention.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Steve Whitmire
1. “Kermit is not just a puppet; he’s a part of me.”
2. “The Muppets are a family, and like any family, we have our ups and downs.”
3. “Jim Henson taught me that characters need heart, and that’s what I always tried to bring to Kermit.”
4. “Puppetry is an art form that combines many different skills, from acting to engineering.”
5. “I always felt a great responsibility to maintain the legacy of Jim Henson.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Steve Whitmire’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Steve Whitmire does not have any publicly known children.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Steve Whitmire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Whitmire
2. [IMDb: Steve Whitmire](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0926247/
3. [Muppet Wiki: Steve Whitmire](https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Steve_Whitmire
4. [Interview with Steve Whitmire on ToughPigs](http://www.toughpigs.com/steve-whitmire-interview/
5. [Steve Whitmire’s Official Website](http://www.stevewhitmire.website/
