to honour the memory of Jim Henson.
Saturday May 16th, 2020 marked
the 30th Anniversary of Jim's passing.
September 24th, 2020 would have
been Jim's 84th Birthday.
Please continue to submit your thoughts
on what Jim Henson has meant to you.
Please send them to me at:
bknatchbull@gmail.com
on what Jim Henson has meant to you.
Please send them to me at:
bknatchbull@gmail.com
Thanks!
September, 2019
"I have been a fan of Jim Henson's magnificent work since early childhood; and cannot even begin to measure the significant impact he has had on my life. As a very lonely child, through his lovable and relatable characters Jim invited me into a fantasy world of fun and laughter, sometimes even mischief; but above all else, friendship, love and acceptance. The world simply would not be the same had he not brought his magic into it; and for that magic I am forever grateful'.
I could make it so much longer, but that is a brief summary I assume to be befitting of an online forum of shared tributes. If you would like me further elaborate, I would be more than happy to do so.
Thanks again,
- Nicole (*lifelong Henson fan).
May, 2018
Like most people, I knew him primarily through the Muppets. I never even knew what he looked like until he made a cameo appearance in a TV special in 1987. Nevertheless, I--along with many others of my generation--can count him as one of my first teachers because of his involvement in Sesame Street, which was part of my daily routine for as far back as I can remember until I started school. This makes me a very small part of his legacy, a thought that makes me feel simultaneously honored and humbled.
From what I've read about him, particularly over the past few months, from interviews that he gave and from what people who were close to him have said about him, the impression that I get of Jim Henson is that--in a gentle, optimistic way--he expected the best from everyone around him. He led by example, inspiring those around him to give their best by always giving the best of himself. He didn't play to the lowest common denominator. When he was working on something like Sesame Street, for which the primary audience was children, it wasn't simplistic or banal, and when he was working on something like The Muppet Show, which was targeted more to adults, it wasn't rude or crude or nasty. The Muppets' material works on multiple levels; to paraphrase Anthony Minghella, it doesn't exclude children and doesn't insult adults, or vice versa. In a world where entertainment, and particularly puppet acts, are almost exclusively for children or exclusively for adults, the Muppets are unique because they appeal to everyone and therefore have the power to bring people together.
In my case, the Muppets are one of the bonds that connects my family. I am the fourth of five children. My three older siblings were teenagers when my younger brother and I were preschoolers. Some of my earliest memories are of listening to my older siblings sing songs from The Muppet Movie; I think I knew all the words to "The Rainbow Connection" before I ever knew that there WAS a Muppet Movie. My older siblings had all grown up watching Sesame Street and they would happily watch it with my younger brother and me when they were able. More than that, they were always enthusiastic about singing Sesame Street songs with us or joining us in recreating Sesame Street skits. And it wasn't just a matter of them humoring the little kids: my sister and my older brother once performed a Sesame Street sketch for the annual high school talent show. To this day, some of my fondest family memories involve the Muppets, and most of my fondest Muppet memories involve my family.
In all of Jim Henson's work, but particularly with the Muppets, he fostered imagination. In a way, he gave the entire world license to make believe. For example, when I was a little kid watching Sesame Street, I think I always knew that the Muppet characters were puppets, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment. I think I always understood that the bumps on Kermit's head were actually somebody's knuckles, but somehow that only made it even more magical. Similarly, even today when the Muppet characters go out into the world, everyone who encounters them plays along with the premise that they are real, living, sentient creatures and not just puppets. Maybe some of those are just humoring the rest of us (i.e., the lovers, the dreamers, and particularly the children) but for the most part, the people who work and/or interact with the Muppets do so with a great deal of genuine joy and enthusiasm and affection for the characters. And just as Jim Henson inspired the people around him to give their best, it seems to me that the Muppets tend to bring out the best in the people that they encounter.
Jim Henson's daughter Cheryl says of him, "Jim always had respect for children, and so his characters never talked down to them." Even as a little kid watching Sesame Street, I always had a sense of this respect. As a child, I always hated being condescended to (and I hate it even more as an adult) so I had very little patience with kids' shows that I found condescending. Sesame Street was never condescending. Although I could not have put it into these words at the time, I always felt that there was a unique sincerity/authenicity inherent to it that was lacking in a lot of other kids' shows. This is another case of Jim Henson's teaching by example: by showing respect for children, he taught children to have respect for themselves.
When Jim Henson died, I learned about genuine heartbreak. I was very nearly ten years old, and it was one of my first significant experiences with death. I find that a lot of the specific details are completely muddled in my memory, and that what I remember best are the emotions. Certainly it was a devastating shock, and there was a sadness so deep that it would more rightly be called sorrow. More than anything, though, what I felt was anxiety. You have to remember, at that point none of us knew how--or even if--the Muppets would go on without him.
You sometimes hear people refer to significant (usually negative and often traumatic) events in their lives as "the end of my childhood." I wouldn't say that Jim Henson's death marked the end of my childhood, but I think it was the beginning of the end. When you're a kid (or, at least, this was my experience) there's a wide gap between what you know and what you believe. You know about mortality; you know that you, and everybody you know, and everybody you don't know, is going to die sometime in the murky, abstract, indetermine reaches of the future, but you try not to think too much about it. You believe in the permanence of the routine fixtures in your life and you take for granted that your heroes are invulnerable. Jim Henson was (and still is) one of my heroes, so when he died, it changed my perception of the world; it narrowed that gap between what I knew and what I believed. Death became less of an abstract concept and more of an unescapable reality.
One of the things I remember most significantly about the immediate aftermath of his death is that everyone around me, all my family, was just as devastated about it as I was. I don't specifically remember this part, but my mom has said since then that Jim Henson's death is one of few celebrity deaths that she has ever cried about. It was as though we had lost a close family friend...from a certain point of view, we had.
At the time, I wasn't sure which was the worst-case scenario: a world without Kermit, or a Kermit who wasn't "really" Kermit. I remember that, more than anything, two questions dominated my thoughts as I tried to comprehend this tragedy: would someone else take over performing Kermit? And if so, would it be the same Kermit I knew and loved? I sometimes wish that there was a way that I could go back in time and reassure my nearly-ten-year-old self that the answer to both questions was "yes," thanks to the superlative Steve Whitmire, for whom I have nothing but the utmost respect.
About six months after Jim Henson died, there was a TV special called "The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson". Toward the end of that special, once the Muppets understand the terrible truth, Gonzo says, "Jim died? But we were just starting to get to know him!" And that's exactly the way that I felt when he died, that I was just starting to get to know him as the man behind (and beneath) the Muppets. Nevertheless, I'm very grateful to be old enough and lucky enough to remember him. I'm even grateful for the sorrow that I experienced at his death because it allows me to appreciate the Muppets, and the joy that they have to offer, so much more deeply than I would otherwise.
Jim Henson once said, "My hope is still to leave the world a little bit better for my having been here." Even though he left the world far too soon, under bewilderingly tragic circumstances, he achieved that hope. I say that with absolute confidence because my own life has been so enriched by his having been a part of it. I have the sense of humor that I do in part because of Jim Henson. I have the love of music that I do in part because of Jim Henson. I have the love of literature/films/theatre that I do in large part because of Jim Henson. The foundation of love on which I have constructed and reconstructed my self-concept was built in part by Jim Henson. I learned about cooperation from Jim Henson, and because of him, I always want to call it "Shirley."
--Mary Arlene
May, 2017
My first introduction to the name Jim Henson came from his green signature at the start and endof my old VHS tapes. I was probably around five at the time, Jim Henson was not necessarily a person in my eye’s but more of a logo which I associated with The Muppets.
The same as I did with Walt Disney’s signature and the castle logo at the start of each Disney movie or the WB logo before any Looney Tunes cartoons. I don’t actually remember this but according to my Mom one day whilst watching The Muppets Christmas Carol I asked what “In Loving Memory of Jim Henson
and Richard Hunt” meant and my Mom explained they had died and this movie was a tribute towards them.
At the time I was seven years old, I had never met this man, nobody close to me had died yet, it really didn’t affect me emotionally. I was glad and thankful Jim Henson had left behind The Muppets and everything else that came from his imagination but at the time I didn’t think twice about it. Twenty-Three years later not only has Jim Henson been my biggest inspiration, a name I will never forget but he has also become the person I most wish I could have met that I’ll never be able too. One of the saddest deaths in my life of someone I never met but through his work felt like I knew him well. Jim Henson will always be remembered, he accomplished his ambition, he made a difference in this world for having been here.
May, 2018
Like most people, I knew him primarily through the Muppets. I never even knew what he looked like until he made a cameo appearance in a TV special in 1987. Nevertheless, I--along with many others of my generation--can count him as one of my first teachers because of his involvement in Sesame Street, which was part of my daily routine for as far back as I can remember until I started school. This makes me a very small part of his legacy, a thought that makes me feel simultaneously honored and humbled.
From what I've read about him, particularly over the past few months, from interviews that he gave and from what people who were close to him have said about him, the impression that I get of Jim Henson is that--in a gentle, optimistic way--he expected the best from everyone around him. He led by example, inspiring those around him to give their best by always giving the best of himself. He didn't play to the lowest common denominator. When he was working on something like Sesame Street, for which the primary audience was children, it wasn't simplistic or banal, and when he was working on something like The Muppet Show, which was targeted more to adults, it wasn't rude or crude or nasty. The Muppets' material works on multiple levels; to paraphrase Anthony Minghella, it doesn't exclude children and doesn't insult adults, or vice versa. In a world where entertainment, and particularly puppet acts, are almost exclusively for children or exclusively for adults, the Muppets are unique because they appeal to everyone and therefore have the power to bring people together.
In my case, the Muppets are one of the bonds that connects my family. I am the fourth of five children. My three older siblings were teenagers when my younger brother and I were preschoolers. Some of my earliest memories are of listening to my older siblings sing songs from The Muppet Movie; I think I knew all the words to "The Rainbow Connection" before I ever knew that there WAS a Muppet Movie. My older siblings had all grown up watching Sesame Street and they would happily watch it with my younger brother and me when they were able. More than that, they were always enthusiastic about singing Sesame Street songs with us or joining us in recreating Sesame Street skits. And it wasn't just a matter of them humoring the little kids: my sister and my older brother once performed a Sesame Street sketch for the annual high school talent show. To this day, some of my fondest family memories involve the Muppets, and most of my fondest Muppet memories involve my family.
