James Robert Parish - Jim Henson: Puppeteer and Filmmaker

Through his imagination and artistry, Jim Henson left an indelible mark on the history of television and the lives of children around the world.

Source: Photofest.

Several of Henson's beloved Muppets, such as the goofy, oversized Big Bird, the humanoid Ernie, the tiny Elmo, and the ever-hungry Cookie Monster, first came to major viewer attention when showcased as part of the syndicated children's TV program Sesame Street, which debuted in 1969 and has been running continuously for more than 35 years. Later, many of these and other delightful Muppets starred in their own internationally syndicated television program, The Muppet Show (19761981).

Most experts on the history of television rate Sesame Street as the most important children's television show ever developed. The chief goal of this groundbreaking children's program is to teach its young viewers a variety of useful topics, including the alphabet and numbers. The show, which is popular both in the United States and around the globe, reaches out to preschoolers from all backgrounds. A key ingredient for the high success of this magical program is Jim Henson's expressive Muppets.

Jim Henson was not content for his imaginative puppet creations to remain solely a part of Sesame Street. Rather, he dreamed of finding a proper TV showcase that would focus fully on his adorable, often zany puppets that seem so completely real. He envisioned its humor, satire, and wit to be geared to adults as well as children. With the 1976 debut of The Muppet Show Henson realized his ambition. Within two years, at the height of its success, The Muppet Show was being syndicated in over 100 countries and watched by more than 235 million people. In the process, the Muppets became the most commercially successful puppets in world history. The show continues to delight new viewers in constant reruns.

Like Sesame Street, The Muppet Show won many industry awards, including several Emmy prizes. Over the decades, both of these acclaimed TV shows have been the springboard for a variety of offshoot properties, including theatrical, TV, and direct-to-VHS/DVD feature films and compilations, record albums, books of all types, cartoon strips, touring stage shows and theme park attractions, and a slew of merchandising items ranging from puppets to lunch boxes and to clothing.

A few years ago, when Time magazine selected the 100 most influential people of the 20th century in a variety of career categories, its list of major role models included Henson. The publication explained:

Jim Henson can be credited with many accomplishments: he had the most profound influence on children of any entertainer of his time, he adapted the ancient art of puppetry to the most modern of mediums, television, transforming both; he created a TV show that was one of the most popular on earth. But Henson's greatest achievement was broader than any of those. Through his work, he helped sustain the qualities of fancifulness, warmth and consideration that have been so threatened by our coarse, cynical age.

In 1986 Jim Henson, the visionary artist, took time out from his hectic daily schedule to express several of his guiding principles. He said, "I believe that life is basically a process of growththat we go through many lives choosing those situations and problems that we will learn through. I believe that we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always worked out for me."

He also offered, "At some point in my life I decided, rightly or wrongly, that there are many situations in this life that I can't do much aboutacts of terrorism, feelings of nationalistic prejudice, Cold War, etc.so what I should do is concentrate on the situations that my energy can affect."

Regarding his choice of media to express his vision, Henson explained, "I believe that we can use television and film to be an influence for good; that we can help to shape the thoughts of children and adults in a positive way. As it has turned out, I'm very proud of some of the work we've done, and I think we can do many more good things."

As for his creative process, Henson said, "I find that it's very important for me to stop every now and then and get recharged and reinspired. The beauty of nature has been one of the great inspirations in my life. Growing up as an artist, I've always been in awe of the incredible beauty of every last bit of design in nature. The wonderful color schemes of nature, which always works harmoniously, are particularly dazzling to me. I love to lie in an open field looking up at the sky. One of my happiest moments of inspiration came to me many years ago as I lay on the grass, looking up into the leaves and branches of a big old tree in California. I remember feeling very much a part of everything and everyone."

Reflecting on his occupation Henson admitted, "Working as I do with the movement of puppet creatures, I'm always struck by the feebleness of our efforts to achieve naturalistic movement. Just looking at the incredible movement of a lizard or a bird, or even the smallest insect, can be a very humbling experience."

Just four years before his untimely passing in May 1990, Henson noted, "When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better for my having been here. It's a wonderful life and I love it."

Certainly Jim Henson met his noble objectives many times over. He provided generations of audiences with a window into his imaginative world, one filled with profound optimism and a positive sense of wonder. In the process this amazing puppeteer pleased, inspired, and taught lessons about life to people of all ages. He also helped many associates in the field to perfect their craft and to shine in the world of puppetry on their own. As such, Jim Henson created a magnificent legacy.

James Maury Henson was born on September 24, 1936, at the King's Daughters Hospital in Greenville, Mississippi. Jim was the second son of Paul Ransom Henson and Elizabeth Marcella Henson. Paul was an agronomist (one who studies the science of soil management, land cultivation, and crop production) and worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specializing in researching the development of new strains of forage crops, especially soybeans. Elizabeth was a homemaker.