List of Muppets facts for kids

The Muppets are a beloved group of funny puppet characters first created by Jim Henson. These amazing characters have starred in many TV shows, movies, and other fun projects since the 1950s. Most of the characters you'll read about here first appeared on The Muppet Show, a popular TV series that ran from 1976 to 1981. Over the years, new Muppets joined the family in other TV shows and movies.

The very first Muppet characters appeared in a show called Sam and Friends, which aired from 1955 to 1961. Kermit the Frog was one of the stars of this early show, making him one of Jim Henson's first Muppet creations. The Muppets became super famous after appearing on the children's TV show Sesame Street, which started in 1969. Jim Henson's company owned the Sesame Street characters until 2001. Since then, Sesame Workshop has owned them, and they are now a separate group of characters.

The Muppets characters you'll learn about in this article are owned by the Muppets Studio, which is part of the Walt Disney Company. Disney bought these characters from the Jim Henson Company in 2004.

The Muppets cast in The Muppet Show. Clockwise from bottom left: Gonzo, Fozzie, Robin, Lew Zealand, Uncle Deadly, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Waldorf, Statler, Link Hogthrob, Dr. Teeth, Beaker, Rowlf, Camilla, Scooter, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, Floyd

Main Characters of The Muppets

Kermit the Frog

• Performed by Jim Henson (1955–1990), Steve Whitmire (1990–2016), Matt Vogel (2017–present)

Kermit the Frog is a sensible frog and the main leader of the Muppets. Jim Henson created Kermit, who first appeared in 1955 on Sam and Friends. Kermit quickly became the most famous Muppet. He often appeared on Sesame Street as a reporter. On The Muppet Show, he was the host, making sure everything ran smoothly. Kermit has been in every Muppet show and movie since then.

Miss Piggy

• Performed by Frank Oz (1976–2002), Eric Jacobson (2001–present)

Miss Piggy is a glamorous pig with a big personality. She is a true superstar among the Muppets. Until 2015, she was Kermit the Frog's girlfriend. Miss Piggy is known for being strong and stylish, but also a bit bossy. Bonnie Erickson designed and built her. She first appeared in a TV special in 1974, performed by Jerry Nelson. Frank Oz later became her main performer.

Fozzie Bear

• Performed by Frank Oz (1976–2000), Eric Jacobson (2002–present)

Fozzie Bear is an insecure bear who loves to tell jokes. He is a stand-up comedian on The Muppet Show. Frank Oz created Fozzie's character and performed him until 2000. Since then, Eric Jacobson has performed Fozzie. Fozzie is known for being a sweet but not-so-great comedian. Michael K. Frith designed him.

Gonzo the Great

• Performed by Dave Goelz (1976–present)

Gonzo the Great is an unusual creature with a hooked nose. He loves to perform daring stunts. Gonzo first appeared in 1970 in The Great Santa Claus Switch. A funny part of his character is that no one knows what kind of animal he is. In the movie Muppets from Space, it was revealed that Gonzo is an alien. Dave Goelz created Gonzo and has performed him ever since.

Rowlf the Dog

• Performed by Jim Henson (1962–1990), Bill Barretta (1996–present)

Rowlf the Dog is a calm and friendly pianist. He first appeared in commercials for Purina Dog Chow. He then became a sidekick on The Jimmy Dean Show. Rowlf was one of Jim Henson's first fully developed characters. He is known for his down-to-earth personality and dry sense of humor. Don Sahlin built Rowlf.

Scooter

• Performed by Richard Hunt (1976–1991), David Rudman (2008–present)

Scooter is the loyal stage manager and helper at the Muppet Theatre. Richard Hunt based Scooter's voice and personality on his younger self. Michael K. Frith designed Scooter. He first appeared in the first season of The Muppet Show.

Animal

• Performed by Frank Oz (1975–2000), John Kennedy (2001-2003), Eric Jacobson (2002–present)

Animal is the wild and energetic monster drummer for Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem. He is known for his huge appetite and his loud drumming. Jim Henson designed Animal, and Dave Goelz built him.

