The great thing about this tribute is that it isn't just sad. It has its sad moments, of course, but it's also funny and inspiring and silly. It's not made to mourn Jim Henson; it's made to celebrate his life. And to be true to all that Jim was, you need those moments that are serious, but also those that are completely nonsensical. A perfect tribute to a wonderful man
I was three years old when Jim Henson died. My parents knew his work better than I did and they were the ones who introduced me to Sesame Street when I was little. Kermit was among those characters who stood out for me from there. His legacy is forever.
Kermit coming in at the end was the most important part of this. It showed how the man who started it all, and the voices he did, weren’t the end of it when he was gone. There will always be Kermit, and there will always be the Muppets, just as Jim Henson and what he did for us all will never truly go. A life ends, but life goes on, and is better for it.
I had a kid (16 years old) ask me today who Jim Henson was, and I told her, "He is you childhood." I was laughing and crying throughout. He is an amazing man, and his work is timeless. He will forever be in our hearts.
Hearing Frank Oz try to keep his composure while reading that letter as Miss Piggy is heart-wrenching. 💔 I was only 1yrs old when Jim died. I never grew up with The Muppets Show or Fraggle Rock or any of the old movies. But I've always loved his darker fantasy stuff like The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and The Storyteller. Always fascinated that the guy associated with talking frogs, pigs, bears, chickens, whatevers, etc, was also capable of expanding his mindset and building whole other worlds with whatever resources he had. Now, going back to marathon all of The Muppet Show on Disney+, all the cheesy old-puns and musical numbers and super silly moments of neat innocent humor? Man, that world and that level of kindness and safety from cynicism just doesn't exist anymore. I think it's our job to keep believing and keep pretending. Sometimes it"s the only release we get, outside of knowing we're loved by someone else. Silliness is sacred, so treat it like it is! Do stupid things, write stupid songs, make up crazy worlds, heck, draw upon the wackiest parts of your imagination until you're howling with laughter and your worries seem a little more faded. I firmly believe you only get one spark of wonder and you must never lose it. 🙂 ⭐
That part when they all realized that Jim Henson passed hurt so much. Jim Henson passed 14 years before I was born but he was a huge park of my childhood with Sesame Street, Muppet Show (VHS Baby) and Fraggle Rock are things I remember so well so this hurt so much to learned about how he suddenly passed back in 1990.
I bawled so many times while watching this. Heck, I'm even bawling now. I feel so lucky to have known his work before he passed. There is a piece of my heart that will always be missing because such a wonderful, rare man is gone. Watching all his shows as a kid, I learned so much and it helped connect me with my parents on an intimate level. Even when we weren't watching, we had so much fun referencing lines from the show and laughing. He meant so much to me and my family. It's true that you really don't know what you have till it's gone. I was too young to really comprehend his death in 1990, but when I saw a vid here on youtube about his funeral and all the touching speeches from loved ones, I knew then that he meant more to me than I ever imagined. I know that if he were still alive, he'd be making more amazing shows with his beloved puppets, enchanting children of this century. Granted, his legacy will live on forever in our hearts. He taught us to believe in ourselves and to never stop dreaming. This lesson and so many more are desperately needed in this day and age. If only he knew how much we really need his kindness and inspiration once again. Millions still love you, Jim. You will never be forgotten. Your delightful puppets still live on in your honor.
I wasn't alive when Jim Henson was but recently I have been looking at the Muppets from the '80s and it really made me laugh so when I watched this I felt a little bit sad
As you watch this you watch this you realize how special Jim Henson truly was. "Some day we will find it the rainbow connection; the lovers, the dreamers, and me.." My line from my fav song Jim used in the original Muppet Movie.
Even years later, I still come back to this, every year to watch this. This was the perfect send off to the genius. He *was* my childhood. Rest in Peace, Henson.
Getting so emotional through this. Started crying during the fan letters and when Kermit walked in, the waterworks flooded into deep guttural bawling! We'll miss you Jim Henson!
I remember watching this when it aired. I was only 8, but Jim Henson had already made a huge impact on my life thanks to Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and Muppet Babies. I mistakenly thought that Henson’s death signaled the end of Kermit, so I was so happy when he turned up at the end. The voice was a little different, though. Even at that age, I knew no one could replace Jim. 😢❤
So many great childhood memories thanks to Jim Hanson, the Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Labrynth The Dark Crystal and so many more. Thank you Jim!!!!! We love you
I was perfectly composed through the entire show, until Waldorf patted Statler on the back. Statler and Waldorf was just one of the pairs played by Jim Henson and Frank Oz.
Fun fact: Waldorf is the first character played by Jim to appear in this special in new footage. It's obvious Kermit not appearing until the end is meant to be symbolic of him being passed down to Steve, but Rowlf doesn't appear, Swedish Chef doesn't appear, Dr. Teeth doesn't appear, Link Hogthrob doesn't appear, the Newsman doesn't appear, not even Mahnna Mahnna makes an appearance. This is most likely meant to represent how they too lost someone to give them life. So, much like how Kermit emerging from the door is meant to be seen as a triumphant confirmation that "the frog is staying, New York", characters like Waldorf, Ernie, and Rowlf suddenly appearing when it sinks into the rest of the Muppets that their beloved creator is gone, and when Robin encourages them all to keep going seems intentional too (especially when you remember that the latter two kept making silent appearances even before being recast for Steve Whitmire and Bill Barretta respectively).
It's so sad we missed Jim Henson. I wished he was still alive today. I may be 41, but I will never outgrow the muppets. They are my favorites since I was a kid and will always be my favorite.
