Jim Henson

By Chris Drape, Mississippi – Clarion Ledger About five years before he published “Jim Henson: The Biography,” author Brian Jay Jones found himself going down a rabbit hole online. Jones, who describes himself as part of the “Muppet Generation,” is also known for biographies on figures, including George Lucas and Dr. Seuss. But around 2008,…

A familiar face is back on screen and he looks just like folks remember him. Kermit the Frog and the rest of the Muppets returned in February for a 50th anniversary special of The Muppet Show, and one thing stood out right away: they didn’t try to change it. In a time when many classic…

by Joe Hennes We are saddened to learn that Lyle Conway, a prolific puppet designer and sculptor, has passed away. Conway got his start in the puppetry world right away with Jim Henson, hired to work in the Muppet Workshop during the fifth season of The Muppet Show as the sculptor for Miss Piggy. At…

By Shane Keating Last night (March 3rd) was the 4th annual Children and Family Emmy Awards, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. John Tartaglia, who I assume you are familiar with, served as host for the evening, tellin’ jokes and doing various costume changes. Also present during the ceremony were Frankie…

by Tyler Partnow Do people actually know anything about Fraggle Rock? Well, of course you and I do; we read  ToughPigs, after all. But average people—your neighbors, coworkers, the people that you  meet each day—do they know anything about the show beyond the surface level? Fraggle Rock was, supposedly, very popular when it debuted. Its…

by Joe Hennes – [email protected] It’s been such a treat to see how many lost and obscure characters new Muppet Show special reintroduced to the world. Hilda and George the Janitor. Mildred and Miss Mousey. The lady that dances with Rowlf in At the Dance and that goofy looking horse Paul Revere. It’s like the…

by Matthew Soberman – [email protected] To: Matthew Soberman, May 13, 2016 From: Matthew Soberman, February 3, 2026 Hey, bud. How are you? Don’t worry, I already know the answer. You’re not happy because ABC just cancelled The Muppets after one season. And you’re feeling pretty frustrated that a show that actually tried to do something…

If you tune in to the upcoming Rose Parade, don’t be surprised to see Mississippi shining on one of the largest New Year’s Day stages. As is becoming customary, tourism officials in Mississippi have made it their mission to broadcast what makes the Magnolia State so special, so that outsiders can understand the appeal while…

Google Maps   It’s not every day you get to visit the very spot where a global superstar got his start. Tucked away in the Mississippi Delta, there’s a charming, unassuming place that pays homage to a true American icon—one who taught us it’s not easy being green, but it’s important to follow your dreams.…

Jim Henson is a name I’ve heard in passing at various Muppet events, so I really should find out who this guy is. But my brain is so fried from watching TV all day and eating sugary cereals all night, so my attention span can only handle, at most, a 24-page picture book. Well, good…