Pepe the King Prawn

• Performed by Bill Barretta (1996–present)

Pepe the King Prawn is a clever and sassy king prawn. He first appeared in Muppets Tonight. There, he and Seymour often worked as elevator operators and cooks. Pepe's first movie appearance was in Muppets from Space. In 2002, Pepe became the spokesperson for the restaurant chain Long John Silver's.

Rizzo the Rat

• Performed by Steve Whitmire (1980–2016), Bradley Freeman Jr. (2025–present)

Rizzo is a sly and witty brown rat from the city. He is known for his sarcastic personality. Rizzo first appeared in the fourth season of The Muppet Show.

Walter

• Performed by Peter Linz (2011-present)

Walter is a shy, soft-voiced Muppet who is a huge fan of the Muppets. He was introduced in the 2011 movie The Muppets. Walter is the younger brother of Gary (Jason Segel) in the film. He helped Kermit reunite the Muppets to save their theater. Walter's whistling act helped raise money. He was then accepted as a member of the Muppet family. Walter also appeared in Muppets Most Wanted (2014), where he helped rescue Kermit.

Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem

• Dr. Teeth: Performed by Jim Henson (1975–1990), John Kennedy (1991–2003), Bill Barretta (2005–present)
• Animal: Performed by Frank Oz (1975–2000), John Kennedy (2001–2003), Eric Jacobson (2002–present)
• Floyd Pepper: Performed by Jerry Nelson (1975–2003), John Kennedy (2005–2006), Matt Vogel (2008–present)
• Janice: Performed by Fran Brill (1975), Eren Ozker (1976-1977), Richard Hunt (1977–1991), Brian Henson (2002–2003), Tyler Bunch (2005), David Rudman (2008–present)
• Zoot: Performed by Dave Goelz (1975-present)
• Lips: Performed by Steve Whitmire (1980–2016), Peter Linz (2017–present)

This is the Muppets' rock band, made up of six members. Dr. Teeth is the leader and plays keyboards. Floyd Pepper is the cool bass player. Janice plays lead guitar with a cheerful personality. Zoot is the relaxed saxophone player. Animal is the wild drummer. Lips is the mumbling trumpet player.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew

• Performed by Dave Goelz (1976–present)

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew is a brilliant but often forgetful scientist. He frequently performs science experiments and shows off inventions. These experiments usually go wrong, and his assistant, Beaker, often becomes the victim. Bunsen first appeared in the first season of The Muppet Show. Beaker joined him in the second season.

Beaker

• Performed by Richard Hunt (1977–1991), Steve Whitmire (1992–2016), David Rudman (2017–present)

Beaker is the unlucky lab assistant to Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. He often gets seriously injured during Bunsen's experiments. Jim Henson designed Beaker, and Don Sahlin built him. Beaker first appeared in the second season of The Muppet Show.

The Swedish Chef

• Performed by Jim Henson (1975–1990), David Rudman (1992), Bill Barretta (1996–present)

The Swedish Chef is a silly chef who speaks in a made-up Swedish language. He was a team effort between Jim Henson and Frank Oz, with Oz providing the hands. Oz would do unexpected things, like tossing chickens, and Henson would react. Michael K. Frith designed him.

Statler and Waldorf

• Statler: Performed by Richard Hunt (1976–1991), Jerry Nelson (1975, 1992–2003), Steve Whitmire (2002–2016), Peter Linz (2017–present)
• Waldorf: Performed by Jim Henson (1975–1990), Dave Goelz (1992–present)

Statler and Waldorf are two elderly, grumpy gentlemen. They constantly make jokes and complain about the Muppets from their balcony box on The Muppet Show. They were named after two famous hotels in New York City. Bonnie Erickson designed and built them.

Sam Eagle

• Performed by Frank Oz (1975–2000), Kevin Clash (2002–2003), Eric Jacobson (2005–present)

Sam Eagle is a patriotic bald eagle. He sees himself as the group's leader for good manners and values. Sam represents a serious, traditional way of thinking, making him a bit of a snob. Jim Henson designed him, and Don Sahlin built him. Sam has recently appeared in The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History at the Magic Kingdom theme park.