In all of Jim Henson's work, but particularly with the Muppets, he fostered imagination. In a way, he gave the entire world license to make believe. For example, when I was a little kid watching Sesame Street, I think I always knew that the Muppet characters were puppets, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment. I think I always understood that the bumps on Kermit's head were actually somebody's knuckles, but somehow that only made it even more magical. Similarly, even today when the Muppet characters go out into the world, everyone who encounters them plays along with the premise that they are real, living, sentient creatures and not just puppets. Maybe some of those are just humoring the rest of us (i.e., the lovers, the dreamers, and particularly the children) but for the most part, the people who work and/or interact with the Muppets do so with a great deal of genuine joy and enthusiasm and affection for the characters. And just as Jim Henson inspired the people around him to give their best, it seems to me that the Muppets tend to bring out the best in the people that they encounter.
Jim Henson's daughter Cheryl says of him, "Jim always had respect for children, and so his characters never talked down to them." Even as a little kid watching Sesame Street, I always had a sense of this respect. As a child, I always hated being condescended to (and I hate it even more as an adult) so I had very little patience with kids' shows that I found condescending. Sesame Street was never condescending. Although I could not have put it into these words at the time, I always felt that there was a unique sincerity/authenicity inherent to it that was lacking in a lot of other kids' shows. This is another case of Jim Henson's teaching by example: by showing respect for children, he taught children to have respect for themselves.
When Jim Henson died, I learned about genuine heartbreak. I was very nearly ten years old, and it was one of my first significant experiences with death. I find that a lot of the specific details are completely muddled in my memory, and that what I remember best are the emotions. Certainly it was a devastating shock, and there was a sadness so deep that it would more rightly be called sorrow. More than anything, though, what I felt was anxiety. You have to remember, at that point none of us knew how--or even if--the Muppets would go on without him.
You sometimes hear people refer to significant (usually negative and often traumatic) events in their lives as "the end of my childhood." I wouldn't say that Jim Henson's death marked the end of my childhood, but I think it was the beginning of the end. When you're a kid (or, at least, this was my experience) there's a wide gap between what you know and what you believe. You know about mortality; you know that you, and everybody you know, and everybody you don't know, is going to die sometime in the murky, abstract, indetermine reaches of the future, but you try not to think too much about it. You believe in the permanence of the routine fixtures in your life and you take for granted that your heroes are invulnerable. Jim Henson was (and still is) one of my heroes, so when he died, it changed my perception of the world; it narrowed that gap between what I knew and what I believed. Death became less of an abstract concept and more of an unescapable reality.
One of the things I remember most significantly about the immediate aftermath of his death is that everyone around me, all my family, was just as devastated about it as I was. I don't specifically remember this part, but my mom has said since then that Jim Henson's death is one of few celebrity deaths that she has ever cried about. It was as though we had lost a close family friend...from a certain point of view, we had.
At the time, I wasn't sure which was the worst-case scenario: a world without Kermit, or a Kermit who wasn't "really" Kermit. I remember that, more than anything, two questions dominated my thoughts as I tried to comprehend this tragedy: would someone else take over performing Kermit? And if so, would it be the same Kermit I knew and loved? I sometimes wish that there was a way that I could go back in time and reassure my nearly-ten-year-old self that the answer to both questions was "yes," thanks to the superlative Steve Whitmire, for whom I have nothing but the utmost respect.
About six months after Jim Henson died, there was a TV special called "The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson". Toward the end of that special, once the Muppets understand the terrible truth, Gonzo says, "Jim died? But we were just starting to get to know him!" And that's exactly the way that I felt when he died, that I was just starting to get to know him as the man behind (and beneath) the Muppets. Nevertheless, I'm very grateful to be old enough and lucky enough to remember him. I'm even grateful for the sorrow that I experienced at his death because it allows me to appreciate the Muppets, and the joy that they have to offer, so much more deeply than I would otherwise.
Jim Henson once said, "My hope is still to leave the world a little bit better for my having been here." Even though he left the world far too soon, under bewilderingly tragic circumstances, he achieved that hope. I say that with absolute confidence because my own life has been so enriched by his having been a part of it. I have the sense of humor that I do in part because of Jim Henson. I have the love of music that I do in part because of Jim Henson. I have the love of literature/films/theatre that I do in large part because of Jim Henson. The foundation of love on which I have constructed and reconstructed my self-concept was built in part by Jim Henson. I learned about cooperation from Jim Henson, and because of him, I always want to call it "Shirley."
--Mary Arlene
May, 2017
My first introduction to the name Jim Henson came from his green signature at the start and endof my old VHS tapes. I was probably around five at the time, Jim Henson was not necessarily a person in my eye’s but more of a logo which I associated with The Muppets.
The same as I did with Walt Disney’s signature and the castle logo at the start of each Disney movie or the WB logo before any Looney Tunes cartoons. I don’t actually remember this but according to my Mom one day whilst watching The Muppets Christmas Carol I asked what “In Loving Memory of Jim Henson
and Richard Hunt” meant and my Mom explained they had died and this movie was a tribute towards them.
At the time I was seven years old, I had never met this man, nobody close to me had died yet, it really didn’t affect me emotionally. I was glad and thankful Jim Henson had left behind The Muppets and everything else that came from his imagination but at the time I didn’t think twice about it. Twenty-Three years later not only has Jim Henson been my biggest inspiration, a name I will never forget but he has also become the person I most wish I could have met that I’ll never be able too. One of the saddest deaths in my life of someone I never met but through his work felt like I knew him well. Jim Henson will always be remembered, he accomplished his ambition, he made a difference in this world for having been here.
- Nicholas Napoli
September 24th, 2016
I would like to offer my artwork as a tribute to the gentle genius Jim Henson on this his 80th Birthday.
Thanks
Kindest regards
Yours Muppetly
- Alan Rogers
Liverpool UK
From May, 2016
Jim Henson is my biggest hero. He inspired me to move on in life and to make millions of people happy. Whenever I'm upset, I go on YouTube and watch a Jim Henson documentary. When I first heard of Jim, I thought he was just a regular man with no reason to be famous but then I learned that he was the voice of my all time favorite Muppet, Kermit the Frog. Ever since I found that out, I started to love Jim more and more and more! I wasn't born when he passed but it still affects me like crazy. Every year on the anniversary of his death, I won't move at all, I'll literally cry while watching the Muppet show, Fraggle Rock, The Jim Henson Hour, and Muppet Babies. Yeah it's supposed to make you laugh but it's a devastating day to lose him. But I try to be happy because Jim left this world a better place. He made me realize that life's like a movie. I've gone through a lot in life but knowing that Jim's in my heart and I know that he's watching me each and everyday just like the rest of his fans, I know I can make it through and if it wasn't for Jim, my life would be gone. Thank you Jim and I promise you, I'll find that rainbow connection and I'll make your legacy keep going.
Love,
- Mandi Padilla
I am 39 years old and grew up on Jim Hensons' creations. I absolutely loved Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and continue to watch masterful works of art on film such as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Emmett Otter Jugband Christmas, Tales of the Bunny Picnic, The Great Muppet Caper, Muppets Take Manhatten and so many others. He brought so much joy to childhood and He is truly missed.
Thank You,
- Christina Huether
Jim seemed like the most humble of men. I wonder if he can fathom (wherever he is) how many lives he has touched.
I remember in 6th grade being assigned to write a report about American heroes. Among all the other kids and their essays on Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson was me and my writings about Jim Henson. Even the teacher was taken back a bit that I considered Jim an American hero. I doubt they'd question it today.
It's crazy to think that he's been gone for the majority of MY life. I wish he could have seen his legacy branch out, carry on, and succeed as it has. I wonder if in Jim's life he pictured The Muppets on TV again in 2016; Muppet movies still drawing crowds to theaters; Sesame Street still thriving for our children to learn and grow. So many things have been since his passing.
Now on my 30s, Jim is still my American hero. His creations (mainly The Muppets) are a nostalgic source of comfort, laughs, awe, and love for me. My Muppet collection (more like a museum) has been such a fun if not sometimes costly, hobby.
Whenever I'm asked the age old question 'WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN HEAVEN?', the answer is always Jim.
Maybe someday. Til then I have the gifts of his imagination and art which is heaven to me.
- Mikey Oberg, Utah
"Celebrity Deaths" have affected me for years. I've really negatively obsessed over the tragic losses of folks like John Lennon, Keith Moon, Graham Chapman, Lou Costello, Robin Williams etc. Of course, Jim Henson's sudden death on May 16, 1990, was the first of these. I may not remember it as well now, but I was three years old at the time. I was really keen on Jim's work, having watched "Sesame Street" at that time. I remember when I came home from school that day, and my mom told me the news. I nearly felt like Big Bird when he learned of Mr. Hooper's death. I cried "Will his characters be gone too?" The reply was "Of course not." The rest of the day was like any other day for me.
As time went on, I really branched into Jim's work, having watched "The Muppet Show" when it was on Nickelodeon in 1994, and now I've really become keen on it all, having been anxious about the upcoming exhibits at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta and the Museum of the Moving Image in New York devoted to his life and career. I've loved being amused by the many characters he gave us and those he brought to life, like Mel Blanc, who succumbed to a stroke a year earlier. Three I really love are from "Sesame Street": Guy Smiley, Bip Bippadotta and Salvador Dada. Oh, and Officer Stan from the "Golden AN" sketch, too. I'm also amazed that he never had a negative moment in his life, unlike many late greats such as the aforementioned John Lennon (who, like Jim, really cared about saving the planet and giving peace). I really agree with Joan Cooney when she said he was our era's answer to Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Mae West and the Marx Brothers (all of whom I've admired as well). God bless you, Jim.
- Matthew O'Karma
I was privileged to have worked with Jim on Labyrinth for two years (as a Runner) and to this day count those days as some of the best in my career. There are so many memories to re count but as a junior member of the crew something basic like taking him his ring donut at coffee time every day ( a special order from the canteen) stays with me as every day I had the excuse to be around him for a while. I remember one morning, when the tea trolley was on the stage and we were filming at the huge gates he was happy to go with the idea of having two milk bottles on the doorstep by the closed gates (an idea from a crew member as I recall) a nice touch and a good laugh. His warmth, humour and generosity seemed to envelope the whole crew and made for a lovely experience (and he let me to drive his Golf GTI at 19).
As a young person at the beginning of my working like I was struck by the closeness of the Henson ‘family’ and the people Jim had working around him. No one had a bad word to say about him and everyone gave 100%. Lots of fun and laughter was always around something that is very rare these days and comes form the top.
He was indeed, a very special man and I like everyone else who was lucky enough to have spent time with him is without doubt better for it.
The Jim signed picture of Kermit is one I will treasure always.
