Jim Henson's Life

By 20lizotd
  • Jim Henson was born.

    Jim Henson was born.

    James Maury Henson was born on September 24, 1936 in Greenville, Mississippi.
  • Jim Henson attended college.

    Jim Henson attended college.

    Attended University of Maryland, College Park from 1955-1961. He studied theater arts and home economics. Became interested in puppetry.
  • Kermit the Frog was born.

    Kermit the Frog was born.

    While in college, Henson had his own show, Sam and Friends. Kermit the Frog was introduced on the show.
  • Jim Henson won his first award.

    Jim Henson won his first award.

    Sam and Friends scored a local Emmy Award in 1958.
  • The first Muppet gained national exposure.

    The first Muppet gained national exposure.

    Rowlf the Dog, went from making appearances in Purina commercials to playing a sidekick on The Jimmy Dean Show in 1963.
  • Henson began experimenting with short films.

    Henson began experimenting with short films.

    He made 1965's Academy Award-nominated "Time Piece". Then, in 1969, Henson teamed up with Children's Television Workshop to produce to now-classic children's show on PBS, "Sesame Street".
  • The debut of the The Muppet Show.

    The debut of the The Muppet Show.

    Surprisingly, Henson had a challenging time getting the show financed in the United States, but eventually found the support needed with London-based TV producer, Lord Lew Grade.
  • Jim Henson puts out his first movie.

    Jim Henson puts out his first movie.

    The Muppet Show also led to future films for Henson, including The Muppet Movie, in 1979, and an animated TV spin-off, "Jim Henson's Muppet Babies" that garnered four consecutive Emmys (outstanding animated program).
  • Jim Henson's death.

    Jim Henson's death.

    Henson died at the age of 53 in NYC from Toxic Shock Syndrome.
  • Jim Henson's last project.

    Jim Henson's last project.

    Henson's last project was "Muppet*Vision 3D" a multimedia attraction installed at Disney theme parks in California and Florida.