Jim Henson

Overview

Jim Henson was a 20th-century American puppeteer, director, writer, and producer best known for creating the Muppets, a cast of comedic puppets who have starred in projects like "The Muppet Show," "Sesame Street," and "Fraggle Rock."

Henson became interested in puppeteering as a teenager and had his first TV show, "Sam and Friends," by 1955, while he was still in college. Henson's work through the '60s—both on experimental work and TV commercials—eventually led him to "Sesame Street" and "Saturday Night Live."

"The Muppet Show" became an international hit in the 1970s and led to a series of films that span multiple decades. Henson's 1980s films, "The Dark Crystal" and "Labyrinth," were considered flops when they were released, though they've since become cult classics, noted for their innovative special effects and idiosyncratic storytelling.

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