I don't believe you EVER outgrow something/someone you really love or respect, you just soldier on, and go on with your life! If you're lucky, you remember it, and, it still makes you smile! I'm 61, at present, and, STILL like the Muppet Show, and, many of the people, places, and, things I used to! Some of the places and people, and, things are gone, BUT, I still remember and love them.😍. Sometimes, the "feels" are the price we have to pay for being human!
Jim Henson helped with Muppets of Sam and Friends, Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and Little Muppet Monsters. His love of puppets will always live on.
This is a lovely tribute show and difficult to watch without crying, especially when you realise this is really the guys underneath saying a personal goodbye to their friend who died unexpectedly at the tragically young age of 53. But their is, I think, a second moving story behind this programme. Steve Whitmire who took on the role of Kermit from this show onwards was apparently terrified of taking on the role made famous by Jim himself, and hadn't been sleeping in the run up to this show.
I watched a video of Jim Henson's funeral on RUclips and at the end all the puppeteers came out with whatever muppet character they could bring and sang but none of them brought Kermit the Frog and it was as though Kermit died too until 45:01 when he came in performed by muppeteer, Steve Whitmire and it was as though muppeteer, Steve Whitmire brought Kermit back to life after Jim Henson's death.
Jim Henson was and still will be the best puppeteer because he gave so much imagination and love to the children and other people who watched his shows. Sesame Street was a huge step into what Jim could really be as a puppeteer because it opened a whole new way of childhood entertainment
Too soon. We lost him too soon. But I remember him. We won't forget him. He gave us so many funny faces and new friends. From Gonzo and Kermit to the fantastic people of the Dark Crystal planet.
I will never forget the muppets! The fragle's and sesame street. You made this world great, I will never forget you. You will always be one of my role models and you have impacted my life more than you will ever know.
Jim Henson's wonderful, amazing creations were a part of my childhood, and they'll always be a part of me!!! thank you Jim Henson for making characters that will always be in my heart!!!!
I was 4 1/2 when Jim Henson passed and already had that young age he had played an enormous part in my childhood from Sesame Street to Fraggle Rock to even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (movie). He had such an enormous impact on my tiny little world. I remember when my dad came in with the news as well. 😭 This is not only a brilliant tribute to the man but it is also a brilliant look into who he was and I think that Disney NEEDS to restore this and preserve it so that the future generations that have been born and will be born long after his untimely passing will know who he was
@ David Jensen, I was only 7 when Jim Henson passed away and even thought I never met him in person it felt like I lost a friend. Sesame Street, and the Muppets brought me lots of entertainment and taught me that your imagination can take you anywhere you wish, even as a grown person. I still fondly treasure seeing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) on the big screen, since I am huge fan of the Turtles and the work Jim Henson's workshop did bringing the Turtles and Splinter to life was mind blowing( even over 25 years later it still holds up).
Frank Oz says that today's Muppets are too sweet. Has he not seen any of his own past work?! I think Jim would be proud of Jason Segal's film considering Segal grew up with the Muppets and made the film to be a love letter.
I'm an oldfurg, born in 1968. Sesame Street was like my religion even before The Muppet Show existed, and then Jim kept coming up with more amazing things through the 1980s. Losing him was like losing a family member (I could joke 'only worse' and still be half-joking). Whatever you- the person reading this- do, please be creative and compassionate, if only for Jim. (Not for me... for me is not worth it)
I was also born in 1968, first generation Sesame Street kid. When Jim unexpectedly passed, it was the first celebrity death that really hit me hard. I dabbled in Puppetering in my teen years myself, inspired by Henson and the Muppets. Jim was a true gift to this world and 31 years later, I am still grieving our loss while being grateful that his spirit boldly lives on.
I grew up on sesame Street, the Muppets, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. I had the album to The Muppet movie and sang those songs I don't know how many times. It was a huge blow for me when Jim Henson died he encompassed so much of my growing up years. I am not ashamed to say that I cried. I remember watching the first episode of The Muppet show with my grandma who watched it with me to make sure it was appropriate for me to see. He was such a wonderful man and he left this world a much better place to live in. I really miss you Mr Henson.
That song was performed at his funeral.. the video of it should be on here if you search.. Just one person -Jim Henson funeral. All the fellow muppeteers sang and brought out the characters played by them to sing for Jim. was a very touching, heartfelt tribute to him. Grab a couple tissues before watching it :(
Jim Henson was a one of a kind creative genius. He assembled a unbelievably creative team of people to create and bring to life one of the most unique cast of characters in television and movie history. From my earliest memories of watching Sesame Street as a little kid back when it premiered through all the numerous movies a tv shows (though I didn't really care for Muppet Babies or Muppet Show Tonight) I have always been a fan. No matter how old you are, there is no shame in saying that you love the Muppets. Jim Henson encouraged the creative insanity that gave us all those wonderful silly moments we all remember from the Muppets. Sometimes the gags were subtle and at other times they came out and knocked you over with them. We lost a great entertainer and educator. His legacy is in excellent hands with the people of Henson Associates who are keeping his memory alive. Yes they are part of Disney, but Disney gives them a unique bit of autonomy because of the unique group of people who have been bringing these characters to life for 48 years. Sometimes the powers that be at Disney know when to take a step back and let the creative process run it's course. Jim Henson may be gone, but part of him will live on forever in his creations.
