Although he passed away nearly 35 years ago, the world is still surrounded and impacted by the incredible creativity of puppeteer, animator, and filmmaker Jim Henson.
James Maury Henson was born on September 24, 1936, in Greenville, Mississippi, and had a wild imagination from the start. When he was in high school, he began creating puppets, and when he was just 19 years old, he created his first puppet-based show, Sam and Friends. While Sam might have been the titular character, it was his amphibious friend who would change Henson’s life.
The Muppets — featuring Kermit the Frog, Ms. Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sam Eagle, and so many more iconic characters — would not only make Jim Henson a legend, but they would change the world. And as incredible as it seems, they were not the only puppets created by Henson who would have a lasting impact on society.
In 1969, a brand-new show created by Mr. Henson would premiere, and its characters would be unforgettable. Sesame Street featured a big yellow bird named Big Bird, a creature who lived in a trash can named Oscar the Grouch, best friends Bert and Ernie, and a blue monster obsessed with cookies.
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Over the years, Sesame Street has taught young children how to count and learn their ABCs. They have also introduced characters who have struggled with homelessness and cognitive disorders like autism.
In 1983, Jim Henson and his team continued to amaze with the premiere of a new series called Fraggle Rock. While the show was not as educational as Sesame Street, it is still fondly remembered and loved by those who grew up watching it. The Fraggles live a life full of music, singing, and dancing in their magical cages.
There is hardly a life that has not been touched and made better by Jim Henson and the characters he created. And on what would have been his 88th birthday, Disney teamed up with Sesame Workshop and Jim Henson Productions to honor the man who started it all.
A heartfelt video was released featuring Kermit, Oscar, and Gobo Fraggle. Kermit is enjoying the lovely day and reflecting on its importance when Gobo pops out of a trash can. He says that he has never “traveled through a Fraggle Cave like that before.”
Gobo sees Kermit and asks him if he wants to explore outer space. Kermit declines his offer and says that it is a special day, one on which he thinks about creativity and how it’s everywhere.
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Suddenly, Oscar the Grouch pops up and tells Kermit and Gobo that they are “ruining a perfectly rotten day.” Kermit leads Gobo to a nearby pond, where they can swim and find good flies. Once they are out of sight, Oscar takes out a homemade bouquet and places it on the bench next to his trash can. A sign over the trash can reads, “Happy Birthday Jim.”
You can watch the touching video below. But beware, you might want to have a tissue handy.
Jim Henson’s dedication and creativity can still be felt by Disney fans around the world. Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort in Florida can head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and watch Muppet*Vision 3D.
If you can make it to the theme parks, there is a ton of Muppet content to enjoy on Disney+. Guests can watch hit movies like Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021), The Muppets (2011), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), The Great Muppet Caper (1981), and so many more.
What is your favorite Jim Henson creation? Let us know in the comments!