John Henson, the son of the legendary Jim Henson, has been a part of the Muppet universe for most of his life. As a puppeteer, director, and producer, John has played a significant role in shaping the world of Muppets. However, after his father’s passing in 1990, John took on a more prominent role in the family business, becoming a key figure in the continuation of the Muppet legacy. But what does John Henson do now?
A Brief Background on John Henson
Born on April 25, 1965, John Henson grew up surrounded by the Muppets. As a child, he would often visit his father on set, watching in awe as the Muppets came to life. John’s early exposure to the world of puppetry sparked a passion that would stay with him throughout his life. He began performing with the Muppets at a young age, making his debut in the 1984 film “The Great Muppet Caper.”
Early Career and Training
John’s early career was marked by extensive training in the art of puppetry. He worked closely with his father, learning the intricacies of bringing the Muppets to life. John’s training also included studying film and television production, which would later serve him well in his roles as a director and producer.
Notable Early Projects
Some of John’s notable early projects include:
- “The Great Muppet Caper” (1984) – John’s film debut, where he performed as a Muppet extra.
- “The Muppet Show” (1985-1986) – John worked as a puppeteer on the show’s final season.
- “Labyrinth” (1986) – John performed as a puppeteer on this beloved cult classic.
John Henson’s Rise to Prominence
After his father’s passing in 1990, John took on a more prominent role in the family business. He became a key figure in the continuation of the Muppet legacy, working closely with his mother, Jane Henson, and his siblings, Lisa and Brian.
Directorial Debut
John made his directorial debut with the 1999 television special “The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz.” This production marked a significant milestone in John’s career, showcasing his ability to bring the Muppets to life in a new and exciting way.
Notable Directing Credits
Some of John’s notable directing credits include:
- “The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz” (1999) – John’s directorial debut.
- “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie” (2002) – A television special that showcased John’s ability to balance humor and heart.
John Henson’s Current Projects
So, what does John Henson do now? In recent years, John has continued to work on various Muppet projects, including:
The Muppets Studio
John serves as the chairman of The Muppets Studio, a division of The Walt Disney Company. In this role, John oversees the development of new Muppet content, including films, television shows, and digital media.
Recent Productions
Some of John’s recent productions include:
- “Muppets Most Wanted” (2014) – A feature film that marked the Muppets’ return to the big screen.
- “The Muppets” (2015-2016) – A television series that aired on ABC and featured the Muppets in a mockumentary-style sitcom.
John Henson’s Legacy
As the son of Jim Henson, John has big shoes to fill. However, he has proven himself to be a talented and dedicated individual, committed to carrying on his father’s legacy.
Awards and Recognition
John has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including:
- Emmy Award nominations for his work on “The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz” and “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie.”
- A BAFTA nomination for his work on “Muppets Most Wanted.”
Philanthropic Work
John is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, including:
- The Jim Henson Company’s charitable initiatives, which support organizations such as the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- The Henson Family’s support of the University of Maryland’s Jim Henson Collection, which preserves and showcases the Henson family’s contributions to the world of puppetry.
Conclusion
John Henson’s journey has been marked by his dedication to the Muppet legacy and his passion for the art of puppetry. As the chairman of The Muppets Studio, John continues to play a significant role in shaping the world of Muppets. With his extensive experience and commitment to his father’s legacy, John Henson is ensuring that the Muppets will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for generations to come.
| Year | Project | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Great Muppet Caper | Puppeteer |
| 1985-1986 | The Muppet Show | Puppeteer |
| 1986 | Labyrinth | Puppeteer |
| 1999 | The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz | Director |
| 2002 | It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie | Director |
| 2014 | Muppets Most Wanted | Producer |
| 2015-2016 | The Muppets | Executive Producer |
Note: The table above highlights some of John Henson’s notable projects and roles.
What is John Henson’s background in the Muppet world?
John Henson is the son of the legendary Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets. Growing up, John was heavily involved in his father’s work and began performing with the Muppets at a young age. He started out as a puppeteer and eventually took on more responsibilities within the company.
As he grew older, John became more involved in the business side of the Muppets, working closely with his father to develop new projects and characters. After his father’s passing in 1990, John took on a more prominent role in the company, helping to carry on his father’s legacy and ensure the continued success of the Muppets.
What is John Henson’s current role in the Muppet organization?
John Henson is currently the chairman of The Jim Henson Company, a position he has held since 1990. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s various projects and initiatives, including film and television production, as well as the development of new Muppet characters and shows.
Under John’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive, producing a wide range of successful projects, including films, television shows, and live performances. He has also been instrumental in ensuring that the Muppets remain true to their roots and continue to entertain audiences around the world.
What are some of John Henson’s notable projects?
John Henson has been involved in a wide range of projects over the years, including the development of new Muppet characters and shows. One of his most notable projects is the television show “Dinosaurs,” which was created by Jim Henson and Michael Jacobs. John served as an executive producer on the show, which ran from 1991 to 1994.
John has also been involved in the production of several Muppet films, including “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “Muppet Treasure Island.” He has also worked on various other projects, including live performances and exhibitions featuring the Muppets.
How does John Henson balance his creative and business responsibilities?
As the chairman of The Jim Henson Company, John Henson has to balance his creative and business responsibilities. On the creative side, he is involved in the development of new projects and characters, working closely with writers, directors, and other artists to bring the Muppets to life.
On the business side, John is responsible for overseeing the company’s finances and operations, ensuring that the company remains profitable and successful. He has to make tough decisions about which projects to pursue and how to allocate the company’s resources. Despite the challenges, John has managed to balance his creative and business responsibilities, ensuring the continued success of the Muppets.
What is John Henson’s relationship like with the Muppet performers?
John Henson has a close relationship with the Muppet performers, many of whom have been working with the company for decades. He has worked closely with performers such as Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz, and Bill Barretta, among others, to develop new characters and shows.
John is known for being supportive and collaborative, encouraging the performers to bring their own ideas and creativity to the table. He has also been instrumental in helping to develop new talent, providing opportunities for up-and-coming performers to work with the Muppets.
How does John Henson ensure the Muppets remain relevant in modern times?
John Henson is committed to ensuring that the Muppets remain relevant in modern times. To achieve this, he has been instrumental in embracing new technologies and platforms, such as social media and streaming services. The company has also been working to develop new content that appeals to modern audiences, including younger viewers who may not be familiar with the classic Muppet characters.
John has also been involved in various initiatives to promote the Muppets and engage with fans, including live performances, exhibitions, and fan events. By staying connected with audiences and embracing new technologies, John has helped to ensure that the Muppets remain a beloved and iconic part of popular culture.
What is John Henson’s legacy in the world of entertainment?
John Henson’s legacy in the world of entertainment is significant. As the son of Jim Henson, he has helped to carry on his father’s legacy, ensuring the continued success of the Muppets and introducing the characters to new generations of fans.
Through his work as a puppeteer, producer, and businessman, John has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. He has been instrumental in shaping the Muppets into the beloved characters they are today, and his commitment to innovation and creativity has helped to ensure the company’s continued success.