Whose creation are the Muppets?
Quick Answer
The Muppets were created by American puppeteer Jim Henson, who built the first Kermit from his mother’s old coat in 1955.
The Full Story
Jim Henson began puppeteering as a student and in 1955 launched the short TV show “Sam and Friends” in Washington, D.C., where an early lizard-like Kermit appeared, made from his mother’s spring coat and a ping-pong ball cut in half. He worked closely with Jane Henson, who later became his wife, and puppeteer Frank Oz. Muppet characters joined Sesame Street in 1969, and “The Muppet Show” ran from 1976 to 1981, followed by many films. Henson died in 1990, and Disney bought the Muppets in 2004. Henson said the name was a blend of “marionette” and “puppet”, though he also admitted he just liked the sound.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"An old coat and a ping-pong ball — Jim Henson’s Muppets"