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JIM HENSON
Jim Henson , an extraordinary artist and visionary, invented unique worlds and characters that remain just as vivid, original and fresh today as when they were created. A television pioneer, an innovator in puppetry, technology and visual arts, and a performer who literally brought to life some of the most memorable characters ever—including the world’s most famous frog, Kermit™ - Jim Henson’s impact on entertainment, education and culture continues to this day.
Jim was born September 24, 1936 in Greenville, Mississippi. Throughout his youth, Jim had an interest in art and, later, television.
When Jim was in the fifth grade, the Henson family moved to Maryland. There Jim, often with his older brother Paul, experimented with a variety of artistic techniques. In 1954, while still in high school, Jim began his television career performing puppets on a local Washington, DC Saturday morning program.
Because of Jim's creative reputation, he was asked to create a family of characters for a new TV show: Sesame Street. The show first aired in 1969. Jim’s characters—Ernie and Bert, Oscar the Grouch, Grover, Cookie Monster, and of course the 8-foot-2 Big Bird—continue to entertain and educate today, more than 35 years later. Together with his talented team, Jim produced more than two dozen live action and animated shorts that are still shown on TV; teaching children how to count, learn the alphabet and master other educational concepts.
 Sesame Street demonstrated the Muppets’ undeniable appeal to children, but Jim strongly believed these characters could entertain a much wider family audience. Jim produced a popular TV series called The Muppet Show™, as well as numerous feature-length movies that appealed to audiences of all ages.
Throughout the 1980’s, Jim also created memorable television series and specials, including: Fraggle Rock™, Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies™, Jim Henson's The Storyteller™, and Jim Henson's Greek Myths™.
On May 16, 1990, after a brief illness, Jim Henson died in New York City. With his keen ability for drawing together a strong team of performers, artists, and collaborators who shared his vision and creativity, Jim ensured that his work and unique creative vision would continue. Through The Jim Henson Company, his work continues to captivate and entertain a global audience.
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