I lost it at the very end when Kermit walked in and didn't join them. It seemed like a symbolic way of showing how he's still watching over them and I cried so hard lol. X'D
at least you were able to last long, I lost it as soon as Fozzie started reading the letters. You can't wait ANY documentary on Jim Henson and not cry, especially Defunctland's miniseries on Henson
I am ashamed to admit I had forgotten how many movies & shows he was responsible for. his star shines as brightly now as it ever did, & as long as just one person remembers, it always will. thank you, Jim Henson, for all you did & for all you still do. you will never know how many people's worlds were brightened, enlightened, & broadened because of the work you did. you, Kermit, & the others taught me to read and it has been a most precious gift. I am forever grateful. your legacy continues. RIP
i remember watching sesame street as i was growing up in the 70's and was lucky enough to see the first muppet movie in a drive in theater i never realized until years later he was the one who created all those great puppets i think he as well as walt disney and people arent going to loke this but even bill cosby deserve to be honored for what they have done for childrens television and movies these men and many more men and women need to be in some kind of hall of fame and people need to know the stories of how they helped children learn and grow because nobody will replace what i and so many other children learned from watching sesame street, fat albert, the muppet show and countless other children shows i will miss jim hanson, walt disney, and all the other people who have made quality children shows
It will take a long time till we get someone with that love for puppetry and experimenting again. Jim Hensons creations sure arent gone, but its not the same without his ideas.
It's sad when Jim Henson died just like my mom when she passed away 6 months ago when I was sad and crying when it would not be same without her but. She's everywhere in rest in peace and always loves me when I miss her
Jim Henson, and family are from back before children shows were just pumped out en mass to keep the crying masses at bay. His material was something that both adults, and children LOVED to watch back then, and even still today. When I hear 'Family' entertainment. The Muppets are, and always will be the first thing that comes to my mind.
I came home from school as a little and put on tv and watched the first episode in my home in privacy and fell I've love with them.ever since my sixty years there my best friends
it'll always for the rest of space & time be deeply saddening that we lost Jim Henson's life so young. He really does live on through his creations & his son & daughters.
My favourite muppets song of all time and belive me I have cry many times when I see this. they couldn't make a program like this today you guys are great
I remember the day the world lost Jim Henson, heck I can still remember the news segment that reported his death. At the end of the segment as they were saying how we all lost the one and ONLY Kermit the Frog, there was a shot film clip of Jim wearing sunglasses and putting on his coat and on his feet...a pair of green frog flippers. That was SO him... At 45:04 of this video I get the MOST teary when Kermit comes in and see's his fellow Muppets singing in Jim's Memory and he silently lets them finish. To me it feels like Jim...AS Kermit...is happily watching his creations with great satisfaction at the progress they have made with and WITHOUT him. I was born and grew up learning about Jim and his workshop during the last 10 years of his life, he sadly MAY be gone...but he surely lives on in the hearts and minds of all his fans. Which I THINK was the whole general idea of what he set out to do...make US all happy...and HIM remembered that he, and all those who helped in his workshop, MADE us happy. They still do...here's to you Jim! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
You're not alone. Crying like it just happened yesterday. There is something magical about a man who can build an entire life around puppets--it brings out the kid in all of us, and the best in all of us. God bless Jim.
I still remember watching this love how Kermit walks in at the end, we hated the voice at the time but looking back...it needed work but Steve grew into it well
I haven't seen this 50 minute TV special since my childhood. It was truly sad. The scene where they learn that Jim passed away and they sing the "Believe in You" song at 41:3043:40 - 45:23 was real moving and touching.
My reactions during the Just One Person segment: 1) When Robin starts singing, the nostalgia was starting to hit cuz I haven’t heard that voice in so long. 2) Once Prairie Dawn & Elmo start coming, I started ugly crying like crazy. Edit: I love how in the Bernadette Peters episode of the Muppet Show, she & the other Muppets sing this to Robin so he doesn’t run away while in this, he’s the one that starts singing it to Fozzie to so that they’re able to do the tribute.
What makes the song choice special is Robin starting "Just One Person". When Bernadette Peters was on the Muppet Show, Robin was feeling down and she began singing the song to him.
Now that I'm older I really appreciate the Muppets I grew up with them, they are greatness their doing so well without jim, but I bet if he was alive they wouldn't have of been on a break for so long, but if anyone thinks disney is the reason that they are "kiddie" now, jim henson was going to give the Muppets to disney but then he passed, and the Muppets being owned by Disney is a great decision, knowing how good the Muppets and Muppets most wanted were
So...I remember seeing this as a kid still in elementary school just one year out from being in Junior High. I bawled my eyes out then, though as the stereotypical elementary school boy, I wouldn't admit it to my peers at the time (I can almost guarantee you that they did the same, but also wouldn't admit it at the time as well). And yes, I bawl my eyes out every time I watch this. I say every time, because I need a reminder that love, wonder, and imagination do still exist today, I just need to look harder for it and be more open to it, not cynical. It's hard sometimes...
I just saw one of the saddest moments of my childhood the day I found out Jim Henson had died I was only 16 years old and his muppets got me through the death of my grandfather when I was 12 or thirteen I think I had just turned 13 that was the worst day I had as a child or young man the day my grandpa died and Jim dieing just brought back those memories I remember thinking what was going to happen to the muppets and to Sesame Street I still watched them both at the time and I watch reruns of both now Jim Henson you are still a hero to me and I strive to emulate what I believe you stood for and I'm going to try to leave this earth or at least my little corner of it a little bit better than when I was here I hope I can do that
Absolutely beautiful; but, missed The Professor, Beaker, Ratso, Sam the Eagle and Pepe the Shrimp, ok?! RIP, Jim Henson. What a marvelous legacy you left behind!
As I was getting to the end I was worried that they'd try to beat around the bush regarding the subject of his actual death. I'm glad they didn't, and the best part is that they addressed it in such a great way and in a manner that fits the Muppets so well.