Camilla the Chicken

• Performed by Jerry Nelson (1978–2003), Alice Dinnean (2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present)

Camilla the Chicken is a hen and Gonzo's longtime girlfriend on The Muppet Show. She often appears on the show and in Muppet movies. In Muppet Babies, Camilla was Baby Gonzo's stuffed chicken doll. She also appeared as Gonzo's business partner in the 2011 film The Muppets.

Supporting Characters of The Muppets

Uncle Deadly

• Performed by Jerry Nelson (1976–1979), Matt Vogel (2011–present)

Uncle Deadly is a spooky-looking, blue, reptilian monster. He often lurks around the Muppet Theater. He first appeared on The Muppet Show and was known as "the Phantom of the Muppet Show." Uncle Deadly used to perform at the theater until he was "killed by the critics." He made a big return in the 2011 movie The Muppets. There, he helped save the Muppet Theatre from a greedy oil tycoon. In the 2015 TV series, Uncle Deadly became Miss Piggy's wardrobe supervisor.

Bobo the Bear

Bobo the Bear

• Performed by Bill Barretta (1996–present)

Bobo the Bear is a large, friendly, but often confused brown bear. He has appeared in several Muppet films. On Muppets Tonight, he was the security guard. In the 2011 movie The Muppets, Bobo was a henchman for the oil tycoon Tex Richman. He later realized he was working for the bad guy. In the 2015 TV series, Bobo was the stage manager for Up Late with Miss Piggy.

Robin the Frog

Robin the Frog

• Performed by Jerry Nelson (1971–2003), Matt Vogel (2008–2017), Peter Linz (2017–present)

Robin the Frog is Kermit the Frog's young and sweet-voiced nephew. He has appeared in most Muppet productions since The Muppet Show. Robin loves spending time with his Uncle Kermit and his best friend Sweetums. One of his most famous moments was singing "Halfway Down the Stairs." In The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), Robin played the role of Tiny Tim.

Sweetums

Sweetums from a 2013 Muppisode

• Performed by Jerry Nelson (1971, in-suit performer), Carl Banas (1971, voice only), Richard Hunt (1976–1991), John Henson (1992–2005), Noel MacNeal (2008), Matt Vogel (2009–present)

Sweetums is a very large, hairy ogre, about nine feet tall. Despite his intimidating look, he is usually friendly and kind. He has thick, blondish-brown hair and a large lower jaw with tusks. Sweetums first appeared in the 1971 TV special The Frog Prince. He later became best friends with Robin the Frog. In The Muppet Movie, he chased after the Muppets to join them in Hollywood. Sweetums has appeared in many Muppet movies and specials. In the 2015 TV series, Sweetums was in charge of cue cards.

Lew Zealand

• Performed by Jerry Nelson (1978–2003), Bill Barretta (2002–2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present)

Lew Zealand is a humanoid Muppet with dark hair and a mustache. He wears a red ringmaster's suit. Lew is obsessed with throwing "boomerang fish," which always return to him. His catchphrase is: "I throw the fish away, and it comes back to me!" Lew appeared on The Muppet Show trying to promote his act. He has had supporting roles in many Muppet movies, including The Muppets and Muppets Most Wanted.

Crazy Harry

• Performed by John Lovelady (1974, 1976–1977), Richard Hunt (1975–1981), Jerry Nelson (1977–2003), Rickey Boyd (2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present)

Crazy Harry is a pyrotechnician who loves explosives. He has black, messy hair and big, baggy eyes. He first appeared in The Muppets Valentine Show and later on The Muppet Show. Harry usually carried a plunger box to set off hidden charges, often causing chaos. He appeared in The Muppet Movie and The Muppets Take Manhattan. In the 2011 movie The Muppets, he blasted his likeness onto Mount Rushmore.