- Trevor Kaye
I've always loved Jim Henson's creativity. When I was little, I would watch Sesame Street every single morning. Sesame Street helped me a lot with my reading and numbers. When I became older, I came upon "The Dark Crystal" and I instantly fell in love with the creature designs and the story behind it. I did more research on the film and thus did more research on Jim Henson. Jim Henson died two years before I was born, but I deeply admire the man for all his creativity and personality. I admire the fact that he was so gentle and kind to others, never raising his voice or saying a negative thing about anyone. I also admire his storytelling and creativity just like how he created "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth". He has taught me that we should be kind to one another and also try to understand each other so that way we will be able to cooperate. Jim Henson has inspired me to be creative when coming up with stories and creating different creatures. I feel like in order to keep his memory alive, we ought to be like him and be kind to one another. I love Jim Henson. He was such an inspiration in real life. Rest in Peace Mr. Henson. You are missed by so many people yet you have touched many as well.
- Beatriz Ramos-Escobar
“ I guess I was wrong when I said I never promised anyone. I promised me.” Kermit
Every single one of Jim Henson's creations became a promise to myself. Sounds a bit weird, but it's true. During the most devastating times of my life, when losing loved ones to disease, or during the times when I just couldn't cope with studying, because I was so broken by depression, the times when I was lost and didn't really know how I could make my mark, or even the times when I want to share something of importance with people I care - His films are there. I know that every time I watch the Labyrinth I will get that sense of togetherness I had with my family and it will give me comfort, I know that sadness goes away when watching the Muppet show, or anything of Muppets really, I know that the Dark Crystal will always inspire me when the feeling of emptiness dwells inside... This is how films we love become symbols of something higher: secure chests of memory jewels, or paths to our own ideas and wishes, certain small worlds of hope.
During the years when I was losing people I love Jim Henson became almost a fatherly figure, someone who could give comfort, and a push I needed, through his work. I was so timid to try what I always wanted to, but now- I'm building puppets, I'm learning how to act with them. I finished my animation studies and I'm shaking of the small parts of depression that are still left. All this wouldn't have happened yet if I wouldn't be re-watching and re-watching his work, reminding myself of what I want for myself, reminding of important bonds made and yet to be made... With an honest Thank You I would also like to turn to the Henson family and many people who work in the Jim Henson Company. The devotion to continue what Jim has started makes me even more hopeful that all is right with the world.
- Aiste Kliseviciute
Jim Henson and his creations are in my earliest memories. I was born in the year the original Muppet Movie was released. I watched Sesame Street in the mornings and The Muppet Show in the evenings. Years later, I would watch Fraggle Rock in the afternoons too. I was absolutely fascinated by these characters and would mimic the movements and lip sync of the puppets using my hands, the table cloth, napkins, bed sheets, and eventually a couple of small puppets my parents gave me in support of my interest (or obsession).
As small child, I knew who Jim Henson was. I knew he performed Kermit, Ernie, Rowlf, Guy Smiley, etc., and that he was the leader of this amazing team of puppeteers. Any behind-the-scenes footage shown on TV of Jim Henson and how The Muppets worked had me watching with keen interest.
My most frequently watched VHS tape growing up was my copy of The Muppet Movie.
I was eleven when Jim Henson passed away, and I was devastated. Friends at school asked me on the day, "Did you hear that the voice of Kermit died?" I would explain that Jim Henson was more than just a voice.
I continued following the Henson team throughout my school years and early adulthood. From the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies to Dinosaurs to the various Muppet movies and specials. I watched as the Henson properties were divided up between The Jim Henson Company, The Walt Disney Company and Sesame Workshop, while the puppeteers continued to work between all three. I followed as puppeteers would retire, pass away and become replaced, all the while dreaming of how amazing it would be to someday work as a puppeteer too - particularly with this team of passionate, happy people. I'm sure every budding puppeteer wishes to work with the Muppets too.
Through a lot of ups, downs, twists and turns in my life, including an important role as "puppetry consultant" in a local production of Broadway's 'Avenue Q', I eventually started my own business here in Brisbane, Australia, performing as a puppeteer for birthday parties, festivals, childcare centres and ticketed theatre events.
Jim Henson and his team continue to inspire me to share with my own community the same kind of puppet magic, zaniness and heart that he gave me as a child through all of his films, TV shows and wisdom that he shared in interviews.
From all accounts, Jim was a peaceful, thoughtful, patient, fun loving and inspirational person to work with. I never realised it was possible for a boss to possess such kind traits (I've always worked in unfavourable minimum wage jobs), but it's certainly the kind of boss I strive to be, should my own little company reach a point where I am able to hire other puppeteers to help share my dream of making millions of people happy. "That's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with" (Kermit the Frog - The Muppet Movie, 1979).
- Brett Hansen Puppeteer
Larrikin Puppets Brisbane, Australia
I don’t really even know where to start to describe how my life was punctuated by the work and imagination of Jim Henson. Even as I write this I’m remembering more and more of the things that I could say about him. Firstly if you didn’t grow up on “Street” then who are you? My favorite “skit” was the one with Bert and Ernie in the Egyptian tomb. Then not longer after I got hooked on The Muppet Show when it was on HBO. I would roll out a personal trampoline my parents had for me and bounce and enjoy the show. Then after it was over I would know if it said that an R movie was coming on to change the channel. Of course that led into me watching Fraggle Rock and probably not surprising to those reading this I loved Cantus the Minstrel-voiced by the man himself :) Labyrinth is my all time favorite movie and I was also a fan of the Dark Crystal. When I was in middle school my friend and I had a vhs that we had taped off TV that was a behind the scenes of how the different “muppets” work which we watched to exhaustion. I’m sure I could think of other things to add but, the final point would be that he was taken from us too soon.
- Martha Leone
dear Mr. Henson: thanks for keeping your dad's legacy alive, i remember those episodes, my personal favorites among many, where kermits bites vincent price, and also johnny cash's appearances, lest not forget mark hamill's appearance as well, good luck, and i also can't forget mentioning the dark cristal, and my favorite characters after kermit, gonzo, the orchestra.
Thanks.
- Al Martinez
I find myself thinking of Jim Henson often, thinking of all that he accomplished and all that he never got a chance to try. I believe that he's looking down on this world and is appreciative of how his children have continued his legacy. We lost this genius entirely too soon, and he will always be a guide to me. I have a print of three quotes of his hanging at my desk at work, and I will end my tribute with my favorite:
"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better for my having been there."
Trust me, Jim- you succeeded in every possible way. You gave us joy, laughter, creativity, and a brilliance that shines through each character you created. The world is a far better place for you having been here, and I will always miss you. Thank you for everything you have given the world and for everything you have taught me.
~ Mary Kreuscher,
My earliest memory is of my nan coming to visit and The Muppet Show being on the TV at the same time, I was so excited I ran around and around the sofa jumping all over it and my nan with my sister.
I remember laughing at 'The Muppet Show' growing up. I remember watching Labyrinth for the first time and being captivated by the creatures, watching The Dark Crystal and awed by the whole beautiful w...orld it was set in. The Jim Henson Hour only had a few showings in the UK and 'Living with Dinosaurs' and 'Monster Maker' have remained in my memory since especially as it included the most beautiful dragon I have ever seen. The Storyteller with John Hurt remains my favourite with the heartfelt stories and most amazing creature creations.
I am always fascinated and amazed by what you can do with out cgi, Kermit on a bicycle, miss piggy swimming!
My children now laugh along with me to dvds and clips of the muppets and sesame street as they teach caring and happiness. Whenever I feel low, I watch The muppets or some other Jim Henson creation and the world seems right again.
When Jim passed away I cried and worried the legend would not continue and am so grateful to Brian Henson and everyone involved that it has managed to continue and grow.
'The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson' brings me to tears everytime I watch it. It is inspiring.
I hope the Legend of Jims creations and ideas continues to grow, the power to figure things out and learn, I could go on forever. My life is happy and inspired because of Jims creations.
Basically Thank You Mr. Henson.
-Wendy Parsley
From May, 2013
His influence has been undeniably a huge part of my life, but through a very unexpected and joyous way. I hope that if he's watching, that he's okay with what I've learned through what he left behind for others to teach me.
- Bill Barretta
Shortly after I started dating Jerry, he introduced me to Jim. I think it was during a Sesame St. taping and it would have been at Unitel, their old studio in Manhattan. This was after "The Muppet
Show" so I was impressed with who Jim was. I remember thinking that he seemed very much like Kermit the Frog. He was laid-back yet very much in charge and had an ever-present sense of humor behind it all.
He was very genuine and gracious to me. My impression was that as busy as he was, he was aware of and interested in absolutely everything going on around him.
My first impressi.on never wavered. Jim seemed to be always the same. Busy, intense, intelligent, creative, kind and quietly funny. He seemed to inspimre loyalty from all those who worked with him. When I married Jerry I felt as if I was also marrying into a large and happy family, the Muppets. That feeling of family was enabled by Jim. He was one of the greatest people I have ever known.
-Jan Nelson
I grew up watching 'The Muppet Show' and my brother and I use to perform puppet shows for our family, friends, or anyone that would watch. The Muppets represented a family, although not a perfect one, but one that was inclusive of anyone from dogs, to bears, to chickens, and weirdos. Watching 'The Muppet Show' each week became a family tradition. My family was broken, due to divorce, however Kermit and the gang welcomed my family into theirs each week. There are legends involving children being raised by wolves and apes, but I feel I was raised partially by puppets. Correction: the Muppets are more than just puppets. While I was in high school, I discovered that Jim Henson and I shared the same birthday. And it was at that time, my love of all things felt was rekindled; inspiring me to pursue a college degree and career in puppetry. Although I am no longer actively performing, I am still very much an enthusiast and advocate. Jim Henson's legacy is one that continues to still delight, inspire, enlighten, and amuse me. The most amazing aspect of Jim Henson's characters is their ability to connect with their audience. They say that , "a picture is worth a thousand words." So what better way to convey my feelings and gratitude to Jim Henson then with a picture taken one Christmas morning, in my youth, when I received my very first Kermit the Frog plush (notably, I have obtained many, many more since). With all my heart, thank you, Jim.
Sincerely,
William Hause
Celebration, FL
Jim Henson was a visionary, a genius and still is to this day, he was able to accomplish so much in what little time he had amongst us. What makes him one of the greats is that even though he is
no longer with us his work, his messages and his teachings still reach out to us today.
Jim Henson managed to find a way to make education fun, interesting and an experience the whole family could enjoy together by showing us how to get to Sesame Street. He taught kids like me who have now grown up to value and respect each other no matter our differences. Instead of preaching about it Jim Henson gave us another show with an even stronger message of world peace in such a subtle and fun manner. He gave us stories with little creatures that live in Fraggle Rock separating two very different worlds but eventually finding peace within them. As a kid you are lost in the Fraggles silly adventures but as you grow up you realise you are learning something very important. Then come the Muppets and they’re just plain crazy but even though they are all so different and led by a frog they still manage to make it work.