The entertainment industry certainly has changed ever since the death of Jim Henson. Girls are hating each other for inexcusable reasons, Guys are acting more like jerks than ever before, more endless violence is happening on TV and almost everybody thinks that Disney is the only family friendly company for children. No wonder why the TV in my room is off most of the time. I definitely miss Jim Henson a lot. He is the greatest creator of absolutely everything of all time. CBS should be ashamed of themselves for ever editing The Muppet Show so brutally. How would they like it if I did that to Everybody Loves Raymond? Thank the Lord for much later on, I was able to watch almost every Muppet Show episode complete and uncut and I have almost every episode uncut and unedited on tape and DVD. You are The Frog Jim. You always brought joy and happiness into my life. All three of your hit Muppet Shows are the greatest from the street to the show to the rock. Okay, so maybe not all of your moments rocked, but everybody including me loves you from the bottom of out hearts. I wish that there was some way that people could have helped you from dying too soon, but hey! I rather that Kermit be performed by Steve Whitmire than have him end up in Charlie McCarthy's, Lamb Chop, Kukka and Ollie's shoes if you get my drift. I bet you feel wonderful that Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Mr Hooper, David, Joe Raposo, Jeff Moss and most important of all, your lovely wife Jane are all with you and that you're having a wonderful time reuniting with each other and having a great time working together again. I bet you're hoping that your best buddy Frank Oz will be joining with you soon. But in all due respect, I rather that Frank stays with us on Earth for a while so I can enjoy hearing more of his really cool voice. Especially that there really aren't that many real celebrities left on Earth. Why? Because we all love Frank just as much as we do to you Jim. You're The Frog and Frank's The Pig. I hope that you and your friends are having a more wonderful time in heaven than we are on Earth. You and your gang deserve nothing more than the very best. Especially for what you have done for us before May 16, 1990. We just can't stop missing you. Not to mention loving and enjoying you as well. RIP Man. Jimmy, you're the greatest!
My parents were so ... monstrously evil. The Muppets were my solace .. my escape. I`ll never understand how it can be that Jim went before my parents. I`ll never understand it; really. Jim ... you were the only man I was never afraid of. Thirty years on, I still wonder.
Spielberg talking about Jim is one of the greatest things ever. How I wish they could have collaborated on a project.
The great thing about this tribute is that it isn't just sad. It has its sad moments, of course, but it's also funny and inspiring and silly. It's not made to mourn Jim Henson; it's made to celebrate his life. And to be true to all that Jim was, you need those moments that are serious, but also those that are completely nonsensical. A perfect tribute to a wonderful man
It's looks like Muppets show on doing live concert in more theaters days before
I was three years old when Jim Henson died. My parents knew his work better than I did and they were the ones who introduced me to Sesame Street when I was little. Kermit was among those characters who stood out for me from there. His legacy is forever.
I wasn't born when Jim Henson died, but when the Muppets started reading those fan letters, the emotions just hit hard T_T
Same. He died 2 years before I was born.
Same here, once all the other Muppets came in during the Just One Person number, I just started balling my eyes out
Kermit coming in at the end was the most important part of this. It showed how the man who started it all, and the voices he did, weren’t the end of it when he was gone. There will always be Kermit, and there will always be the Muppets, just as Jim Henson and what he did for us all will never truly go. A life ends, but life goes on, and is better for it.
Unfortunately Kermit doesn't exist anymore, the idiot they have playing him is not Kermit at all
@@SamuelBoreas8 years before I do did last year before I was looking back flash back past life look back
I had a kid (16 years old) ask me today who Jim Henson was, and I told her, "He is you childhood." I was laughing and crying throughout. He is an amazing man, and his work is timeless. He will forever be in our hearts.
It's looks like Linda ronstan
Hearing Frank Oz try to keep his composure while reading that letter as Miss Piggy is heart-wrenching. 💔
I was only 1yrs old when Jim died. I never grew up with The Muppets Show or Fraggle Rock or any of the old movies. But I've always loved his darker fantasy stuff like The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and The Storyteller. Always fascinated that the guy associated with talking frogs, pigs, bears, chickens, whatevers, etc, was also capable of expanding his mindset and building whole other worlds with whatever resources he had.
Now, going back to marathon all of The Muppet Show on Disney+, all the cheesy old-puns and musical numbers and super silly moments of neat innocent humor? Man, that world and that level of kindness and safety from cynicism just doesn't exist anymore.
I think it's our job to keep believing and keep pretending. Sometimes it"s the only release we get, outside of knowing we're loved by someone else. Silliness is sacred, so treat it like it is! Do stupid things, write stupid songs, make up crazy worlds, heck, draw upon the wackiest parts of your imagination until you're howling with laughter and your worries seem a little more faded.
I firmly believe you only get one spark of wonder and you must never lose it. 🙂 ⭐
I'm declaring it officially impossible for anyone to watch this from 41:30 to the end and not want to cry...
That part when they all realized that Jim Henson passed hurt so much. Jim Henson passed 14 years before I was born but he was a huge park of my childhood with Sesame Street, Muppet Show (VHS Baby) and Fraggle Rock are things I remember so well so this hurt so much to learned about how he suddenly passed back in 1990.
Universal tears apparently! Had wet eyes for my hero Jim Henson! And precisely on the moment you specified.
As soon as Fozzie read in the letter that Jim Henson died...................I LOST it!!!
I bawled so many times while watching this. Heck, I'm even bawling now. I feel so lucky to have known his work before he passed. There is a piece of my heart that will always be missing because such a wonderful, rare man is gone. Watching all his shows as a kid, I learned so much and it helped connect me with my parents on an intimate level. Even when we weren't watching, we had so much fun referencing lines from the show and laughing. He meant so much to me and my family.
