George Washington
Jim Henson has a Siamese cat named George Washinton.
Photo Credit: Jim Henson’s Red Book
Dogs
Jim Henson had several dogs over his life. This included his first dog Micky, who is pictured here. He also had dogs named Loki, Yankee Doodle, and Dixie.
Photo Credit: Jim Henson’s Red Book
Rowlf and Dog Muppets
Jim Henson’s love for dogs clearly influenced his muppet family. Dog muppets he created included Baskerville, Rufus, Barkley, Joe, Sprocket, Joe, Ambrosius, Jo Jo, the Bunny Picnic Dog, the Storyteller’s Dog, and more. His first and most famous dog muppet being Rowlf.
Jim Henson
Jim Henson is an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, filmmaker, and screenwriter, best known as the creator of The Muppets. Henson transformed puppetry into a dynamic medium for storytelling, appealing to audiences of all ages. His most celebrated work, The Muppet Show, became a global phenomenon, showcasing his unique blend of humor, whimsy, and technical prowess. Among his numerous accomplishments, the creation of the complex fantasy worlds in The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth stand out, demonstrating his mastery in blending puppetry with visual storytelling.
Jim Henson pioneered the use of television as an interactive medium for puppetry, starting with Sam and Friends in the 1950s, a precursor to the iconic Sesame Street, which he also helped develop. This educational show made a significant impact on children’s television programming, blending entertainment with educational content. Henson’s filmography also includes directing and producing fantasy classics such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, both of which featured groundbreaking animatronics and puppetry techniques that set new standards for visual effects. His company, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, continues to influence the industry with its technological innovations in animatronics and digital puppetry.
Henson’s collaborations were as remarkable as his creations, involving interactions with a wide array of celebrities and artists. He worked closely with Frank Oz, his right-hand man in puppeteering, to bring characters like Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear to life. His work on Sesame Street led to collaborations with celebrities like Johnny Cash, who appeared in an episode, and Carol Burnett, who guest-starred on The Muppet Show. Henson also teamed up with David Bowie in Labyrinth, where Bowie played the iconic role of Jareth, the Goblin King. Additionally, he worked with director George Lucas as a puppeteer consultant on Star Wars, most notably on the creation of Yoda, who was voiced by Frank Oz.
