Jim Henson didn't set out to change the world. He didn't set out to touch the lives of children more than any other entertainer in his lifetime.
And he didn't set out to revive the art of puppetry. But he sure did!
All that would be enough to make him historically significant years after his death. But he is also still beloved, revered and terribly missed.
Jim Henson's untimely departure from this world left a huge hole in our hearts that has yet to be filled. It's because his work also had a soul. His characters, creations, TV shows and films all had common elements of ... decency! There was an undercurrent of optimism, of empathy and encouragement that permeated nearly every project he worked on.
Thanks to Sesame Street, he had a profound influence on children, yet he was also able to entertain and inspire adults. Nearly 20 years after his passing, not only are we still talking about him, and still visiting a touring exhibit in his honor, but we also still miss him.
"Jim Henson's Fantastic World" was created by the Smithsonian Institution and the Jim Henson Legacy. It includes a treasure trove of sketches, storyboards, characters and films that lend insight into his process of creation.
We toured the exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, FL. It's a very special museum that is proud to house the tribute.
It also happens to be the hometown of Jim's daughter, Heather Henson. An acclaimed puppeteer in her own right, Heather is thoughtful, honest and inspirational. She tends to avoid the spotlight, but out of respect for her father, agreed to join Growing Bolder's Bill Shafer for a frank, open and insightful conversation.
She shares her unique perspective of her father's life, his works and his untimely passing.
Learn more at the Orange County Regional History Center Web site.
For all things Jim Henson, and to see if and when the exhibit is headed for a town near you, visit the Jim Henson Legacy Web site.
Click here to learn more about Heather Henson.
For more fascinating stories on incredible and memorable people, check out the GB Unforgettable Characters Channel.
Total Length: 06:21 Views: 5,109 Comments: 4 Favorited: 2 Rating: 5 Votes: 3
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Posted 10:24am October 6th, 2010Thank God for Jim Henson! Sesame Street was watched by my 2 children and now my 2 grandchildren. My grandson loves Elmo the best. I always cared about the Grouch!
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Posted 10:10am September 1st, 2009I wish so much that Jim Henson had lived until now. To see that Sesame Street has already lasted for 40 years doesn' surprise me. This is the best children's program ever. My daughter and son watched it and they grew up to be very intelligent. Now my grandson absolutely loves Elmo!! I applaud Jim Henson for how he made Muppets so popular!
carol hawk
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Posted 4:03pm February 13th, 2009Jim Henson has touch our lives in so many ways. His wonderful puppets have made my children, and now my grandchildren smile and brought so much joy to children all over the world! As I look up to heaven, thank you Jim !!!
Mary D.
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Posted 2:57pm February 13th, 2009I'm so glad someone put up an exhibit to honor Jim Henson. I had 5 children & they all grew up with Sesame Street. They're in their 40's, & 50's now with kids of their own & they sure learned a lot from that tv show. Glad to hear that Jim's daughter is sort of carrying-on the legacy. Yes, a lot of us out here sure do miss him!