Mahna-Mahna is much more than just a silly Muppet song with a crazed maniac and two pink cows, it’s a language spoken worldwide, a simple Mahna-Mahna can connect us all. Muppet Fans are the luckiest people in the world, we can do something that fans from any other franchise can’t. We can communicate with any other Muppet Fan across the world, we have no language barriers. Trustme on this but you can go anywhere around the world and utter the words Mahna-Mahna and I guarantee that someone will give you back a Doo-Do-Doo-Do. Even though you might not speakthe language you can still share your passion. I used to work at the tourist board and one day this Chinese dude walked in wearing a Pigs in Space t-shirt. I had never seen that t-shirt before in mylife, it was awesome and I wanted one myself. I was so excited because I knew this guy was a fan, you don’t buy a Pigs in Space t-shirt if you’re not a fan.
There was only one problem, he didn’t speak English and I don’t speak Chinese yet I wanted to communicate with him so badly. I knew I wouldn’t find out where he bought that t-shirt (eventually I found it) but I wanted to let him know how cool it was and that I too was a huge Muppet Fan. I thought if this doesn’t work I’m going to look like a complete idiot but I risked it and said “Mahna-Mahna” and my new Chinese friend replied “Doo-Do-Doo-Do”. We both just stayed standing there smiling happily at each other looking like two complete idiots who had no idea how to continue their conversation. I eventually said “Wocka-Wocka” hereplied “Meep-Meep” and we both continued with our lives.
This might not apply to everyone else as I come from a very small country with only a population of 32,000 but this has happened to me in England before too. You don’t really see adults wearing
Looney Tunes t-shirts or Flintstones, Mickey Mouse, Simpsons etc… t-shirts but as rare as the Muppets might be they’re the only ones I actually see adults wearing. I see many Gibraltarians and
a lot of Spaniards wearing Muppet and Sesame Street T-shirts and it’s not just adults and children its teenagers too.
I’ve made some really cool friends simply by asking them where they bought their Muppet t-shirts from and the thing is everyone wearing a Muppet t-shirt is always so friendly. I’ve been wearing my Muppet t-shirts before and have had random people smiling at me as I walked by just as I do if they are wearing a Muppet t-shirt. Basically you come across a Muppet Fan and you make a new friend and if you go to HMV to meet Kermit and Pepe then you make hundreds.
One of the most famous songs in Muppet history comes from a Frog with his banjo singing in the swamp before he began his journey to Hollywood making new friends along the way. The RainbowConnection is such a powerful song with a very important message no matter how you interpret it. I believe The Rainbow Connection is about a mixture of different cultures mixed together to createsomething beautiful. A range of different colours put together is a beautiful thing which we should embrace and not keep apart because only when put together can you create a rainbow. In Kermit’scase his rainbow connection was made up of pigs, bears, dogs, chickens and whatevers but they worked together and succeeded in making their dream come true.
Someday we’ll find it, The Rainbow Connection, the lovers, the dreamers and you
- Nicholas Napoli
Last Saturday (May 11) I performed my Muppet-influenced The Ugly Duckling before a sold-out audience in Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada, a tiny community heavily influenced by Hippy '60s culture back in the day and still to this day. I created Ugly before working on Fraggle Rock and it was partially because of it that I passed the audition. (I have fond memories of Richard Hunt pulling out my puppets and helping me on with them to show to the panel of auditioneers.) The little kids loved the show, and what was equally rewarding was that their parents grew up watching Fraggle and that they came to see someone who was connected to it. It is gratifying knowing that in a strange and somewhat obscure way I carry forward Mr. Henson's legacy by both being influenced by him as a young puppeteer, and also by having received such a rewarding training which people don't often witness live today.
Back during Fraggle, I was very shy around "The Big 'J'", although he was perfectly approachable. I did get to play Brool, the bass player, in Cantus' band. And I did get to watch how he'd direct and perform, and just generally be present in the studio. This experience led me onto years of other TV Muppetry both with the Muppets and beyond. And today, a whole section of my friends and associates are based around those four years in Toronto taping the series in the early '80s. None of this could have been done without Jim. And I am but one drop in the huge and lovely pond that he has nurtured and inspired. Jim rules.
-Timothy Gosley
Merlin's Sun
Lots of thoughts spring to mind when I think of what the Muppets mean to me. Growing up watching The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, made me lucky to be a kid in that time! I learned so much through The Muppets! Its ok to be different. Everyone is welcome. You are not on your own. Its ok to ask questions. Keep trying! Every time I hear the name Muppets, the words Fun, Color, Laughter, Excitement pop into my head! I still have a heavy heart every time I think of how early Jim Henson was taken from the earth, but I am so thankful of everything he and his family have achieved. I now have my own children who are growing up watching the Muppets and are just as excited to watch them as I was when I was a child - and still am! Thank you Jim.
- Kymie Walker
Jim’s influence went into hyper-drive in 1974. I had a substitute teacher at school who knew someone on Sesame Street. I now had an address and decided to send Jim a letter on homemade stationary decorated with my cartoons including an attempt at Bert & Ernie. I basically asked him for tips on how to make Muppets. I was too idealistic to think he would ignore my request. He didn’t let me down. Not only did I get a beautiful letter from him praising my clunky renderings, he included several pages of instructions!
What else can I possibly say that hasn't , or could , have been said at this point? Jim Henson was one of my biggest influences, And I like to consider that most every drawing, every cartoon, every comic that I've done, Muppets or otherwise, pays tribute to him in some way.
- Chris Smigliano
If it wasn't for Jim, I would never have met Jane, Brian, Lisa,and the rest of his magical family, which opened a fantastical life in puppetry I never dreamed possible. The Henson's, especially Brian, allowed me the artistic and fianacial freedom to be who I am, and the trust to contribute and colaborate on so many creative adventures.The warm, wonderful ripples of Jim's life and legacy have enriched both me and my family forever.I am truely one of the lucky ones to be touched by his genius.
- Bruce Lanoil
"What amazes me about my generation - people who grew up in the `70s and `80s - is just how many of us remember *exactly* where we were and what we were doing when we first learned that Jim Henson had passed away and how profoundly it affected so many of us. You hear about this all the time when you talk to puppeteers and Muppet fans of a certain age. I think it must be a lot like what many of our parents felt when John Lennon died because Jim's work was such a big part of our childhood. He made us laugh and made us learn. He touched our souls. Because of that connection I think that even though we never really knew him, we sometimes feel like a little part of us died with him that day."
-Andrew Young
Jim Henson was a big inspiration to me and through his work with the Muppets, Dark Crystal, Sesame Street and Labyrinth I was truly inspired to "push the envelope" and hold on to the dream no matter what anyone else thinks. Through his work I learned that nothing is impossible and hard work and determination do pay off in the end. One thing I remember Jane Henson saying in an interview was something like "We were entertaining ourselves in the beginning and just having fun". I think it is an important lesson to "Have fun" and do what comes natural in puppetry. Let the characters do their own thing and wait for the world to catch up. In fact throughout my life I have always been called " The Next Jim Henson" because of the crazy things I come up with . The name Jim Henson is most often associated with "creativity". In truth all of us puppeteers, puppet builders and movie makers are the "Next Jim Henson" . His legacy will live on in all of us. I love the Muppets and hope that one day PoppetZnActioN will be as fruitful as the Muppets have been. Jim Hensons work has truly changed my life.
- Rev. Adrian Lilly CEO PoppetZnActioN
Influences of Jim Henson in my life? As a teenager, I dismantled a ventriloquist dummy and re-dressed it to create my own version of a muppet character. I was amazed at Jim’s vocal characterizations and versatility! As a career television and radio performer for 25+ years, I’ve called him one of very few heroes of mine. I would watch Sesame Street, if only to watch and listen to the genius of Jim Henson and Frank Oz together. My children have loved his work and have listened to me talk about the whole new level that Jim Henson took his craft of puppetry to. I was in Rome, Italy, waiting to board my flight back to Canada in May, 1990, when I found one of the few English-language newspapers available, USA Today. The headline on the front page announced the passing of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., from throat cancer. Down the side of the front page was a brief mention of Jim Henson’s sudden passing. Like the rest of the world, I was shocked! His legend will always live on in all of our hearts….
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the man who has inspired my career, entertainment, and educational worlds. This post is only coming in today, the actual anniversary, because I have been so wrapped up in an internship- for The Henson Company, itself! Jim must have been an amazing person to know, as even after his death, many of us feel very close with him without having actually known him. I'm thankful for the live that he lived, the goodness that he brought into the world, his work in the puppetry world, and the lessons that he brought to his fans and viewers. While driving into work today, I was listening to the Street Gang audiobook, with the prologue being about Jim's NYC memorial. How hard it hits today, hearing Big Bird's, "Thank you, Kermit." To add to it, thank you, Jim Henson.
- Austin Michael Costello
Jim Henson's works are among my very earliest memories. Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock...more than any other single person, the work of Jim Henson and his company helped to shape the person I am today. It's obvious I'm not alone in that; the love and support Muppet fans show for each other shows that Jim was successful in his mission of breeding understanding and acceptance from one person to another, and truly leaving the world a better place.
Jim Henson and his Muppets have been part of me for as long as I can remember. As with most, "Sesame Street" was my first introduction to the works of Jim Henson. I was instantly attracted to them, as I continue to be with them today. However, they also impacted me in a little different way from most.
I was not only interested in the characters that Jim created, but who and what made them come alive. It was Jim and his Muppets who got me interested not only in being a puppeteer with him, which eventually came true when I was able to work with him on "The Jim Henson Hour," but also to take an interest in all aspects of television and movie production as he did when he first began. He believed it was a real asset, and I thank him for his wonderful advice that has helped me guide my life. My many times spent with Jim will forever live on with me for life. He was a very kind and generous man that would always have the time to stop and talk with you no matter who you were.
I would like to offer my artwork as a tribute to the gentle genius Jim Henson on this his 80th Birthday. Thanks
Kindest regards
Yours Muppetly
- Alan Rogers
Liverpool UK
From May, 2016
Jim Henson is my biggest hero. He inspired me to move on in life and to make millions of people happy. Whenever I'm upset, I go on YouTube and watch a Jim Henson documentary. When I first heard of Jim, I thought he was just a regular man with no reason to be famous but then I learned that he was the voice of my all time favorite Muppet, Kermit the Frog. Ever since I found that out, I started to love Jim more and more and more! I wasn't born when he passed but it still affects me like crazy. Every year on the anniversary of his death, I won't move at all, I'll literally cry while watching the Muppet show, Fraggle Rock, The Jim Henson Hour, and Muppet Babies. Yeah it's supposed to make you laugh but it's a devastating day to lose him. But I try to be happy because Jim left this world a better place. He made me realize that life's like a movie. I've gone through a lot in life but knowing that Jim's in my heart and I know that he's watching me each and everyday just like the rest of his fans, I know I can make it through and if it wasn't for Jim, my life would be gone. Thank you Jim and I promise you, I'll find that rainbow connection and I'll make your legacy keep going.