It's true that you really don't know what you have till it's gone. I was too young to really comprehend his death in 1990, but when I saw a vid here on youtube about his funeral and all the touching speeches from loved ones, I knew then that he meant more to me than I ever imagined. I know that if he were still alive, he'd be making more amazing shows with his beloved puppets, enchanting children of this century. Granted, his legacy will live on forever in our hearts. He taught us to believe in ourselves and to never stop dreaming. This lesson and so many more are desperately needed in this day and age. If only he knew how much we really need his kindness and inspiration once again.
Millions still love you, Jim. You will never be forgotten. Your delightful puppets still live on in your honor.
***** I lost control of my tears when the ray charles cover of 'It's Not Easy Being Green' played.
That hit me too...
ferox965 me too
Midnight Sonnet I couldn't have said it better myself
Bl
Midnight Sonnet ex
I wasn't alive when Jim Henson was but recently I have been looking at the Muppets from the '80s and it really made me laugh so when I watched this I felt a little bit sad
As you watch this you watch this you realize how special Jim Henson truly was. "Some day we will find it the rainbow connection; the lovers, the dreamers, and me.." My line from my fav song Jim used in the original Muppet Movie.
Even years later, I still come back to this, every year to watch this. This was the perfect send off to the genius. He *was* my childhood.
Rest in Peace, Henson.
Getting so emotional through this. Started crying during the fan letters and when Kermit walked in, the waterworks flooded into deep guttural bawling! We'll miss you Jim Henson!
I remember watching this when it aired. I was only 8, but Jim Henson had already made a huge impact on my life thanks to Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and Muppet Babies. I mistakenly thought that Henson’s death signaled the end of Kermit, so I was so happy when he turned up at the end. The voice was a little different, though. Even at that age, I knew no one could replace Jim. 😢❤
So many great childhood memories thanks to Jim Hanson, the Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Labrynth The Dark Crystal and so many more. Thank you Jim!!!!! We love you
"Henson".
I was perfectly composed through the entire show, until Waldorf patted Statler on the back. Statler and Waldorf was just one of the pairs played by Jim Henson and Frank Oz.
Actually they were performed by Jim and Richard Hunt
Fun fact: Waldorf is the first character played by Jim to appear in this special in new footage. It's obvious Kermit not appearing until the end is meant to be symbolic of him being passed down to Steve, but Rowlf doesn't appear, Swedish Chef doesn't appear, Dr. Teeth doesn't appear, Link Hogthrob doesn't appear, the Newsman doesn't appear, not even Mahnna Mahnna makes an appearance. This is most likely meant to represent how they too lost someone to give them life. So, much like how Kermit emerging from the door is meant to be seen as a triumphant confirmation that "the frog is staying, New York", characters like Waldorf, Ernie, and Rowlf suddenly appearing when it sinks into the rest of the Muppets that their beloved creator is gone, and when Robin encourages them all to keep going seems intentional too (especially when you remember that the latter two kept making silent appearances even before being recast for Steve Whitmire and Bill Barretta respectively).
It's so sad we missed Jim Henson. I wished he was still alive today. I may be 41, but I will never outgrow the muppets. They are my favorites since I was a kid and will always be my favorite.
I don't believe you EVER outgrow something/someone you really love or respect, you just soldier on, and go on with your life! If you're lucky, you remember it, and, it still makes you smile! I'm 61, at present, and, STILL like the Muppet Show, and, many of the people, places, and, things I used to! Some of the places and people, and, things are gone, BUT, I still remember and love them.😍. Sometimes, the "feels" are the price we have to pay for being human!
dmana3172:I'm only a year younger than you, and I feel the same.I'm giving you a virtual hug.
dmana3172 welll said I agree.
Jim Henson was smiling down on his Muppets.
matt13r1 Amen.
Still is.
That last song made me cry so much... The feels, they tingle...
I saw Carol Burnett, Harry Belafonte, and John Denver as special guest stars on "The Muppet Show" and it was FANTASTIC
Much more than entertainment. Thank you Jim Henson. You will always be missed.
I'm still crying 😢 💗 Jim Henson💗 . Im glad I grew up with the Muppets and Sesame Street.
If it wasn't for Jim Henson, there would be no Muppets. May his legend live on.
Nor Dark Crystal, my favourite film
Jim Henson helped with Muppets of Sam and Friends, Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and Little Muppet Monsters. His love of puppets will always live on.
This is a lovely tribute show and difficult to watch without crying, especially when you realise this is really the guys underneath saying a personal goodbye to their friend who died unexpectedly at the tragically young age of 53.
But their is, I think, a second moving story behind this programme. Steve Whitmire who took on the role of Kermit from this show onwards was apparently terrified of taking on the role made famous by Jim himself, and hadn't been sleeping in the run up to this show.
Jim Henson Created The Magic In The Muppets!
RIP 1936-1990
Pass the Kleenex.... This was a very tearjerking tribute to such a imaginative man! RIP Jim Henson!🍃
I watched a video of Jim Henson's funeral on RUclips and at the end all the puppeteers came out with whatever muppet character they could bring and sang but none of them brought Kermit the Frog and it was as though Kermit died too until 45:01 when he came in performed by muppeteer, Steve Whitmire and it was as though muppeteer, Steve Whitmire brought Kermit back to life after Jim Henson's death.
Gone But Never Forgotten 🕊🕊🕊🕊
What a Legend, everything he made is a masterpiece. Rest in piece Jim.
