The Muppets

The Muppets are puppet characters created by Jim Henson. The characters include Kermit the Frog and the Muppet cast of Sesame Street. Jim Henson started work with the Muppets in the 1950s and continued until his death in 1990. The Muppets are known for an absurd burlesque and humorous style of variety-sketch comedy.
The Muppets are now owned by The Walt Disney Company. The term "muppet" is trademarked and owned by The Walt Disney Company. Muppets used in Sesame Street are still called muppets at times, and have special permission to use that name from The Walt Disney Company.
Jim Henson said the name "muppet" came from combining the words "puppet" and "marionette," but he also said that he just liked the way the word sounded. There is no defined difference between a muppet and a puppet other than the link to Jim Henson. Many of Jim Henson's muppets have large eyes, round noses, and large mouths that go from one end of the face to the other (almost ear to ear). Muppets are often made out of foam with felt on top. Puppeteers usually control the muppet with one hand in the head and the other hand controls the muppets arms. Sometimes the arms have a stick that is used to move the hand and arm - this is called the "arm rod." Puppeteers hold the arm rod at one end and the other end touches the muppet hand. Some muppets have hands that are gloves. Puppeteers put their hands in the gloves of these muppets so the muppet can move its fingers. For this reason, most muppets appear to favor their left hands.
Muppeteers and their characters
Main Muppeteers
Jim Henson - Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog, Ernie, The Swedish Chef, Dr. Teeth, Link Hogthrob, Guy Smiley, Bobo the Bear, Mahna Mahna, Waldorf, Two-Headed Monster (Left Head), Various
Frank Oz - Bert, Cookie Monster, Grover, Sam the Eagle, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Various
Jerry Nelson - Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Gobo Fraggle, Emmet Otter, Count von Count, Marjory the Trash Heap, Lew Zealand, Pops, Uncle Deadly, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Herry Monster, Various
Richard Hunt - Scooter, Statler, Don Music, Gunge, Two-Headed Monster (Right Head), Gladys the Cow, Sweetums, Blue Frackle, Sonny Friendly, Bobby Benson, Wayne, Various
Dave Goelz - The Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Beauregard, Boober Fraggle, Traveling Matt, Rugby Tiger, Digit, Stinky the Skunk, Brewtster, Philo, Gorgon Heap, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Various
Eric Jacobson - Various
Steve Whitmire - Rizzo the Rat, Bean Bunny, Wembley Fraggle, Lips, Various
Fran Brill - Prairie Dawn, Zoe, Betty Lou, Little Bird, Various
Alice Dinnean - Miss Piggy, Sherry Netherland, Phoebe, Various
Julianne Buescher - Yolanda Rat, Janice, Sherry Netherland, Denise, Various
Ryan Dillon - Various
Stephanie D'Abruzzo - Curly Bear, Various
Bill Barretta - Various
David Rudman - Baby Bear, Mr. Johnson, Various
Joey Mazzarino - Various
Kevin Clash - Hoots the Owl, Various
Matt Vogel - 80's Robot, Constantine, Crazy Harry, Various
Martin P. Robinson - Telly Monster, Various
Leslie Carrara-Rudolph - Abby Cadabby, Various
Pam Arciero - Grundgetta, Various
Carmen Osbahr - Rosita
Jennifer Barnhart - Various
Peter Linz - Walter, Various
Noel MacNeal - Various
Tyler Bunch - Various
John Tartaglia - Phoebe, Various
John Kennedy - Various
Caroll Spinney as Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bruno the Trashman, Various
Media
Cast and characters in adaptations
Discography
Opening themes
"The Muppet Show Theme" (1976-2022)
"Rock On" (2023)
Closing themes
"The Muppet Show Theme" (instrumental) (1976-2022) (except 2011)
"The Rainbow Connection" (1979, 1986, 2001 and 2015 only)
"Mahna Mahna" (2011 only)
"Bright" (2015 only)
"Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground" (2016 only)
"The Muppets Mayhem End Credits" (2023)
Other websites