Love,
- Mandi Padilla
I am 39 years old and grew up on Jim Hensons' creations. I absolutely loved Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and continue to watch masterful works of art on film such as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Emmett Otter Jugband Christmas, Tales of the Bunny Picnic, The Great Muppet Caper, Muppets Take Manhatten and so many others. He brought so much joy to childhood and He is truly missed.
Thank You,
- Christina Huether
I remember in 6th grade being assigned to write a report about American heroes. Among all the other kids and their essays on Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson was me and my writings about Jim Henson. Even the teacher was taken back a bit that I considered Jim an American hero. I doubt they'd question it today.
It's crazy to think that he's been gone for the majority of MY life. I wish he could have seen his legacy branch out, carry on, and succeed as it has. I wonder if in Jim's life he pictured The Muppets on TV again in 2016; Muppet movies still drawing crowds to theaters; Sesame Street still thriving for our children to learn and grow. So many things have been since his passing.
Now on my 30s, Jim is still my American hero. His creations (mainly The Muppets) are a nostalgic source of comfort, laughs, awe, and love for me. My Muppet collection (more like a museum) has been such a fun if not sometimes costly, hobby.
Whenever I'm asked the age old question 'WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET IN HEAVEN?', the answer is always Jim.
Maybe someday. Til then I have the gifts of his imagination and art which is heaven to me.
- Mikey Oberg, Utah
From May, 2015
As time went on, I really branched into Jim's work, having watched "The Muppet Show" when it was on Nickelodeon in 1994, and now I've really become keen on it all, having been anxious about the upcoming exhibits at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta and the Museum of the Moving Image in New York devoted to his life and career. I've loved being amused by the many characters he gave us and those he brought to life, like Mel Blanc, who succumbed to a stroke a year earlier. Three I really love are from "Sesame Street": Guy Smiley, Bip Bippadotta and Salvador Dada. Oh, and Officer Stan from the "Golden AN" sketch, too. I'm also amazed that he never had a negative moment in his life, unlike many late greats such as the aforementioned John Lennon (who, like Jim, really cared about saving the planet and giving peace). I really agree with Joan Cooney when she said he was our era's answer to Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Mae West and the Marx Brothers (all of whom I've admired as well). God bless you, Jim.
- Matthew O'Karma
I was privileged to have worked with Jim on Labyrinth for two years (as a Runner) and to this day count those days as some of the best in my career. There are so many memories to re count but as a junior member of the crew something basic like taking him his ring donut at coffee time every day ( a special order from the canteen) stays with me as every day I had the excuse to be around him for a while. I remember one morning, when the tea trolley was on the stage and we were filming at the huge gates he was happy to go with the idea of having two milk bottles on the doorstep by the closed gates (an idea from a crew member as I recall) a nice touch and a good laugh. His warmth, humour and generosity seemed to envelope the whole crew and made for a lovely experience (and he let me to drive his Golf GTI at 19).
As a young person at the beginning of my working like I was struck by the closeness of the Henson ‘family’ and the people Jim had working around him. No one had a bad word to say about him and everyone gave 100%. Lots of fun and laughter was always around something that is very rare these days and comes form the top.
He was indeed, a very special man and I like everyone else who was lucky enough to have spent time with him is without doubt better for it.
The Jim signed picture of Kermit is one I will treasure always.
- Trevor Kaye
I've always loved Jim Henson's creativity. When I was little, I would watch Sesame Street every single morning. Sesame Street helped me a lot with my reading and numbers. When I became older, I came upon "The Dark Crystal" and I instantly fell in love with the creature designs and the story behind it. I did more research on the film and thus did more research on Jim Henson. Jim Henson died two years before I was born, but I deeply admire the man for all his creativity and personality. I admire the fact that he was so gentle and kind to others, never raising his voice or saying a negative thing about anyone. I also admire his storytelling and creativity just like how he created "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth". He has taught me that we should be kind to one another and also try to understand each other so that way we will be able to cooperate. Jim Henson has inspired me to be creative when coming up with stories and creating different creatures. I feel like in order to keep his memory alive, we ought to be like him and be kind to one another. I love Jim Henson. He was such an inspiration in real life. Rest in Peace Mr. Henson. You are missed by so many people yet you have touched many as well.
- Beatriz Ramos-Escobar
25 years ago today Jim Henson died at the stupidly young age of 53 - only two years from the age I am now. I was operating 'Audrey Two' in La Boite’s (Brisbane) production of 'Little Shop of Horrors' that day, and I dedicated my performance to 'The magic and memory of Jim Henson'. I had the pleasure of meeting, and working with, Jim Henson for an ever-so-brief time in 1983. They say you should never meet your heroes. But I did, and he was one of the nicest, most-friendly, inclusive, warm people you could ever meet - as was his whole team. A man at the top of his profession, world famous, took the time to sit with me over many hours and chat. I'll never forget that, and hopefully the world will never forget Jim Henson. Cheers
- David Napier
I've always felt so blessed to have grown up in the era of Jim Henson. My first love was The Muppet Show even though I watched and loved Sesame Street, the madcap adventures of a frog putting on a TV show with a cast of zany characters always made me laugh. By the time I was four, everything I would receive for my birthday or Christmas would be Muppet related from books, puzzles, Fisher Price plush, and even right down to the greeting cards and wrapping paper. My Grandmother bought the majority of that for me and I think she enjoyed the Muppets just as much as I did. Around that time, my Mom took me to see The Muppet Movie which just happened to be the first movie I ever saw in a theater. During those early years of my life, I drew Muppets, played Muppets, sang to all the records, put on my own Muppet shows, and was even in the Official Fan Club. Life was grand... and then my parents divorced.
Suddenly Jim Henson's creations weren't just something that entertained me, they were also my friends. Being an only child had it's ups and downs but not having anyone to play with was never an issue. All I had to do was rely on the Muppets to get me thru. As a kid I saw every movie more than once and waited patiently for every guest appearance they would make on TV. I read every page of Muppet Magazine and I spent Saturday mornings with the Muppet Babies while most likely eating a bowl of the Swedish Chef's Croonchy Stars cereal. Anything and everything Jim Henson related took all my attention... From The Dark Crystal to Fraggle Rock, and Labyrinth to The Storyteller. Jim and the Muppets fueled my creativity more than anything. I had written to him as a kid but never knew for sure if I had mailed the letter to the right address. They're was always that hope and dream that I would meet him and tell him how much he and his work meant to me but sadly that dream shattered when he died.
Even though I never knew Jim personally, he gave me and my generation more than just funny humor and sight gags, silly characters, and fantasy worlds. He taught us that we are all one big family. One big circle. Every project he worked on was different but they all had the same message...we are one. He is and will always be my greatest influence not only as an artist but also as a human being. He was gentle and kind and always had a great sense of humor about things. No matter where I have been in life, no matter how elementary it was to other people, the creatures and creations of Jim Henson have brought me thru many hardships. Even though the last 25 years have been tough without him, his magic lives on thru his work. That energy will never die... it will continue to inspire others as it inspired us. Rest in peace Jim. We love and miss you.
- Monte Howell
I could probably fill pages and pages about how Jim Henson has influenced my life and the lives of so many others for generations to come. The Muppet Movie is the first movie I ever remember seeing, and ever after, it was the first thing I’d ask about every time I walked through the door at my grandparents’ house. I don’t know how many times my siblings and I watched it, but I’m pretty sure we wore out the VHS tape my grandparents had! The Muppet Show was in reruns by the time I came along, but I grew up watching Fraggle Rock, Muppet Babies, Sesame Street, and so many others. I pretty much knew all of the Muppets by name by the time I could talk. Although I was only in kindergarten when Mr. Henson passed away, I remember hearing about it on the news and feeling sad. I didn’t quite understand everything about it at that point, but I definitely knew it affected Kermit, and my question to my parents was, “Does this mean that Kermit won’t be on Sesame Street anymore?”
Over the years, I also discovered the mysterious and incredible stories of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, which still inspire my personal writings today, and my love of Mr. Henson’s work even inspired me to try my hand at puppetry. Now that I’m older, I appreciate all of these works even more because I better understand their writing and humor, and now I also know more about the amazing man behind them all. From his gentle, kind demeanor to his limitless imagination and the way he interacted with those around him, Mr. Henson has been and continues to be a role model for me. He has inspired me to follow my own dreams, and I try to live by the words to “Finale: The Magic Store” from The Muppet Movie: “Life’s like a movie; write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.”
Mr. Henson once said that he hoped he left the world a bit better for having been here. I think I speak for us all when I say that he absolutely did—and when you look around at those who were touched by his life in some way, you’ll see that he’s still doing so.
- Melissa Dalton
During the years when I was losing people I love Jim Henson became almost a fatherly figure, someone who could give comfort, and a push I needed, through his work. I was so timid to try what I always wanted to, but now- I'm building puppets, I'm learning how to act with them. I finished my animation studies and I'm shaking of the small parts of depression that are still left. All this wouldn't have happened yet if I wouldn't be re-watching and re-watching his work, reminding myself of what I want for myself, reminding of important bonds made and yet to be made... With an honest Thank You I would also like to turn to the Henson family and many people who work in the Jim Henson Company. The devotion to continue what Jim has started makes me even more hopeful that all is right with the world.
- Aiste Kliseviciute
As small child, I knew who Jim Henson was. I knew he performed Kermit, Ernie, Rowlf, Guy Smiley, etc., and that he was the leader of this amazing team of puppeteers. Any behind-the-scenes footage shown on TV of Jim Henson and how The Muppets worked had me watching with keen interest.
My most frequently watched VHS tape growing up was my copy of The Muppet Movie.
I was eleven when Jim Henson passed away, and I was devastated. Friends at school asked me on the day, "Did you hear that the voice of Kermit died?" I would explain that Jim Henson was more than just a voice.
I continued following the Henson team throughout my school years and early adulthood. From the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies to Dinosaurs to the various Muppet movies and specials. I watched as the Henson properties were divided up between The Jim Henson Company, The Walt Disney Company and Sesame Workshop, while the puppeteers continued to work between all three. I followed as puppeteers would retire, pass away and become replaced, all the while dreaming of how amazing it would be to someday work as a puppeteer too - particularly with this team of passionate, happy people. I'm sure every budding puppeteer wishes to work with the Muppets too.
Through a lot of ups, downs, twists and turns in my life, including an important role as "puppetry consultant" in a local production of Broadway's 'Avenue Q', I eventually started my own business here in Brisbane, Australia, performing as a puppeteer for birthday parties, festivals, childcare centres and ticketed theatre events.