I cant stop crying but then again I cant stop smiling too..... Thank you Jim Henson
We will all miss him very much. He gave us great messages about puppeteering & imagination. He our hero. Someday, I'll be just like Jim Henson.
John Ylitalo:Keep believing,never stop.No matter what.I believe that's what Jim would have wanted.
Jim Henson was and still will be the best puppeteer because he gave so much imagination and love to the children and other people who watched his shows. Sesame Street was a huge step into what Jim could really be as a puppeteer because it opened a whole new way of childhood entertainment
Too soon. We lost him too soon. But I remember him. We won't forget him. He gave us so many funny faces and new friends. From Gonzo and Kermit to the fantastic people of the Dark Crystal planet.
Jim Henson forever!
WE MISS YOU JIM :(
(Mr. Henson would be 76 if he were alive today, and still entertaining us)
SSiG94 Amen.
He sure will!
Are you meaning he died so many years too soon?
I will never forget the muppets! The fragle's and sesame street. You made this world great, I will never forget you. You will always be one of my role models and you have impacted my life more than you will ever know.
Jim Henson's wonderful, amazing creations were a part of my childhood, and they'll always be a part of me!!! thank you Jim Henson for making characters that will always be in my heart!!!!
I was 4 1/2 when Jim Henson passed and already had that young age he had played an enormous part in my childhood from Sesame Street to Fraggle Rock to even the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (movie). He had such an enormous impact on my tiny little world. I remember when my dad came in with the news as well. 😭
This is not only a brilliant tribute to the man but it is also a brilliant look into who he was and I think that Disney NEEDS to restore this and preserve it so that the future generations that have been born and will be born long after his untimely passing will know who he was
@ David Jensen, I was only 7 when Jim Henson passed away and even thought I never met him in person it felt like I lost a friend. Sesame Street, and the Muppets brought me lots of entertainment and taught me that your imagination can take you anywhere you wish, even as a grown person. I still fondly treasure seeing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) on the big screen, since I am huge fan of the Turtles and the work Jim Henson's workshop did bringing the Turtles and Splinter to life was mind blowing( even over 25 years later it still holds up).
@@user-si9fx4xb6v Jim never even got to make Bebop, Rocksteady, and Kraang.
Frank Oz says that today's Muppets are too sweet. Has he not seen any of his own past work?!
I think Jim would be proud of Jason Segal's film considering Segal grew up with the Muppets and made the film to be a love letter.
I wish the new show would have continued and they kept the original show runner from the first few episodes.
I'm an oldfurg, born in 1968. Sesame Street was like my religion even before The Muppet Show existed, and then Jim kept coming up with more amazing things through the 1980s. Losing him was like losing a family member (I could joke 'only worse' and still be half-joking). Whatever you- the person reading this- do, please be creative and compassionate, if only for Jim. (Not for me... for me is not worth it)
I was also born in 1968, first generation Sesame Street kid. When Jim unexpectedly passed, it was the first celebrity death that really hit me hard. I dabbled in Puppetering in my teen years myself, inspired by Henson and the Muppets. Jim was a true gift to this world and 31 years later, I am still grieving our loss while being grateful that his spirit boldly lives on.
I grew up on sesame Street, the Muppets, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. I had the album to The Muppet movie and sang those songs I don't know how many times. It was a huge blow for me when Jim Henson died he encompassed so much of my growing up years. I am not ashamed to say that I cried. I remember watching the first episode of The Muppet show with my grandma who watched it with me to make sure it was appropriate for me to see. He was such a wonderful man and he left this world a much better place to live in. I really miss you Mr Henson.
The last song makes me sad. I know that Kermit is a puppet, but why do I still want to hug him?
So true
That song was performed at his funeral.. the video of it should be on here if you search.. Just one person -Jim Henson funeral. All the fellow muppeteers sang and brought out the characters played by them to sing for Jim. was a very touching, heartfelt tribute to him. Grab a couple tissues before watching it :(
Its the way Jim brought him across. It feels like put so much of himself in Kermit. It definitely comes across...
@ATOUR ART and far more nice !
Jim Henson was a one of a kind creative genius. He assembled a unbelievably creative team of people to create and bring to life one of the most unique cast of characters in television and movie history. From my earliest memories of watching Sesame Street as a little kid back when it premiered through all the numerous movies a tv shows (though I didn't really care for Muppet Babies or Muppet Show Tonight) I have always been a fan. No matter how old you are, there is no shame in saying that you love the Muppets. Jim Henson encouraged the creative insanity that gave us all those wonderful silly moments we all remember from the Muppets. Sometimes the gags were subtle and at other times they came out and knocked you over with them. We lost a great entertainer and educator.
His legacy is in excellent hands with the people of Henson Associates who are keeping his memory alive. Yes they are part of Disney, but Disney gives them a unique bit of autonomy because of the unique group of people who have been bringing these characters to life for 48 years. Sometimes the powers that be at Disney know when to take a step back and let the creative process run it's course. Jim Henson may be gone, but part of him will live on forever in his creations.
I dare anyone to watch this and not cry once it's impossible.
I lost it at the very end when Kermit walked in and didn't join them. It seemed like a symbolic way of showing how he's still watching over them and I cried so hard lol. X'D
at least you were able to last long, I lost it as soon as Fozzie started reading the letters. You can't wait ANY documentary on Jim Henson and not cry, especially Defunctland's miniseries on Henson
Nicole Newsome I came close, but I didn't. I don't usually cry easily.
