Jim Henson's apparent death in Ed Sullivan Show
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Jim Henson.
Jim Henson (1936 - 1990)
Puppeteer/director
Creator of The Muppets
Film Deaths[]
None known.
TV Deaths[]
- Wilkins Coffee Commercials (1957-1961) [Wontkins/Wilkins] Voicing and puppeteering two characters, “Wontkins” gets killed in various ways by “Wilkins” whenever he says he doesn’t like the titular coffee. (Played for comic effect.)
- The Muppet Show: Rich Little (1977) [Various Characters]: Voicing and puppeteering multiple Muppet characters, Lenny the Lizard gets eaten by Gorgon Heap (Frank Oz)
- The Muppet Show: Liza Minnelli (1979) [Kermit the Frog/Dr. Teeth/Swedish Chef/Waldorf]: Voicing and puppeteering multiple Muppet characters, "Swedish Chef" is poisoned when he tastes his own soup to prove that it isn't poisoned, as "Fozzie Bear" (Frank Oz) looks on in shock. The soup had in fact been poisoned by "Statler" (Richard Hunt) and "Waldorf" (also performed by Henson). Jim's other characters survive the episode. (The entire episode is a "play-within-the-play" of a murder mystery being performed at the Muppet Theater.) (Played for comic effect.)
Noteworthy Connections[]
- Husband of Jane Henson (puppeteer)
- Father of Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, Heather Henson, Cheryl Henson, and John Henson.