The Muppets facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Muppets
Creator	Jim Henson Jane Henson
Original work	Sam and Friends
Owner	The Muppets Studio (The Walt Disney Company)
Print publications
Comics	Comics list
Films and television
Films	Film list
Television series	Television series list
Games
Video games	Video game list
Audio
Soundtracks	Discography
Miscellaneous
Theme park attractions	Muppet*Vision 3D The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History Muppet Mobile Lab
Web series	Statler and Waldorf: From the Balcony The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora

Kermit the Frog is Jim Henson's most famous Muppet. Here he performs "Bein' Green" on The Muppet Show.

A Rowlf the Dog puppet on display. Many Muppets have "live hands" like these.

The Muppets are famous puppet characters. They were created by Jim Henson. Some of the most well-known Muppets are Kermit the Frog and the characters from Sesame Street. Jim Henson started working on the Muppets in the 1950s. He continued to create them until he passed away in 1990.

The Muppets are known for their funny and sometimes silly variety-sketch comedy. They often perform in a style called "burlesque," which means they use humor and exaggerated actions.

Today, The Walt Disney Company owns The Muppets. The word "muppet" is a special name that Disney has trademarked. This means only Disney can use it for their puppets. However, puppets used in Sesame Street are still sometimes called Muppets. They have special permission from Disney to use that name.

Jim Henson once said the name "muppet" came from mixing the words "puppet" and "marionette." But he also said he just liked how the word sounded. There isn't a clear rule that makes a Muppet different from other puppets. The main difference is that Muppets are linked to Jim Henson's creations.

Many of Jim Henson's Muppets have certain features. They often have large eyes, round noses, and wide mouths. These mouths can stretch almost from ear to ear. Muppets are usually made from foam covered with felt.

Puppeteers are the people who bring Muppets to life. They usually control the Muppet with one hand inside its head. Their other hand controls the Muppet's arms. Sometimes, a stick called an "arm rod" is used to move the Muppet's hand and arm. Puppeteers hold one end of the rod, and the other end touches the Muppet's hand. Some Muppets have hands that are like gloves. Puppeteers put their own hands into these gloves. This lets the Muppet move its fingers. Because of this, most Muppets seem to use their left hands more often.

Who Brings Muppets to Life?

Jim Henson in 1989.

Carroll Spinney with Oscar the Grouch in 2014.

The talented people who perform with Muppets are called Muppeteers. They give each character its voice and movements. Here are some of the main Muppeteers and the characters they are famous for:

• Jim Henson - Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog, Ernie, The Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth, Waldorf, and many others.
• Frank Oz - Bert, Cookie Monster, Grover, Sam the Eagle, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and more.
• Jerry Nelson - Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Count von Count, Lew Zealand, and many others.
• Richard Hunt - Scooter, Statler, Don Music, and various other characters.
• Dave Goelz - The Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Beauregard, and many more.
• Steve Whitmire - Rizzo the Rat, Bean Bunny, Wembley Fraggle, and others.
• Fran Brill - Prairie Dawn, Zoe, Betty Lou, and Little Bird.
• Alice Dinnean - Wanda, Janice, and various characters.
• Julianne Buescher - Yolanda Rat, Denise, and Miss Piggy.
• Ryan Dillon - Elmo, and various other characters.
• Stephanie D'Abruzzo - Curly Bear, and various characters.
• Bill Barretta - Pepe the King Prawn, Bobo the Bear, Big Mean Carl, and more.
• Matt Vogel - 80's Robot, Constantine, Crazy Harry, Mr. Johnson, and various characters.
• Martin P. Robinson - Telly Monster, and various characters.
• Leslie Carrara-Rudolph - Abby Cadabby, and various characters.
• Pam Arciero - Various characters.
• Carmen Osbahr - Rosita.
• Jennifer Barnhart - Gladys the Cow, and various characters.
• Peter Linz - Walter, and various characters.
• Noel MacNeal - Various characters.
• Tyler Bunch - Foozie Bear, and various characters.
• John Tartaglia - Various characters.
• John Kennedy - Various characters.
• Caroll Spinney - Oscar the Grouch.

Muppets in Movies

The Muppets have starred in many movies over the years. Here's a look at some of the main characters and the puppeteers who brought them to life in these films:

Images for kids

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  Muppet*Vision 3D has been at Disney's Hollywood Studios since 1991.

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  The Muppets performing with CeeLo Green at Rockefeller Center in 2012.

See also

In Spanish: The Muppets para niños