Jim Henson and his team continue to inspire me to share with my own community the same kind of puppet magic, zaniness and heart that he gave me as a child through all of his films, TV shows and wisdom that he shared in interviews.
From all accounts, Jim was a peaceful, thoughtful, patient, fun loving and inspirational person to work with. I never realised it was possible for a boss to possess such kind traits (I've always worked in unfavourable minimum wage jobs), but it's certainly the kind of boss I strive to be, should my own little company reach a point where I am able to hire other puppeteers to help share my dream of making millions of people happy. "That's the kind of dream that gets better the more people you share it with" (Kermit the Frog - The Muppet Movie, 1979).
- Brett Hansen Puppeteer
Larrikin Puppets Brisbane, Australia
I don’t really even know where to start to describe how my life was punctuated by the work and imagination of Jim Henson. Even as I write this I’m remembering more and more of the things that I could say about him. Firstly if you didn’t grow up on “Street” then who are you? My favorite “skit” was the one with Bert and Ernie in the Egyptian tomb. Then not longer after I got hooked on The Muppet Show when it was on HBO. I would roll out a personal trampoline my parents had for me and bounce and enjoy the show. Then after it was over I would know if it said that an R movie was coming on to change the channel. Of course that led into me watching Fraggle Rock and probably not surprising to those reading this I loved Cantus the Minstrel-voiced by the man himself :) Labyrinth is my all time favorite movie and I was also a fan of the Dark Crystal. When I was in middle school my friend and I had a vhs that we had taped off TV that was a behind the scenes of how the different “muppets” work which we watched to exhaustion. I’m sure I could think of other things to add but, the final point would be that he was taken from us too soon.
- Martha Leone
dear Mr. Henson: thanks for keeping your dad's legacy alive, i remember those episodes, my personal favorites among many, where kermits bites vincent price, and also johnny cash's appearances, lest not forget mark hamill's appearance as well, good luck, and i also can't forget mentioning the dark cristal, and my favorite characters after kermit, gonzo, the orchestra.
Thanks.
- Al Martinez
From May, 2014
Thanks to you Mr.Henson. Gonzo is my favorite, and Its Not Easy Being Green,helped me with a lot in my life. I was an outcast .Gonzo showed me its OK to WHO you are, instead of what everyone EXPECTS you to be. Being yourself is what matters. You were one of a kind,thank you,and you are missed. - Michelle Perry
- Amanda from Canada
I've been inspired by Jim Henson since my childhood. I grew up devotedly watching Sesame Street every day, and I also wore out my library's VHS copy of Labyrinth (it's true; they needed to purchase another copy!). Follow That Bird is still dear to my heart as well. When I heard that Jim had passed away suddenly after a very brief illness, I was only 8 1/2 years old. Despite that young age, the sense of sadness I felt was very real. His was the first "celebrity death" that affected me, that caused me to pause. Because even though I was so young, I was already so familiar with his various works that the sense of loss was very clear to me.
I would like to contribute a few words to the Jim Henson Tribute Page:
Don't know if this counts. Thank you Jim for this masterpiece I've cherished since childhood. I love all your muppet creations and how's it's carried on for all future generations
"Jim Henson passed away a few years before I was born, but he still had a strong impact on my life. He is only one of many people who have inspired me to want to be a voice actor. As a child, I watched Sesame Street regularly. I also remember watching The Muppet Show in reruns on the Hallmark Channel as well. I would also rent Muppet and Sesame VHS tapes from my town’s (now closed down) local video store and I would always rewind parts with my favorite characters and try to mimic their voices (Bert and Ernie come to mind). To this day, I still catch myself impersonating their voices whenever I watch the Muppets.
Kermit the Frog was always one of those characters I could relate to. He always knows how to stay optimistic, from the beginning of The Muppet Movie when he sang “Rainbow Connection” to Sesame Street when he sings “Bein’ Green.” He’s always the voice of reason with his friends and has respect for everyone, which is what Jim Henson represented.
Henson taught me that life is a wonderful thing and to do whatever it takes to fulfill your dreams. He taught me that there is a place in the world for everybody. May his legacy still live on."
Thank you,
- John Viaes
- Amanda from Canada
I've been inspired by Jim Henson since my childhood. I grew up devotedly watching Sesame Street every day, and I also wore out my library's VHS copy of Labyrinth (it's true; they needed to purchase another copy!). Follow That Bird is still dear to my heart as well. When I heard that Jim had passed away suddenly after a very brief illness, I was only 8 1/2 years old. Despite that young age, the sense of sadness I felt was very real. His was the first "celebrity death" that affected me, that caused me to pause. Because even though I was so young, I was already so familiar with his various works that the sense of loss was very clear to me.
There is an anecdote in the amazing book "Jim Henson: The Works: The Art, The Magic, The Imagination" that has made a very lasting impression in my mind. It showcases the depth of thought that Jim had in every aspect of what he did. Here is the excerpt:
"Few Sesame Street characters are more touching than Snuffy, the mastodon-like creature who was first encountered as Big Bird's imaginary friend. Eventually, Snuffy lost his imaginary status because concerns arose about the fact that none of the Sesame Street adults believed Big Bird when he talked about Snuffy- and children need to be believed."
Children need to be believed. What an incredibly powerful statement. When I chose my career as a children's librarian, and especially as one who works with the youngest children who come in, I knew who I would look to for professional inspiration. There are many times when I'm planning something new that I stop and say to myself "What would Jim do? How would he approach this?" His respect for children and their intelligence guides me each day, and I will always treat the children I encounter with kindness and respect. I also take Jim's attention to detail with me each day, and I am a self-professed perfectionist when it comes to how I approach my career.
I find myself thinking of Jim Henson often, thinking of all that he accomplished and all that he never got a chance to try. I believe that he's looking down on this world and is appreciative of how his children have continued his legacy. We lost this genius entirely too soon, and he will always be a guide to me. I have a print of three quotes of his hanging at my desk at work, and I will end my tribute with my favorite:
"When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better for my having been there."
Trust me, Jim- you succeeded in every possible way. You gave us joy, laughter, creativity, and a brilliance that shines through each character you created. The world is a far better place for you having been here, and I will always miss you. Thank you for everything you have given the world and for everything you have taught me.
~ Mary Kreuscher,
Children's Librarian in New York
 |
| By Sam |
My earliest memory is of my nan coming to visit and The Muppet Show being on the TV at the same time, I was so excited I ran around and around the sofa jumping all over it and my nan with my sister.
I remember laughing at 'The Muppet Show' growing up. I remember watching Labyrinth for the first time and being captivated by the creatures, watching The Dark Crystal and awed by the whole beautiful w...orld it was set in. The Jim Henson Hour only had a few showings in the UK and 'Living with Dinosaurs' and 'Monster Maker' have remained in my memory since especially as it included the most beautiful dragon I have ever seen. The Storyteller with John Hurt remains my favourite with the heartfelt stories and most amazing creature creations.
I am always fascinated and amazed by what you can do with out cgi, Kermit on a bicycle, miss piggy swimming!
My children now laugh along with me to dvds and clips of the muppets and sesame street as they teach caring and happiness. Whenever I feel low, I watch The muppets or some other Jim Henson creation and the world seems right again.
When Jim passed away I cried and worried the legend would not continue and am so grateful to Brian Henson and everyone involved that it has managed to continue and grow.
'The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson' brings me to tears everytime I watch it. It is inspiring.
I hope the Legend of Jims creations and ideas continues to grow, the power to figure things out and learn, I could go on forever. My life is happy and inspired because of Jims creations.
Basically Thank You Mr. Henson.
-Wendy Parsley
From May, 2013
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| Bill Barretta and Pepe |
It's hard to say exactly what or how he influenced me really, only because I suppose that his influence actually always came through others...for example...My brother's pursuit of Jim's genius when we were kids; meeting him for the first time at Sesame Place as an employee who was drawn to leave his post to shake the hand of this dream-like personality; feeling his presence through his son Brian as we bonded and grew closer over the years - And finally getting to work and play with all of the amazing people that did truly know him and were inspired or touched by him everyday.
His influence has been undeniably a huge part of my life, but through a very unexpected and joyous way. I hope that if he's watching, that he's okay with what I've learned through what he left behind for others to teach me.
Shortly after I started dating Jerry, he introduced me to Jim. I think it was during a Sesame St. taping and it would have been at Unitel, their old studio in Manhattan. This was after "The Muppet
Show" so I was impressed with who Jim was. I remember thinking that he seemed very much like Kermit the Frog. He was laid-back yet very much in charge and had an ever-present sense of humor behind it all.
He was very genuine and gracious to me. My impression was that as busy as he was, he was aware of and interested in absolutely everything going on around him.
My first impressi.on never wavered. Jim seemed to be always the same. Busy, intense, intelligent, creative, kind and quietly funny. He seemed to inspimre loyalty from all those who worked with him. When I married Jerry I felt as if I was also marrying into a large and happy family, the Muppets. That feeling of family was enabled by Jim. He was one of the greatest people I have ever known.
-Jan Nelson
Jim Henson was an amazingly creative force. It seemed he was always thinking of something new, even when we were busy shooting, or working on another project. I remember on a Sesame shoot one day, he asked a bunch of us during a break, to put our hands together to make a face, or a wall or just to hold them close together so he could look at them. About a year later, that same use of hands was in the completed film, Labyrinth, in the well. It seemed that ideas flowed out of Jim, and he acted on them every chance he got. I once asked Jane Henson what inspired him, where did the ideas come from. “He just can’t stop them, even if he wanted to.” she replied. He was truly a genius and an inspiration for artists everywhere.
-Pam Arciero |
| "Genius" by thezingzongpuppets |
When Jim Henson died all of
the kids at my high school
made and wore black arm bands.
We cried and told stories about
Jim Henson and The Muppets
and what they meant to us.
We were completely united
We were completely united
by our love and our loss.
One more time Jim Henson
One more time Jim Henson
showed us, that no matter
who we were, we belonged.
I will always miss him,
- Andra Jenkin
I will always miss him,
- Andra Jenkin
 |
| by Kaye Kalisek |
Hard to believe it's been so long since Jim was
removed from our reality, yet his spirit pushes
forward powerfully through the work he left behind.
I, like many of us, was raised on everything
HENSON and make it my business to help keep
alive the style of puppetry which he developed.
Thank you 100 x Jim for your artistic perseverance
and positive influence on my childhood. May the
wind be ever at your back, good sir.