I am ashamed to admit I had forgotten how many movies & shows he was responsible for. his star shines as brightly now as it ever did, & as long as just one person remembers, it always will. thank you, Jim Henson, for all you did & for all you still do. you will never know how many people's worlds were brightened, enlightened, & broadened because of the work you did. you, Kermit, & the others taught me to read and it has been a most precious gift. I am forever grateful. your legacy continues. RIP
i remember watching sesame street as i was growing up in the 70's and was lucky enough to see the first muppet movie in a drive in theater i never realized until years later he was the one who created all those great puppets i think he as well as walt disney and people arent going to loke this but even bill cosby deserve to be honored for what they have done for childrens television and movies these men and many more men and women need to be in some kind of hall of fame and people need to know the stories of how they helped children learn and grow because nobody will replace what i and so many other children learned from watching sesame street, fat albert, the muppet show and countless other children shows i will miss jim hanson, walt disney, and all the other people who have made quality children shows
Kevin Peterson Amen.
Kevin Peterson I was wondering when Jim died
"next time cookie monster".....my thoughts exactly...
The last song is so sad just goes to show how great the Muppets really are one of the best tv programme of all time
i cried i was born in 96 but i grew up on most of his tv shows and he inspired me to get into puppetry. Thank you Jim
It will take a long time till we get someone with that love for puppetry and experimenting again. Jim Hensons creations sure arent gone, but its not the same without his ideas.
It's sad when Jim Henson died just like my mom when she passed away 6 months ago when I was sad and crying when it would not be same without her but. She's everywhere in rest in peace and always loves me when I miss her
Rip
Sorry for your loss :'(
That's a hard loss to cope with
I was good until the end when The Muppets realized he passed...they did an exceptional job on this!
Jim Henson, and family are from back before children shows were just pumped out en mass to keep the crying masses at bay. His material was something that both adults, and children LOVED to watch back then, and even still today. When I hear 'Family' entertainment. The Muppets are, and always will be the first thing that comes to my mind.
I came home from school as a little and put on tv and watched the first episode in my home in privacy and fell I've love with them.ever since my sixty years there my best friends
I just melted the very second Prairie Dawn, Big Bird and Elmo show up
Don't forget Ernie, Bert, Telly, Grundgetta, Gobi, Mokey, and Wembley.
My childhood just hit me at that moment & I just started balling my eyes out
When Disney took The Muppets over they really took The Muppets down hill
well at least they've kept the Muppets going
it'll always for the rest of space & time be deeply saddening that we lost Jim Henson's life so young. He really does live on through his creations & his son & daughters.
My favourite muppets song of all time and belive me I have cry many times when I see this. they couldn't make a program like this today you guys are great
I remember the day the world lost Jim Henson, heck I can still remember the news segment that reported his death. At the end of the segment as they were saying how we all lost the one and ONLY Kermit the Frog, there was a shot film clip of Jim wearing sunglasses and putting on his coat and on his feet...a pair of green frog flippers. That was SO him...
At 45:04 of this video I get the MOST teary when Kermit comes in and see's his fellow Muppets singing in Jim's Memory and he silently lets them finish. To me it feels like Jim...AS Kermit...is happily watching his creations with great satisfaction at the progress they have made with and WITHOUT him.
I was born and grew up learning about Jim and his workshop during the last 10 years of his life, he sadly MAY be gone...but he surely lives on in the hearts and minds of all his fans. Which I THINK was the whole general idea of what he set out to do...make US all happy...and HIM remembered that he, and all those who helped in his workshop, MADE us happy. They still do...here's to you Jim! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
I remember the newscast also. Sammy Davis, Jr. died the same day.
What gets me is you can hear his voice break as he watches them, almost as if Kermit himself was holding back tears.
41:35 and I'm crying like a baby.
You're not alone. Crying like it just happened yesterday. There is something magical about a man who can build an entire life around puppets--it brings out the kid in all of us, and the best in all of us. God bless Jim.
Made it to like 1:30
41:35
1:48 here.
That was a sad moment. But it shows how human the Muppets can be
I cried reading the comments
The little girl singing her (Cookie Monster) ABC's with Kermit, is too dang awesome.
The ending always gets me 😭😭😭
Life's like a movie, write your own ending.
Keep believing, keep pretending
R.I.P Jim Henson , he will be remembered .
I can only imagine how happy Jim would be knowing that the Muppets were in the Hollywood Bowl.
he was creative man who used his gifts for good.thankyou jim hope ur in heaven.
im not cryin.. its just... raining on my face...
Aw, you can hear Frank Oz getting emotional as Miss Piggy when she's reading the letter.
So sad that this was also the last time Richard Hunt performed :(.
I still remember watching this love how Kermit walks in at the end, we hated the voice at the time but looking back...it needed work but Steve grew into it well
Mr. Jim Henson, you were such a good man, and I will certainly miss you.
I haven't seen this 50 minute TV special since my childhood. It was truly sad. The scene where they learn that Jim passed away and they sing the "Believe in You" song at 41:30 43:40 - 45:23 was real moving and touching.
Just One Person
My reactions during the Just One Person segment:
1) When Robin starts singing, the nostalgia was starting to hit cuz I haven’t heard that voice in so long.
2) Once Prairie Dawn & Elmo start coming, I started ugly crying like crazy.
Edit: I love how in the Bernadette Peters episode of the Muppet Show, she & the other Muppets sing this to Robin so he doesn’t run away while in this, he’s the one that starts singing it to Fozzie to so that they’re able to do the tribute.
Kermit's legs in the boots with the spurs!!! Couldn't stop laughing.
2 people who don't appreciate Jim's work, what a shame
This special marks the first time I've seen Rizzo without any clothes.
RIp Jim Henson 1936-1990 as a huge Henson fan, I will never forget him.
