5 Things You Never Knew About Jim Henson
Jim Henson, who died 35 years ago today, on May 16, 1990, brought magic to millions with his beloved Muppets. But even before his signature group of creations hit the public eye, Henson seemed on a path for greatness. Born September 24, 1936 in Greenville, Mississippi, and raised in Maryland, he had an eye for puppetry from a young age; he created Sam and Friends while still in college and soon co-founded what would become The Jim Henson Company with his wife, Jane.
But it was the Muppets that would make him a household name. With unforgettable characters like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, Henson changed the landscape of children’s television with Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, and pushed creative boundaries in film with fantasy classics like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. He died far too young, on May 16, 1990 at the age of 53, from toxic shock syndrome caused by a bacterial infection. But his legacy lives on through the characters he brought to life, and the millions of viewers who love them. In honor of Henson and all that he created, let’s learn some interesting facts about his life and career:
1 He was in talks to sell the Muppets to Disney, but the deal didn’t go through until after his death
Everett Collection
In the late ’80s, Henson began negotiating what could have been the biggest move of his career: a $150 million sale of the Muppets to The Walt Disney Company. Henson had arranged for a generous portion of the proceeds to go to his longtime collaborators, including Muppet performers and employees of his company. He was also set to receive a 15-year production deal with Disney that included creative control, casting decisions and veto power over how characters like Kermit the Frog would be used. Plans were already in motion for an expansive Muppet-themed section at the Disney-MGM Studios park, and Henson had been working with Imagineers on the attractions.
Tragically, he died just days before the final deal was set to close. Without him at the table, the negotiations fell apart. Disney wouldn’t officially acquire the Muppets until 2004, long after the man who created them was gone.
2 You can still see one of his final projects … but not for long
Steve Slocomb/Getty Images
Speaking of Disney: the final project Henson ever worked on was MuppetVision 3D*, a theme park attraction created for what was then called Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) in Florida. It was designed as part of the larger collaboration between Henson and Disney, and he was deeply involved in its production. He directed the 3D film, voiced Kermit, and worked closely with longtime Muppet writer Jerry Juhl on the script.
The show blended classic Muppet humor with state-of-the-art effects, and was meant to be the centerpiece of a planned Muppet-themed land at the park. Henson completed filming shortly before his unexpected death in 1990; when the attraction finally opened on May 16, 1991, exactly one year after he died, it served as a tribute to the man who made the Muppets possible. Sadly, the attraction is now being shut down on June 7, 2025, to make way for a new Monsters Inc.-themed land.
3 Do you remember The Muppets comic strip?
Credit: Karen Ruud
Guy Gilchrist, Henson’s original cartoonist, played a vital role in bringing the Muppets to the world beyond the TV screen. He shared with ReMIND in an exclusive interview at 90s Con in 2024, “Jim found me in 1980, and so I wrote and drew the Muppets for Jim for 150 million people in every language, in every newspaper all around the world, and he and I worked together daily.”
He told us of working with Henson, “He was an incredibly kind and loving and a doing kind of a man. He showed you his trust.” Gilchrist also helped ensure that the Muppets remained visible everywhere, explaining how Henson insisted that the comic strip be read simultaneously worldwide, saying, “If I’m in Greece, I want to read what Guy wrote just like if I was reading it in the Daily News here in New York.”
4 He almost played Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back
Lucasfilms/Everett Collection
Henson was such a close friend of Star Wars creator George Lucas that Lucas initially offered him the role of Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back. While the offer was a major vote of confidence in Henson’s puppeteering talents, he graciously turned it down and instead suggested his longtime collaborator Frank Oz for the part. Oz not only brought Yoda to life, but went on to become one of the most iconic voices and puppeteers in film history, thanks in part to Henson’s recommendation.
5 His funeral included Muppets and was anything but traditional
Henson Associates/Everett Collection
True to his colorful spirit, Henson had left specific instructions that there be no black clothing at his funeral, and that laughter, music and many of the Muppets should all be part of the celebration. Held at New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the service included joyful performances by beloved Muppet characters like Big Bird, who sang “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green” in a moving tribute that left few dry eyes in the crowd. Other Muppet performers sang “Just One Person,” a song that built into a powerful chorus as more puppeteers joined in.
Remind 
Kid Stuff
June 2018
Unleash your inner child by reliving your favorite kids TV shows, cartoons, toys and more!
Buy This Issue