- Jordan Lockhart
Bosko Films
- Jordan Lockhart
Bosko Films
I grew up watching 'The Muppet Show' and my brother and I use to perform puppet shows for our family, friends, or anyone that would watch. The Muppets represented a family, although not a perfect one, but one that was inclusive of anyone from dogs, to bears, to chickens, and weirdos. Watching 'The Muppet Show' each week became a family tradition. My family was broken, due to divorce, however Kermit and the gang welcomed my family into theirs each week. There are legends involving children being raised by wolves and apes, but I feel I was raised partially by puppets. Correction: the Muppets are more than just puppets. While I was in high school, I discovered that Jim Henson and I shared the same birthday. And it was at that time, my love of all things felt was rekindled; inspiring me to pursue a college degree and career in puppetry. Although I am no longer actively performing, I am still very much an enthusiast and advocate. Jim Henson's legacy is one that continues to still delight, inspire, enlighten, and amuse me. The most amazing aspect of Jim Henson's characters is their ability to connect with their audience. They say that , "a picture is worth a thousand words." So what better way to convey my feelings and gratitude to Jim Henson then with a picture taken one Christmas morning, in my youth, when I received my very first Kermit the Frog plush (notably, I have obtained many, many more since). With all my heart, thank you, Jim.Sincerely,
William Hause
Celebration, FL
Jim Henson was a visionary, a genius and still is to this day, he was able to accomplish so much in what little time he had amongst us. What makes him one of the greats is that even though he is
no longer with us his work, his messages and his teachings still reach out to us today.
Jim Henson managed to find a way to make education fun, interesting and an experience the whole family could enjoy together by showing us how to get to Sesame Street. He taught kids like me who have now grown up to value and respect each other no matter our differences. Instead of preaching about it Jim Henson gave us another show with an even stronger message of world peace in such a subtle and fun manner. He gave us stories with little creatures that live in Fraggle Rock separating two very different worlds but eventually finding peace within them. As a kid you are lost in the Fraggles silly adventures but as you grow up you realise you are learning something very important. Then come the Muppets and they’re just plain crazy but even though they are all so different and led by a frog they still manage to make it work.
It was because of Jim Henson that Sesame Street was tailored for each and every country and now had their own Big Bird.
New characters were created to walk around all the different streets, every country had their own version of Sesame Street making it their own.
Again it was because of Jim Henson that Fraggle Rock was too tailored for each country, everyone had their own Doc and how Sprocket managed to run across the globe to be with each of them is beyond me. Then came The Muppet Show which made 120 countries laugh and even though I have no idea how many countries actually exist I’m sure that by now the whole world knows the response to Mahna-Mahna… do you?
There was only one problem, he didn’t speak English and I don’t speak Chinese yet I wanted to communicate with him so badly. I knew I wouldn’t find out where he bought that t-shirt (eventually I found it) but I wanted to let him know how cool it was and that I too was a huge Muppet Fan. I thought if this doesn’t work I’m going to look like a complete idiot but I risked it and said “Mahna-Mahna” and my new Chinese friend replied “Doo-Do-Doo-Do”. We both just stayed standing there smiling happily at each other looking like two complete idiots who had no idea how to continue their conversation. I eventually said “Wocka-Wocka” hereplied “Meep-Meep” and we both continued with our lives.
This might not apply to everyone else as I come from a very small country with only a population of 32,000 but this has happened to me in England before too. You don’t really see adults wearing
Looney Tunes t-shirts or Flintstones, Mickey Mouse, Simpsons etc… t-shirts but as rare as the Muppets might be they’re the only ones I actually see adults wearing. I see many Gibraltarians and
a lot of Spaniards wearing Muppet and Sesame Street T-shirts and it’s not just adults and children its teenagers too.
I’ve made some really cool friends simply by asking them where they bought their Muppet t-shirts from and the thing is everyone wearing a Muppet t-shirt is always so friendly. I’ve been wearing my Muppet t-shirts before and have had random people smiling at me as I walked by just as I do if they are wearing a Muppet t-shirt. Basically you come across a Muppet Fan and you make a new friend and if you go to HMV to meet Kermit and Pepe then you make hundreds.
One of the most famous songs in Muppet history comes from a Frog with his banjo singing in the swamp before he began his journey to Hollywood making new friends along the way. The RainbowConnection is such a powerful song with a very important message no matter how you interpret it. I believe The Rainbow Connection is about a mixture of different cultures mixed together to createsomething beautiful. A range of different colours put together is a beautiful thing which we should embrace and not keep apart because only when put together can you create a rainbow. In Kermit’scase his rainbow connection was made up of pigs, bears, dogs, chickens and whatevers but they worked together and succeeded in making their dream come true.
Someday we’ll find it, The Rainbow Connection, the lovers, the dreamers and you
- Nicholas Napoli
Last Saturday (May 11) I performed my Muppet-influenced The Ugly Duckling before a sold-out audience in Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada, a tiny community heavily influenced by Hippy '60s culture back in the day and still to this day. I created Ugly before working on Fraggle Rock and it was partially because of it that I passed the audition. (I have fond memories of Richard Hunt pulling out my puppets and helping me on with them to show to the panel of auditioneers.) The little kids loved the show, and what was equally rewarding was that their parents grew up watching Fraggle and that they came to see someone who was connected to it. It is gratifying knowing that in a strange and somewhat obscure way I carry forward Mr. Henson's legacy by both being influenced by him as a young puppeteer, and also by having received such a rewarding training which people don't often witness live today.
Back during Fraggle, I was very shy around "The Big 'J'", although he was perfectly approachable. I did get to play Brool, the bass player, in Cantus' band. And I did get to watch how he'd direct and perform, and just generally be present in the studio. This experience led me onto years of other TV Muppetry both with the Muppets and beyond. And today, a whole section of my friends and associates are based around those four years in Toronto taping the series in the early '80s. None of this could have been done without Jim. And I am but one drop in the huge and lovely pond that he has nurtured and inspired. Jim rules.
-Timothy Gosley
Merlin's Sun
It is almost impossible for me to put into words what Jim Henson means to me. He inspires everything I do almost everyday. His work, his way of living, his way of thinking... all of these things are endlessly inspiring and intriguing to me. His admiration of the simple things is something that I try to look for in life as well. Jim was a hero, an icon, and a genius. Everyday I realize more and more how brilliant he was. Thanks, Jim.
- Ryan Dosier
- Ryan Dosier
My creative path was set ever since Kermit the frog and company hopped a Hollywood-bound Muppet bus. Much of my desire to be an artist and my outlook on life comes from Jim Henson’s Muppets and various creature creations. I cannot imagine a world without his works. Henson’s energy and perseverance were legendary. He remained in the trenches with his peers throughout his successful career. I admire that the most.
- James V Carroll
- James V Carroll
Lots of thoughts spring to mind when I think of what the Muppets mean to me. Growing up watching The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, made me lucky to be a kid in that time! I learned so much through The Muppets! Its ok to be different. Everyone is welcome. You are not on your own. Its ok to ask questions. Keep trying! Every time I hear the name Muppets, the words Fun, Color, Laughter, Excitement pop into my head! I still have a heavy heart every time I think of how early Jim Henson was taken from the earth, but I am so thankful of everything he and his family have achieved. I now have my own children who are growing up watching the Muppets and are just as excited to watch them as I was when I was a child - and still am! Thank you Jim.
- Kymie Walker
Technically, the first time Jim Henson influenced my life was back in 1970 when I was scanning a handful TV channels with my cousin, Gary. In a flash, there they were - like a rainbow exploding through a monochromatic trash heap of awful daytime soaps and TV movies – it was Bert & Ernie! We were hypnotized. We suddenly had a new hobby – making puppets and performing whenever we could. We eventually dragged my little brother, Billy along. He showed some promise.
Jim’s influence went into hyper-drive in 1974. I had a substitute teacher at school who knew someone on Sesame Street. I now had an address and decided to send Jim a letter on homemade stationary decorated with my cartoons including an attempt at Bert & Ernie. I basically asked him for tips on how to make Muppets. I was too idealistic to think he would ignore my request. He didn’t let me down. Not only did I get a beautiful letter from him praising my clunky renderings, he included several pages of instructions!
I think that experience made me realize that my dreams did not have to remain dreams. Jim was not abstract anymore – he was a man who made the time to fuel a young boy’s fire. I shared that story with him about fifteen years later.
-Gene Barretta
-Gene Barretta
I greatly admire Jim Henson on two very important dimensions: first as an entertainer and second (but just as important) as an innovator and leader. With the Muppets, Jim Henson has brought millions, including me, tons of joy and laughter over the years. The way he has designed and created his characters and the worlds around them have captivated me since birth. Whether it’s Big Bird trying to convince everyone on Sesame Street that Mr. Snuffelupagus is real, or Cantus trying to get Red to find her song, or even Miss Piggy trying to get Kermit to admit his feelings for her, Jim and the whole company had an undeniable knack to make you believe what was happening and pull you along for the ride wherever it would take you, and make you feel that you were a part of the magic. That feeling has brought so much joy to me and so many others- I couldn’t even begin to quantify how many millions of people that have had moments of happiness thanks to Jim, but thinking about it is pretty awe-inspiring.
The Muppets and the many worlds they have inhabited have allowed me to retain and truly appreciate the child-like imagination and wonder that lives inside us all but has also served me well in adulthood, perhaps more so now that I can appreciate what made me love the Muppets when I was younger. I greatly admire and try to emulate Jim’s optimistic, simplistic outlook on life which he has always incorporated into his work, and which has given me great guidance and comfort every day. Thanks to Jim, I always try to find the good in people and the silver lining to any dark day, remember that simple is good and live my life hoping that I can leave the world a little bit better off for having me be a part of it.
Jim is also one of the best examples of American innovation, ingenuity, and leadership at its finest. He would design and create the most complex worlds and develop new technology to convey the slightest of emotions and simplest of concepts. Much of that technology is being used today far beyond puppetry and entertainment, and all came from Jim wanting to get a performance just right. He was a genius at business to get the funds he needed to do the projects he wanted and fought for what he cared for and knew what was best, like giving up his ownership rights of the Sesame Street characters to Sesame Workshop so they could continue their mission without the fear of a Disney corporate takeover. At the same time, he also recognized that Disney was the brand that the Muppet characters needed to flourish and thrive in a new age of entertainment, and fought to close the deal before his passing.
More than anything, Jim was an amazing leader. He found the best people from all walks of life to give life to his visions, gave them an incredible environment to create and celebrate, and most of all, allowed them to be truly collaborative and part of the dream. One of the hardest but most effective things about being a leader is knowing when to let go of the reins, to let your team take and build and idea into something bigger and more wonderful than one person alone could ever imagine. Through my own work, I’ve seen how incredible outcomes and impact can be when great leaders do this, but I never would have truly understood that without Jim Henson. Although I never had the honor to meet him, I have talked and befriended people who worked with him, read countless books and articles and watched his hilarious and masterful character work. He has inspired me in every aspect of my life. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be who I am today without him and for that I am eternally grateful.
