Jim Henson

Jim Henson's story is one of destiny. Having an interest in television in the mid-50's, he was involved in theatre at the University of Maryland. A local NBC affiliate there invited Jim and a friend (Jane, who he later married) to perform a five minute segment on a late night news show. The show lasted for a few years, and during that time Jim crafted and experimented with the Muppets concept. He coined the term "Muppet" during those years by combining the word puppet with marionette.

As these bizarre late night puppets gained popularity, more characters were created. The Muppets world also expanded, reaching to television shows, TV special appearances (including the first season of SNL in the 70's), and eventually becoming a giant enertainment conglomerate.

There are several things that inspire me about the Muppets. First, Jim Henson genuinely added depth, emotion, and creativity to his characters. They seem to have so much life! I feel as if Kermit and Miss Piggy are real living people! Secondly, there is a true gentleness and kindness to the whole Muppet world. Jim Henson, quite deliberately, strove to create an optimistic world that reflected love, caring, and humor. Thirdly, Jim Henson's creations are totally original. He did not create these characters in order to "break in" to show biz. He was interested in television, but he was not greedy or power hungry. He did not follow a formula in creating the Muppets. It was a true artistic creation rooted in his genuine passions and imagination.

I think that's why his lovable creatures connect with so many millions of people. Jim Henson has made a big impact on the culture of the world, with pure imagination and passion. That is inspiring, and worth commemorating.