Nine fun, interesting facts about Jim Henson and the Muppets

Brian Broom, Mississippi Clarion LedgerThu, May 7, 2026 at 9:46 AM UTC

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If Jim Henson was alive, he'd turn 90 years old on Sept 24 of this year, but he died at the rather young age of 53 on May 16, 1990. Although it's now been 36 years since he passed away, the legacy of the pioneering puppeteer who was born in the Mississippi Delta continues through the creation of his Muppets.

He's one of Mississippi's most famous sons and touched the lives of millions both in the U.S. and around the globe, particularly through his work with the television series Sesame Street, which is considered to be the most successful children's educational television series ever.

It's not all about Sesame Street, though. There were feature movies with the Muppets and of course, The Muppet Show; a comedy variety show with gags, music and recurring themes.

So, how much do you know about the Muppets and Jim Henson? Here are nine fun and interesting facts about them.

Who were the original Muppets on Sesame Street?

It's been a minute, so maybe you forgot. Sesame Street debuted in 1969 with six characters. According to Muppet Wiki, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Kermit the Frog and Cookie Monster appeared in the first season.

In case you're wondering, Count Von Count did not debut until the fourth season. That's one season. That's two seasons. That's three seasons later. (Ah Ah Ah Ah)

Which Muppet movies did Jim Henson produce?

According to the World Encyclopedia of Puppetry Arts, Jim Henson produced "The Muppet Movie "(1979),"The Great Muppet Caper "(1981), and "The Muppets Take Manhattan" (1984). Henson's son, Brian, produced and directed "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (1992) and "Muppet Treasure Island" (1996), and produced "Muppets from Space" (1999). Henson also created two major fantasy films; "The Dark Crystal" (1982) and "Labyrinth" (1986).

This Muppet star was born 71 years ago

Henson and his creations began gaining an audience with their first television show in Washington, D.C in 1955. The show was "Sam and Friends and according to Muppet Wiki, characters included Sam, Chicken Liver, Fisby, Harry the Hipster, Henrietta, Icky Gunk, Moldy Hay, Omar, Pierre, Professor Madcliffe and Yorick.

While those characters have largely faded into history, one withstood the test of time; Kermit, although he wasn't as froggy as he became in later years.

This Muppet star's name originated with a star

Miss Piggy is an interesting character. She's a star that dreams of being a star. If that isn't enough stars in the mix, her name originated with a star.

Her original name was Miss Piggy Lee, inspired by Peggy Lee, a famous singer. However, according to Smithsonian Magazine, as Miss Piggy Lee became more famous, her name was shortened to Miss Piggy in an effort to not upset Peggy Lee, who may not have appreciated having a pig named after her.

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This muppet is a household name. He was once household items

Like frogs in the wild, Kermit didn't begin life looking like he does today and was originally fashioned from things found in many homes. According to the Smithsonian Institute, Henson made the first version of Kermit from a pair of jeans, ping pong balls and an old coat belonging to his mother. Kermit was described as looking more like a lizard than a frog.

Over time, Kermit became more frog-like and by 1973, he basically became the character we know today.

Did Henson name Kermit after a childhood friend?

Growing up in Leland, Mississippi, Henson had a friend named Kermit Scott and it's been rumored that Scott was who the frog was named after. Royall Frazier of Meridian, who also grew up in Leland and was friends with Henson, told Clarion Ledger that Henson had not heard the name before meeting Scott. Frazier also noted that Henson and Scott were not particularly close friends. So, it may be a case of Henson simply liking the name.

Where did the name "Muppets" come from?

Like the origin of Kermit's name, this is a bit of a gray area. According to Muppet Wiki, Henson once said it was a combination of marionette and puppet but was inaccurate because he used marionettes so infrequently.

Later, Henson and others working with him said Henson just liked the name.

Sesame Street, a show seen by millions

Sesame Street and its cast of Henson's Muppets has become a program of unmatched popularity. According to History.com, more than 80 million Americans have watched the show as of 2025.

According to nonprofit Sesame Workshop's 2023 annual impact report, 15 million viewers watch Sesame Street each month through broadcast and streaming platforms.

Is Sesame Street the longest-running television series in America?

For some people, 1969, the year Sesame Street debuted and the Muppets were introduced to a nationwide audience, doesn't seem that long ago. The reality is, it's been 57 years. So, is it the longest running scripted TV show in American history? No, but it's up there.

According to Entertainment Weekly, these are the Top Five longest-running shows in American history.

General Hospital: 63 seasons

Days of Our Lives: 61 seasons

Guiding Light: 57 seasons

Sesame Street: 56 seasons

As the World Turns: 54 seasons

Brian Broom has been reporting on and photographing Mississippi for more than 35 years. He can be reached at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

This is one in a series of stories on Mississippi-native Jim Henson, the Muppets and the town of Leland, from which Henson was reared.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Fun facts about Mississippi native Jim Henson and the Muppets

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