Jim Henson

Known for Directing

9/24/1936

Greenville, Mississippi, USA

Biography

Jim Henson was an American film director, television producer and puppeteer, best known as the creator of The Muppets.

Known For (149 credits)

Movie

The Muppet Script

2025

When most people think of the Muppets, they think of the colorful characters made out of fleece and foam. But as with every movie, it all starts on the written page. Jim Henson's team of writers began with Jerry Juhl, and he was joined by Jack Burns in penning the script for THE MUPPET MOVIE. When mixed with the soundtrack by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher, it has become a well-loved classic.

Movie

Joan Rivers at the BBC

2024

Katherine Ryan presents a celebration of one of the biggest comedy talents to ever appear on the small screens – the razor-sharp-tongued first lady of laughter, Joan Rivers.

7.7

Movie

Jim Henson Idea Man

2024

Featuring unprecedented access to Jim Henson's personal archives, filmmaker Ron Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful look at a complex man whose boundless imagination inspired the world.

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

7.5

Movie

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

2021

Take a stroll down Sesame Street and witness the birth of the most influential children's show in television history. From the iconic furry characters to the classic songs you know by heart, learn how a gang of visionary creators changed the world.

Movie

Sesame Street: 50 Years and Counting

2019

An American institution turns fifty, and the disc release to mark the event is a very long (almost six hours) compendium of uncut historical segments from the show, without overdubs — Disc one features musical highlights and disc two dramatic and comedic highlights. It’s terrific background material, especially the music disc with the favorite characters both human and muppet. Plus some of my nostalgic favorites — it helps if you once had a baby or toddler in your lap, clapping along with you for these things. I can’t think of a better way to honor the show, and am ready for a followup, with more favorite segments.

7.0

Movie

In Their Own Words: Jim Henson

2015

The film follows Henson’s career from his first work with his Muppets in the early 1950’s during television’s Golden Age up to his sudden and shocking death in 1990, as he transcended puppetry to become one of the most creative, prolific and influential artists of his time. Key events include his early television work with the Muppets while still a student at the University of Maryland, his commercial work and network appearances in the late 1950s and early 1960’s, his breakthrough with Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and his groundbreaking fantasy films, Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Among those interviewed for the Jim Henson episode are his children, Lisa, Cheryl, Brian and Heather Henson, actors Neil Patrick Harris and Candice Bergen, Willard Scott, director John Landis, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, and Sesame Street cast members Bob McGrath and Carroll Spinney.

In Their Own Words

2015

Documenting the lives the most pivotal voices of the 20th century

7.4

Movie

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

2015

A documentary about Caroll Spinney who has been Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969. At 78-years-old, he has no intention of stopping.

Movie

Jim Henson: Behind the Seams

2014

Go behind the scenes to witness the magic of the Muppets in this compilation of rare footage of the variety of puppetry created by Jim Henson. Through a combination of documentary clips, interviews, and rare behind the scenes footage, this program offers an insider’s look at the people behind the Muppets and the hard work it takes to make it all look so easy.

6.3

Movie

Muppets Most Wanted

2014

While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

6.8

Movie

Paul Williams Still Alive

2011

Filmmaker and longtime fan Stephen Kessler's portrait of the award-winning 1970s singer-songwriter-actor, who disappeared for much of the 1980s and '90s, but still performs today.

2.0

Movie

Jim Henson: His Sesame Street Story

2009

This look at the contributions of Jim Henson and his early Sesame Street collaborators (including Frank Oz, Fran Brill, and Caroll Spinney) shows what made the Muppets such an integral part of the beloved show. This program is packed with rare clips from TV specials, guest appearances on talk and variety shows, and much more.