Jim Henson Autobiography and Google Commemorates Jim Henson’s 75th Birthday

Today marks the 75th birthday of Jim Henson and so this post is dedicated is all about Jim Henson. He was born September 24, 1936 and lived until May 16, 1990. Google commemorates his birthday with images from the famous Muppet Show and Sesame Street.

I doubt if there’s anyone who is not familiar with how this guy had shaped the world. Whether you were already a kid in the 1970s or may not even be born yet, I’m sure you have loved Sesame Street whichever generation you are from. I met the Muppets of the famous children show somewhere in the mid or late 90s. I may have seen them in a few occasions earlier than that, but I only got to really learn about each Muppet character a little later.

For those who are interested in a complete Jim Henson autobiography, you may refer to this Wikipedia page:

Jim Henson

Before Sesame Street

Since everyone recognizes him most for Sesame Street, I would have jumped straight to that portion. But every success story only becomes inspiring if we see how from successful people succeeded after their struggles in life.

Born James Maury Henson, his debut to the puppeteer world was during his college freshman year when he created Sam and his Friends. The show was successful and was aired for six years. What follows after until Sesame Street was a series of difficult situations which could have discouraged those with a faint heart.

After Sam and his Friends, he spent two decades on the background working on T.V. commercials, talk shows, and children’s programs. It was after 20 long years that he realized that his Muppets were borne for family entertainment.

His wife Jane was a puppeteer herself until she quit her job to raise their children. Henson soon started working with Jerry Juhl and Frank Oz. Juhl became Henson’s writer in 1961 while Oz became his partner as a puppeteer. The Henson-Oz tandem was successful and lasted for 27 years. We have known them both for their teamwork with Muppet buddies Bert and Ernie as well as Kermit and Fozzie Bear.

Sesame Street

Jim Henson’s debut to Sesame Street was in 1969 when the Children’s Television Workshop asked him to participate in the show. The program produced lively and colorful characters such as Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Kermit the frog, and Big Bird. Henson portrayed the characters of Ernie, Kermit, and Guy Smiley (the game show host). The rest as we know is history.

The Muppet Show

The Muppet Show began in England shortly after Henson and his crew left their Broadway studio. Shortly before that, he also produced the comedy series Saturday Night Live which targeted an adult audience. He was concerned about the limitations of Sesame Street as a children’s show.

The Muppet Show introduced some of our well-loved characters such as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo the Great. In 1979, The Muppet Movie had been released for the big screen. The movie was successful. One of its songs, “The Rainbow Connection” performed by Henson while portraying Kermit the frog even hit the top 25 of the Billboard Charts. It was also nominated for an Academy Award.

Other Projects

Question: What makes Sesame Street and Star Wars common?

Answer: Jim Henson.

So what’s his place in the epic movie series? He was part of the creation and voice of Jedi Master Yoda for the Star Wars film Empire Strikes Back.

I was hoping to write about everything else but there’s just way too many.

Jim Henson Tribute

Jim Henson held a spot at the Hollywood Walk of Fame as himself and as Kermit the Frog. The movies Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze and The Muppet Christmas Carol were both dedicated to him upon release. Stephen Lynch produced the song, “Jim Henson’s Dead” which honors Henson for Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. Boyz II Men paid tribute to Henson at their 1991 movie for the song, “It’s Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.” Even giant company Apple recognizes Henson’s contribution to the world through their ad campaign, “Think Different.”

These are just a few of everything dedicated to Henson. He had been recognized by a whole lot more companies and individuals for his work.

Jim Henson Google Doodle

I love how Google changes their logo almost every day. Google pays tribute to the master puppeteer today, September 24, 2011 (23rd on other time zones) through a Jim Henson Google logo which features six Jim Henson Muppets resembling the letters G-o-o-g-l-e in their formation. Click on a corresponding button, and see the characters move.

I’ve saved the images while they’re still there. I’ve watched how each Muppet moves. You too can do the same. Hurry now while it lasts!

Here are the images by the way…

Erratum

You have not left because your Muppets are always going to be around. Your art and persuasion will be an inspiration to many of us who struggle just to share our talent to the world. It’s not good bye today as it was not in on May 16, 1990. We hum in the tune of the Stephen Lynch song, “Jim Henson’s Dead.” Lyrics through www.sing365.com

Pokemon's a silly faze

Barney's now just purple haze

The Power Rangers lost their will to fight

Yeah the pigs in space, they rule the sky

And Oscar's still a grouchy guy

And Animal is looking dyno-mite

Oh Jim Henson's dead and gone

But his muppets will live on

And Kermit's still hot, 'cause it's still not

Easy being, green

Bert is mad 'cause Ernie can't hear

With a banana in his ear

They must learn how to cooperate

Yeah The Count is counting One Two Three

And no one laughs at poor Fozzie

And Scooter's pissed 'cause Raulf is always late

Oh Jim Henson's dead and gone

But his muppets will live on

And Kermit's still hot, 'cause it's still not

Easy being 1 2 3 4 5, 6 7 8 9 10, 11, 12

Now Miss Piggy's just a big slab of pork

To the Swedish Chef who says "Mmm, pork pork pork"

And Cookie Monster wants another, bite

Yeah and Big Bird well he just can't see

Why the two old guys in the balcony

Think Snufalufagus is out of, site

Oh Jim Henson's dead and gone

But his muppets will live on

And Kermit's still hot, 'cause it's still not

Easy being, green

Oh Jim Henson's dead and gone

But his muppets will live on

And Kermit's still hot, 'cause it's still not

Easy being, green

Easy being green, no