-Arianne Gallagher, Washington DC
-Arianne Gallagher, Washington DC
What else can I possibly say that hasn't , or could , have been said at this point? Jim Henson was one of my biggest influences, And I like to consider that most every drawing, every cartoon, every comic that I've done, Muppets or otherwise, pays tribute to him in some way.
- Chris Smigliano
If it wasn't for Jim, I would never have met Jane, Brian, Lisa,and the rest of his magical family, which opened a fantastical life in puppetry I never dreamed possible. The Henson's, especially Brian, allowed me the artistic and fianacial freedom to be who I am, and the trust to contribute and colaborate on so many creative adventures.The warm, wonderful ripples of Jim's life and legacy have enriched both me and my family forever.I am truely one of the lucky ones to be touched by his genius.
- Bruce Lanoil
"What amazes me about my generation - people who grew up in the `70s and `80s - is just how many of us remember *exactly* where we were and what we were doing when we first learned that Jim Henson had passed away and how profoundly it affected so many of us. You hear about this all the time when you talk to puppeteers and Muppet fans of a certain age. I think it must be a lot like what many of our parents felt when John Lennon died because Jim's work was such a big part of our childhood. He made us laugh and made us learn. He touched our souls. Because of that connection I think that even though we never really knew him, we sometimes feel like a little part of us died with him that day."
-Andrew Young
Jim Henson was a big inspiration to me and through his work with the Muppets, Dark Crystal, Sesame Street and Labyrinth I was truly inspired to "push the envelope" and hold on to the dream no matter what anyone else thinks. Through his work I learned that nothing is impossible and hard work and determination do pay off in the end. One thing I remember Jane Henson saying in an interview was something like "We were entertaining ourselves in the beginning and just having fun". I think it is an important lesson to "Have fun" and do what comes natural in puppetry. Let the characters do their own thing and wait for the world to catch up. In fact throughout my life I have always been called " The Next Jim Henson" because of the crazy things I come up with . The name Jim Henson is most often associated with "creativity". In truth all of us puppeteers, puppet builders and movie makers are the "Next Jim Henson" . His legacy will live on in all of us. I love the Muppets and hope that one day PoppetZnActioN will be as fruitful as the Muppets have been. Jim Hensons work has truly changed my life.
- Rev. Adrian Lilly CEO PoppetZnActioN
My Tribute To Jim Henson, by Dennis Carter Jr.
Jim Henson and his Muppet creations have been a part of my life ever since I was young.
Like most children growing up, my first exposure to his Muppet characters was on Sesame Street. My mother and I watched it every day, and remember many of the great songs and skits that took place on the show. My favorite characters on the show were always Ernie and Bert, and I would always laugh at how Ernie would drive Bert crazy so many times. My favorite is the 'Rhyming Game' that Ernie wants to play, but Bert has no interest in, yet Ernie still gets him to play it with him. I am actually listening to a sound recording of it as I type this letter. After all these years I still laugh and enjoy it.
A few years later 'The Muppet Show" came on and I never missed an episode of it when it was on. Kermit has been and always will be my favorite. My favorite 'Muppet Show' episode is the one with Mark Hamill and the cast of Star Wars, as I am also a big Star Wars fan as well.
As time went on, everything Muppet related I enjoyed watching and never missed. The Muppet movies, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and even holiday specials like Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas, The Christmas Toy, Tale Of The Bunny Picnic, etc. I saw them all !!
I even wrote Jim Henson a fan letter and he sent me an autographed picture which i still have to this day.
I grew up in a show biz family, and have done all kinds of things from being an actor, costume character, voice overs, magician assistant, etc, but the one thing I always wanted to do was my own puppet show after being inspired by all his work for years.
So, In my High School Media Arts Class, I made a series of short seven minute films with puppets and toys. I filmed, voiced and performed all the characters myself, and continued to make these films for fun through college where I studied all aspects of film and television. My love for Jim Henson and his Muppets of all kinds were what inspired me to make these films, and one of the reasons why I chose to study the entertainment industry.
Now as an adult, I still enjoy all he has done, and again his work inspired me to create my own muppets and entertain children and adults.
For the past few years I performed at an event here on Long Island called The Long Island Scottish Games, where I perform three shows for the guests here. Last year I performed my first live puppet show there and am performing another puppet show this year as well.
To me, Jim Henson is a genius in all and everything he did. Even though computers, CGI , has become a major asset it the film and television industry, still nothing will ever compare to the art of puppetry, or the worlds and characters Jim Henson brought to billions of fans all around the world for years, and inspired people, like myself, to create their own muppet world.
Jim Henson is sadly no longer with us, but the truth is he was never really gone. He is with us everyday as new generations discover his work and older generations who grew up with his work, pass it on to their children and their children and so on. His legacy will out live us all, and he will live on forever in our hearts, our memories, and through his work as well.
Thank you Jim Henson for all you have given the world and still continue to give to the world forever...........
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Dennis Carter Jr.
Roslyn Heights, New York
I wasn't fortunate enough to be in the world the same time as Jim Henson, but I've been reaping the benefits of his since as long as I remember. I've been laughing at his work since I was born, and I've never stopped. The Muppet Movie is what inspired me to go into the field of entertainment as a kid. Kermit's dream of "singing and dancing and making people happy" helped me find my own. And Jim has served as a model of how to treat people in this world with love and kindness. Jim Henson truly made the world a better place.
-Matthew Soberman
Influences of Jim Henson in my life? As a teenager, I dismantled a ventriloquist dummy and re-dressed it to create my own version of a muppet character. I was amazed at Jim’s vocal characterizations and versatility! As a career television and radio performer for 25+ years, I’ve called him one of very few heroes of mine. I would watch Sesame Street, if only to watch and listen to the genius of Jim Henson and Frank Oz together. My children have loved his work and have listened to me talk about the whole new level that Jim Henson took his craft of puppetry to. I was in Rome, Italy, waiting to board my flight back to Canada in May, 1990, when I found one of the few English-language newspapers available, USA Today. The headline on the front page announced the passing of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., from throat cancer. Down the side of the front page was a brief mention of Jim Henson’s sudden passing. Like the rest of the world, I was shocked! His legend will always live on in all of our hearts….
Norm Murray
On-Air Host
The Shopping Channel
Canada
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of the man who has inspired my career, entertainment, and educational worlds. This post is only coming in today, the actual anniversary, because I have been so wrapped up in an internship- for The Henson Company, itself! Jim must have been an amazing person to know, as even after his death, many of us feel very close with him without having actually known him. I'm thankful for the live that he lived, the goodness that he brought into the world, his work in the puppetry world, and the lessons that he brought to his fans and viewers. While driving into work today, I was listening to the Street Gang audiobook, with the prologue being about Jim's NYC memorial. How hard it hits today, hearing Big Bird's, "Thank you, Kermit." To add to it, thank you, Jim Henson.
- Austin Michael Costello
23 years ago Jim Henson was taken from us and at that time we all wondered “What now?” “What will the Muppets be like without Jim?”Thankfully the Muppets thus far has survived and are still going.
A lot of who I am is because of Jim. Before I grabbed onto the Muppets I was wanting to be an actor or an Impersonator but having a mild case of cerebral palsy (CP) there was no way I could be an actor plus I was not the greatest at memorizing lines. Somehow that’s where puppets came into my life. The Muppets where bar none the best and leading them all was Jim Henson.
I was lucky enough to have been hired by Jim to work on Fraggle Rock for its entire run. I was lucky in many ways, lucky to have performed beside Jim when he played Cantus the Minstrel with my Minstrel Character Brio. It was great fun and I got to ad lib with him when the scene was cut. Sadly I can’t remember what we said but I remember I was thrilled to have done that with Jim. It was always a fun set on Fraggle Rock.
Like Tim Gosley and the other Canadian background performers I am one of many who have learned from Jim and I tried to carry that “fun on the set” into every production that I am a part of. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't but I tried.
Thank you Jim for hiring me on Fraggle Rock and other Muppet Specials.
Thank you for everything that you have given me.
Thank you for believing in me and seeing past the CP.
I will always try to carry what you have taught me into everything that I do.
Thank you for making me a part of the Muppet experience.
Thank you Jim
-Terry Angus
Jim Henson is the spiritual father of my creativity. It was one of those fated meetings across the magical ether of the media. His drawings inspired me with their originality and the clarity of his approach to character. The worlds he brought into being with his teams of ingenious designers and builders were so diverse and enthralling they dazzled my childhood imagination.
He is the humble master and the visionary collaborator. When confronted with choices in my own life as a filmmaker or artist, there are a whole spectrum of inspirational figures I look to, but the question "what would Jim do?" always seems to give me the purest answer. Put simply, no one has inspired me as much.
- Peter Savieri
by Jesse Oliver
Jim Henson's works are among my very earliest memories. Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock...more than any other single person, the work of Jim Henson and his company helped to shape the person I am today. It's obvious I'm not alone in that; the love and support Muppet fans show for each other shows that Jim was successful in his mission of breeding understanding and acceptance from one person to another, and truly leaving the world a better place.
-Steve Swanson
Jim Henson and his Muppets have been part of me for as long as I can remember. As with most, "Sesame Street" was my first introduction to the works of Jim Henson. I was instantly attracted to them, as I continue to be with them today. However, they also impacted me in a little different way from most.
I was not only interested in the characters that Jim created, but who and what made them come alive. It was Jim and his Muppets who got me interested not only in being a puppeteer with him, which eventually came true when I was able to work with him on "The Jim Henson Hour," but also to take an interest in all aspects of television and movie production as he did when he first began. He believed it was a real asset, and I thank him for his wonderful advice that has helped me guide my life. My many times spent with Jim will forever live on with me for life. He was a very kind and generous man that would always have the time to stop and talk with you no matter who you were.
One of my favourite stories was from one year when I was in Florida for the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade in which Jim was performing Kermit on the street for the ABC special. It was unusually cold that year and all the other 'celebrities' were inside keeping warm between takes away from everyone. However, here was Jim Henson, a multi-millionaire sitting on the cold sidewalk waiting patiently for the parade to come by to shoot his bits and from time to time when someone came over to talk to him, he started to entertain everyone. He did not complain one bit. It just showed how much of a man he really was. There are so many wonderful stories I have with my times with Jim that I could never express them all or thank him for the impact he has had on me here without writing a novel.
Memories are like threads of gold.
They never tarnish or grow old.
There is a link death cannot sever,
Love and remembrance last forever.
They never tarnish or grow old.
There is a link death cannot sever,
Love and remembrance last forever.
- Brian Knatchbull
MuppetsHenson
excellent tributes everybody
ReplyDeleteLove from Montreal to the family, the best !!!
ReplyDeleteI was only like 6 weeks old when Jim Henson was unfairly taken from us, but his life's work means everything to me, & I would sacrifice anything to bring him back to life. I miss him so very much.
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