How long did jim henson live

The program only stayed on the air for two episodes, supposedly because employing school-aged talent ran afoul of labor laws. Still, even in this brief tenure when he was still a relatively novice puppeteer, Henson showed enough natural skill to impress executives at the TV station.

After finishing high school, Henson stayed close to home to study graphic design at the University of Maryland. During his freshman year, he took a puppetry course that would end up changing his life.

In the class, he met a senior named Jane Nebel, and the pair hit it off about as well as any two classmates could. Although it took a few years for their relationship to blossom into romance, in , Henson and Nebel married, a union that resulted in five children and creations that delighted countless more kids.

B2B Publishing. Business Visionaries. Hot Property. Times Events. Times Store. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options. Jim Henson. More From the Los Angeles Times. The result: a phenomenal showcase of puppetry and animatronics. Like The Dark Crystal before it, Labyrinth gave Jim a unique opportunity to take animatronics and performance to a new level.

With his keen ability for drawing together a strong team of performers, artists, and collaborators who shared his vision and creativity, Jim ensured that his work and unique creative vision would continue.

Through The Jim Henson Company, his work continues to captivate and entertain a global audience. Jane Nebel Henson met Jim Henson in a puppetry class at the University of Maryland and soon after became an integral creative and business partner in what would become the world-famous Muppets. As a fine arts education major studying at the University of Maryland in , Jane Nebel shared with Jim Henson a unique approach to puppetry that is joyful and sophisticated.

Heather Henson was born in Jane Ann Nebel was born June 16, in St. Albans Queens , New York City. Her father was known professionally as Dal Lee, an astrologer. In addition to her work on the Muppets, Mrs. Around the same time, Henson began experimenting with short films, including 's Academy Award-nominated Time Piece. Between his puppetry and animated shorts, Henson perfected his gift for engaging children and making learning fun on Sesame Street. Surprisingly, Henson had a challenging time getting the show financed in the United States, but eventually found the support needed with London-based TV producer Lord Lew Grade.

The hit series, with Kermit as the host, premiered in The endeavor wasn't expected to be the famous puppeteer's swan song, but on May 16, , following a brief and unexpected bout of streptococcus pneumonia, Henson died at the age of His moving yet celebratory funeral included a musical puppet performance.

Henson's legacy as a director, producer, writer, puppeteer and innovator has continued for decades to come, due in no small part to his wife of more than 30 years, the late Jane Nebel Henson. Henson and Jane met in college and married in ; they separated in , but never divorced. Jane established the Jim Henson Legacy, dedicated to preserving and perpetuating her late husband's contributions to the world, in Jane also helped run the Jim Henson Foundation, founded in by Jim and the couple's daughter, Cheryl.

The Jim Henson Foundation is committed to supporting American puppet theater.