Today is Jim Henson’s Birthday. Born in 1936…. and he died at the very young age of 53. Now that was ONE talented, gifted, creative human being. Think of the absolute joy that one person brought to so many people…. young and old alike.
I loved Jim Henson, and his Muppets. My very favorites included Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, Animal, The Swedish Chef…. so many favorites really. Of the “mainstream Muppets”… I think Grover was probably my front runner.
When it came out in 1982, The Dark Crystal was at the very top of my movie list. (Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz) I haven’t seen it since then. I wonder if I’d still like it now.
Sesame Street lives on today, as do the Muppets. Ms. Piggy has probably been on Hollywood Squares more times than Florence Henderson or Charo…. all Femme Fatale Legends…
Of course there is Bert and Ernie. Those two Muppet-Dudes lived together for years. Their playful banter was always entertaining. Rumor has it….. they were recently married in NYC. Finally, after all this time. I wish them the best.
Two other characters I had a proclivity for were the old guys in the balcony. I’m not sure of their names… but they were the funniest of the bunch. Curmudgeons defined.
And…..then…. there is……
Kermit.
Today, all around the world, kids are gathering in small and large groups alike. They are holding intense discussions on the social impact that Henson & the Muppets have had on generations past…. and how that crew of puppets continue to influence popular culture today. They are formulating strategic plans to keep the Muppets involved in school curriculums from Kindergarten all the way to College. Well, tickle me Elmo.
Who knew.
You know……. I’m betting Jim Henson had a sock monkey when he was a kid. Or imaginary friends… or…. or… too much Kool-Aid?
Thanks for magic Jim.
“My hope still is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here.” -Jim Henson
Google’s Doodle is Awesome… go play…. go play……
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