Beauregard

• Performed by Dave Goelz (1978–present)

Beauregard is the Muppets' kind but clumsy backstage janitor and stagehand. He debuted in season three of The Muppet Show. Beauregard tries to be helpful, but his efforts often lead to funny disasters. He has amazing strength, easily lifting heavy objects like anvils or pianos. In The Muppets, Beauregard was found living in the janitor's closet, unaware the show was off the air.

Link Hogthrob

• Performed by Jim Henson (1977–1990), Steve Whitmire (2000–2016), Peter Linz (2017–present)

Link Hogthrob is a dim-witted pig who thinks he's a handsome leading man. He has wavy blond hair and a high opinion of himself. On The Muppet Show, Link was the captain of the Swinetrek in the "Pigs in Space" sketches. His overly confident personality often caused problems with First Mate Piggy. Link also appeared as the police chief in the "Bear on Patrol" sketches. He returned to prominence in Muppets Most Wanted.

The Newsman

• Performed by Jim Henson (1976–1990), Richard Hunt (1981), Jerry Nelson (1996), Brian Henson (2001–2003), Steve Whitmire (2008–2016), Eric Jacobson (2017–present)

The Newsman is the bespectacled news presenter for The Muppet Show. He tries to deliver the news accurately but often gets confused by strange stories or interviews. From the second season onward, he almost always suffered some funny accident related to the news, like having things fall on his head.

Pops

• Performed by Jerry Nelson (1980–2002), Matt Vogel (2011–present)

Pops is an elderly doorman at the Muppet Theatre. He greeted the guest star in every episode of the fifth season of The Muppet Show. He also played a major role as the innkeeper of the Happiness Hotel in The Great Muppet Caper. Since then, he has had several smaller roles and cameo appearances.

Marvin Suggs

• Performed by Frank Oz (1976–1981), Eric Jacobson (2011–present)

Marvin Suggs is a flamboyant musician known for playing the Muppaphone. This instrument is made of small, furry pink and orange Muppets that make an "ow" sound when Marvin taps their heads with his mallet. He appeared in The Muppet Movie and the 2011 film The Muppets.

Clifford

• Performed by Kevin Clash (1989–2005)

Clifford is a cool, lavender-colored character with dreadlocks and sunglasses. He was created to be the bassist for the band Solid Foam on The Jim Henson Hour (1989). In 1996, Clifford became the host of Muppets Tonight. For this role, his appearance changed, showing his eyes and wearing a suit. He later returned to his original sunglasses look for his last appearances.

Other Characters of The Muppets

Frackles

Frackles are a type of Muppet monster. They first appeared in the 1970 TV special The Great Santa Claus Switch. They later appeared in many Muppet projects, including The Muppet Show and Muppets Most Wanted. Frackles usually have fur and hooked beaks, which might include teeth. They come in small to medium sizes. Frackles often changed their look and performer depending on the sketch.

Gonzo actually started as a Frackle named "Snarl" in The Great Santa Claus Switch.

Penguins

Muppet Penguins are often seen in various Muppet productions. Most of them don't have names.

Some known Penguins include:

• Gloria Estefan Penguin (performed by Peter Linz): A Magellanic penguin chick who loves martinis. She debuted in the TV series The Muppets. Miss Piggy adopted Gloria during a trip to Argentina.
• Nicky Napoleon (performed by James Kroupa): A penguin who leads the band Nicky Napoleon and His Emperor Penguins.
• Winky Pinkerton (performed by Steve Whitmire): A penguin who does bird impressions. He was the first known Penguin to appear in The Muppet Show.

The 2018 version of Muppet Babies introduced Summer Penguin (voiced by Jessica DiCicco). Summer is the Muppet Babies' artist and the shortest of the group.

Whatnots

Whatnots are Muppet extras designed with blank heads and faces. They can be customized with different clothes and hair for various roles. Similar puppets used for Sesame Street are called Anything Muppets. Characters like Scooter, Lew Zealand, and Marvin Suggs were first made using Whatnot puppets. In 2008, the Muppet Whatnot Workshop opened, allowing people to create their own custom Whatnot puppets.

Additional Characters of The Muppets

See also

• List of Sesame Street characters
• List of Fraggle Rock characters