Jim Henson I was able to make many children happy during my lifetime. I had an interesting but short life and I would like to tell you about it.
I was born in Stoneville, Mississippi on September 24, 1926. I only had one brother whose name is Paul Jr. I lived with my parents, my grandmother, and my brother. We were a middle lass family.
At an early age I loved to draw. I was anxious to go to school like my brother did. I loved drawing birds when I looked outside in my front yard at the creek. My mother loved my drawings and was impressed with them. I also wanted to be on television. At Cub Scouts I made my first puppet show. I had a wonderful time doing it. I didn't realize that the puppet show at Cub Scouts would make my future.
At sixteen I got a job at WTOP studios.
Photo of puppeteer Jim Henson at the 41st Emmy Awa...
Photo of puppeteer Jim Henson at the 41st Emmy Awa...
Cub Scouts of Hong Kong at 2005 Scout RallyIt was the start of my television career. In May of 1955 I had the start of my own televised puppet show. The show lasted for 6 years.
During my life I met good friends named Gordon, Royal, Kermit, and Tom. I named my puppets after most of my friends. The stories that I told on television were events that happened in my life.
In 1969 I developed Sesame Street. I was able to hire many people to help me and we created many characters. The show was a lot of work but fun for everyone.
In 1990 I developed pneumonia. I was very sick and unable to work. I am a Christian Science believer and I don't believe in medicine from doctors. I should have gone to the hospital sooner but when I decided to go it was too late. I died on May 16, 1990.
I am proud of all that I have done. My hope has always been to leave the world a little better then I started. It's a wonderful life and I love it.
Puppet-rest
Henson on the set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ...
Jim Henson Wooden Nickel