Frank Oz

Born:May 25, 1944

Place of Birth:Hereford, Herefordshire, England, UK

Known For:Acting

Biography

Frank Oz, born Richard Frank Oznowicz on May 25, 1944, is a versatile British-born American artist known for his contributions to the world of film and entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, Oz has showcased his talents as a film director, actor, voice actor, and puppeteer, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

One of his most iconic creations is none other than the glamorous and assertive Miss Piggy, a character beloved by audiences worldwide for her larger-than-life personality and impeccable fashion sense. Alongside Miss Piggy, Oz also brought to life the lovable and comedic Fozzie Bear on the beloved television series, The Muppet Show, capturing the hearts of viewers with his endearing performances.

In addition to his work on The Muppet Show, Frank Oz has made significant contributions to the world of cinema as a director, helming films that have become cult classics in their own right. His directorial credits include the remake of Little Shop of Horrors, a darkly comedic musical that has garnered a dedicated following, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, a witty and engaging comedy that showcases Oz's versatility behind the camera.

One of Frank Oz's most enduring legacies in the world of film is his portrayal of the wise and enigmatic Jedi Master Yoda in the Star Wars franchise. As the operator and voice of Yoda, Oz brought depth and gravitas to the character, solidifying Yoda's status as one of the most iconic figures in the Star Wars universe.

Beyond his work with puppets and in front of the camera, Frank Oz has proven himself to be a skilled and visionary director, with a keen eye for storytelling and character development. His films exhibit a unique blend of humor, heart, and creativity, captivating audiences and critics alike with their originality and charm.

Throughout his career, Frank Oz has demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhabit a diverse range of characters, from larger-than-life puppets to complex and nuanced human roles. His dedication to his craft and his passion for storytelling shine through in every performance, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and fans alike.

In addition to his work in film and television, Frank Oz has also lent his talents to various voice acting projects, bringing characters to life with his distinctive voice and unparalleled skill. His voice work adds depth and dimension to the characters he portrays, creating memorable and engaging performances that resonate with audiences of all ages.

As a multi-talented artist with a career spanning decades, Frank Oz continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world with his creativity, talent, and infectious enthusiasm for his craft. Whether behind the camera, in front of the microphone, or manipulating a puppet, Oz's contributions to the world of entertainment are truly unparalleled, cementing his legacy as a true master of his craft.

With a career as rich and varied as his, Frank Oz remains a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his creativity, talent, and enduring contributions to film and popular culture. His work continues to captivate audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the magic of imagination that Oz so brilliantly brings to life on screen.

Images

Frank Oz

Filmography

Acting

icon
icon

Inside Out 2

Mind Cop Dave (voice)

2024

icon
icon

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Yoda (voice)

2017

icon
icon

Monsters, Inc.

Jeff Fungus (voice)

2001

icon
icon

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Yoda (voice)

2019

icon
icon

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Yoda (archive sound) (uncredited)

2015

icon
icon

Knives Out

Alan Stevens

2019

icon
icon

The Empire Strikes Back

Yoda (Voice)

1980

icon
icon

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

Yoda (voice)

1999

icon
icon

Return of the Jedi

Yoda (voice)

1983

icon
icon

The Blues Brothers

Corrections Officer

1980

icon
icon

Labyrinth

The Wiseman

1986

icon
icon

Zathura: A Space Adventure

Robot (voice)

2005

icon
icon

An American Werewolf in London

Mr. Collins

1981

icon
icon

The Dark Crystal

Aughra, a Keeper of Secrets / Chamberlain

1982

icon
icon

The Muppet Movie

Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam the Eagle / Doc Hopper's Men / Marvin Suggs / Swedish Chef (hands) / Motorcycle Guy (voice)

1979

icon
icon

Spies Like Us

Test Monitor

1985

icon
icon

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit / Fozzie Bear as Fozziewig / Sam the Eagle as Headmaster of Junior High Graduates / Animal / George the Janitor / Horse and Carriage Driver / Vegetable Salesman (voice)

1992

icon
icon

Blues Brothers 2000

Warden

1998

icon
icon

Muppets from Space

Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam the Eagle (voice)

1999

icon
icon

The Muppets Take Manhattan

Miss Piggy / Fozzie / Animal / Bert / Cookie Monster / Ocean Breeze Soap Board Member / Sam the Eagle (voice)

1984

icon
icon

The Great Muppet Caper

Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Sam the Eagle / Animal (voice)

1981

icon
icon

Innocent Blood

Pathologist

1992

icon
icon

Muppet Treasure Island

Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Sam the Eagle / Animal (voice)

1996

icon
icon

Follow That Bird

Cookie Monster / Bert / Grover / Additional Muppets (voice)

1985

icon
icon

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

Self (archive footage)

2021

icon
icon

Howard

Self (archive footage)

2018

Production

icon
icon

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Director

1988

icon
icon

The Dark Crystal

Director

1982

icon
icon

The Stepford Wives

Director

2004

icon
icon

Little Shop of Horrors

Director

1986

icon
icon

The Score

Director

2001

icon
icon

Death at a Funeral

Director

2007

icon
icon

The Muppet Movie

Creative Consultant

1979

icon
icon

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Executive Producer

1992

icon
icon

The Indian in the Cupboard

Director

1995

icon
icon

What About Bob?

Director

1991

icon
icon

In & Out

Director

1997

icon
icon

Bowfinger

Director

1999

icon
icon

The Muppets Take Manhattan

Screenplay

1984

icon
icon

The Great Muppet Caper

Producer

1981

icon
icon

Muppet Treasure Island

Producer

1996