Jim Henson

Jim Henson, born James Maury Henson on September 24, 1936 in Greenville, Mississippi, achieved global recognition as an American puppeteer, animator, actor, and filmmaker. Best known as the creator of the Muppets, Henson was also renowned for creating Fraggle Rock (1983-1987) and for directing The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986). Ambitiously pursuing puppets development from high school, Henson eventually co-founded, Muppets, Inc. (currently The Jim Henson Company) with Jane Nebel. He later revolutionary in the puppetry field, particularly with his character creations, like Kermit the Frog and Rowlf the Dog. At the end of his life, Henson founded the Jim Henson Foundation and Jim Henson's Creature Shop. He passed away in New York City in 1990 from toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Even at the time of his death, he was in talks to sell his company to The Walt Disney Company. Posthumously, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was named a Disney Legend.