Jim Henson

Born:September 24, 1936

Place of Birth:Greenville, Mississippi, USA

Died:May 16, 1990

Known For:Directing

Biography

Jim Henson, a visionary creator in the world of entertainment, left an indelible mark on popular culture as an American film director, television producer, and puppeteer. Born on September 24, 1936, in Greenville, Mississippi, Henson's passion for puppetry began at a young age, setting the stage for his iconic career.

With a keen eye for storytelling and a knack for innovation, Henson revolutionized the art of puppetry through his groundbreaking work on beloved projects like "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show." His imaginative characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Big Bird, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning him a place in the pantheon of entertainment legends.

Beyond his work with The Muppets, Henson's creative genius extended to film directing, where he brought enchanting worlds to life in movies like "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth." His distinctive blend of whimsy, humor, and heartfelt storytelling set him apart as a master of his craft, inspiring generations of artists and storytellers.

As a television producer, Henson's contributions to children's programming were nothing short of revolutionary, blending education with entertainment in a way that resonated with audiences of all ages. His commitment to fostering creativity and imagination through his work continues to be felt in the enduring legacy of The Jim Henson Company.

Despite his untimely passing in 1990, Jim Henson's influence endures, with his work continuing to captivate and inspire new audiences through reboots, spin-offs, and timeless reruns. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of puppetry and storytelling lives on in the countless artists and performers who have been inspired by his trailblazing spirit.

Throughout his career, Henson's passion for puppetry was matched only by his commitment to creating meaningful and memorable entertainment experiences for audiences around the world. His ability to infuse his characters with depth, humor, and humanity set a new standard for puppetry and solidified his place as a true pioneer in the world of entertainment.

Jim Henson's legacy as a creative visionary and master storyteller continues to shine brightly, reminding us of the power of imagination, empathy, and the enduring magic of puppetry. Through his iconic creations and timeless contributions to film and television, he remains a beloved figure whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

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Jim Henson
Jim Henson

Filmography

Acting

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Labyrinth

Goblins (uncredited)

1986

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Rocky III

Kermit the Frog (voice)

1982

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The Dark Crystal

Jen / High Priest, Ritual Master

1982

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The Muppet Movie

Kermit the Frog / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Waldorf / Doc Hopper's Men / Link Hogthrob / Swedish Chef (voice)

1979

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Muppets Most Wanted

Kermit The Frog (archival recordings) (uncredited)

2014

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Into the Night

Man on Phone

1985

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The Muppets Take Manhattan

Kermit the Frog / Rowlf / Dr. Teeth / Waldorf / Swedish Chef / Ernie / Granny / Horse & Carriage Rider / Link Hogthrob / The Newsman (voice)

1984

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Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

Self (archive footage)

2021

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The Great Muppet Caper

Kermit the Frog / Rowlf the Dog / Dr. Teeth / Waldorf / Swedish Chef / The Muppet Newsman

1981

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Follow That Bird

Kermit the Frog / Ernie (voice)

1985

Production

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Labyrinth

Director

1986

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The Muppets

Characters

2011

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The Dark Crystal

Story

1982

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The Muppet Movie

Characters

1979

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The Witches

Executive Producer

1990

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The Muppet Christmas Carol

Characters

1992

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze

In Memory Of

1991

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Muppets Most Wanted

Characters

2014

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Muppets Haunted Mansion

Characters

2021

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The Muppets Take Manhattan

Characters

1984

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Muppet Treasure Island

Characters

1996

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It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

Characters

2002

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The Great Muppet Caper

Characters

1981

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Follow That Bird

Characters

1985

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Muppets from Space

Characters

1999

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The Muppets' Wizard of Oz

Characters

2005