I crying while watching this, Jim Henson was an Amazing legendary man and a muppeteer
Rip Jim Henson we love your muppeteers! ❤😢
Why are there sooo many songs about rainbows. RIP Jim Henson you were a part of my life and always will be.
I'm crying like a bitch right now!
such a great special to a great Legendary Muppetteer! R.I.P. Jim Henson
I watch him in my childhood I had a big collection of Muppet `s stuff I miss him so much
What makes the song choice special is Robin starting "Just One Person". When Bernadette Peters was on the Muppet Show, Robin was feeling down and she began singing the song to him.
Aaron McRay You know, Aaron, whenever I hear that song, I think about how Jim Henson was able to help his new performers believe in themselves.
I Love Jim Henson & Muppets.
he helped with muppets and sesame street. His love of puppets will always live on
Now that I'm older I really appreciate the Muppets I grew up with them, they are greatness their doing so well without jim, but I bet if he was alive they wouldn't have of been on a break for so long, but if anyone thinks disney is the reason that they are "kiddie" now, jim henson was going to give the Muppets to disney but then he passed, and the Muppets being owned by Disney is a great decision, knowing how good the Muppets and Muppets most wanted were
Loved the muppets as a child
I owe much of my imagination and love for animals and gentle things because of Jim Henson’s work. ❤ Still miss you.
Hard to believe that Jim was only 53 years old....I didn't think that pneumonia could kill someone like that.
pbscraze It was a strep infection he died from.
Yes, but it can lead to pneumonia.
it was streptococcal pneumonia that did him in
It will if you're already ill.
I think this is gonna break me... I'm half way through and i can already feel it
So...I remember seeing this as a kid still in elementary school just one year out from being in Junior High. I bawled my eyes out then, though as the stereotypical elementary school boy, I wouldn't admit it to my peers at the time (I can almost guarantee you that they did the same, but also wouldn't admit it at the time as well). And yes, I bawl my eyes out every time I watch this.
I say every time, because I need a reminder that love, wonder, and imagination do still exist today, I just need to look harder for it and be more open to it, not cynical. It's hard sometimes...
crying like a baby, i dont have the words ...
Jim-Genious! Brought joy to my heart!!!
I just saw one of the saddest moments of my childhood the day I found out Jim Henson had died I was only 16 years old and his muppets got me through the death of my grandfather when I was 12 or thirteen I think I had just turned 13 that was the worst day I had as a child or young man the day my grandpa died and Jim dieing just brought back those memories I remember thinking what was going to happen to the muppets and to Sesame Street I still watched them both at the time and I watch reruns of both now Jim Henson you are still a hero to me and I strive to emulate what I believe you stood for and I'm going to try to leave this earth or at least my little corner of it a little bit better than when I was here I hope I can do that
Absolutely beautiful; but, missed The Professor, Beaker, Ratso, Sam the Eagle and Pepe the Shrimp, ok?! RIP, Jim Henson. What a marvelous legacy you left behind!
Pepe wasn't even built yet
thanku jim.i became a little girl who now become a puppetry.i studied childcare and usin puppets to teach kids
As I was getting to the end I was worried that they'd try to beat around the bush regarding the subject of his actual death. I'm glad they didn't, and the best part is that they addressed it in such a great way and in a manner that fits the Muppets so well.
The entertainment industry certainly has changed ever since the death of Jim Henson. Girls are hating each other for inexcusable reasons, Guys are acting more like jerks than ever before, more endless violence is happening on TV and almost everybody thinks that Disney is the only family friendly company for children. No wonder why the TV in my room is off most of the time. I definitely miss Jim Henson a lot. He is the greatest creator of absolutely everything of all time. CBS should be ashamed of themselves for ever editing The Muppet Show so brutally. How would they like it if I did that to Everybody Loves Raymond? Thank the Lord for much later on, I was able to watch almost every Muppet Show episode complete and uncut and I have almost every episode uncut and unedited on tape and DVD. You are The Frog Jim. You always brought joy and happiness into my life. All three of your hit Muppet Shows are the greatest from the street to the show to the rock. Okay, so maybe not all of your moments rocked, but everybody including me loves you from the bottom of out hearts. I wish that there was some way that people could have helped you from dying too soon, but hey! I rather that Kermit be performed by Steve Whitmire than have him end up in Charlie McCarthy's, Lamb Chop, Kukka and Ollie's shoes if you get my drift. I bet you feel wonderful that Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Mr Hooper, David, Joe Raposo, Jeff Moss and most important of all, your lovely wife Jane are all with you and that you're having a wonderful time reuniting with each other and having a great time working together again. I bet you're hoping that your best buddy Frank Oz will be joining with you soon. But in all due respect, I rather that Frank stays with us on Earth for a while so I can enjoy hearing more of his really cool voice. Especially that there really aren't that many real celebrities left on Earth. Why? Because we all love Frank just as much as we do to you Jim. You're The Frog and Frank's The Pig. I hope that you and your friends are having a more wonderful time in heaven than we are on Earth. You and your gang deserve nothing more than the very best. Especially for what you have done for us before May 16, 1990. We just can't stop missing you. Not to mention loving and enjoying you as well. RIP Man. Jimmy, you're the greatest!
Well, the comment that I made was way before their deaths you know.
Well, I can't keep in track of everything.
I know, but I don't always have time for that website.
Search.
Whatever.
My parents were so ... monstrously evil. The Muppets were my solace .. my escape. I`ll never understand how it can be that Jim went before my parents. I`ll never understand it; really. Jim ... you were the only man I was never afraid of. Thirty years on, I still wonder.