Jim Henson's Wife and Muppets Collaborator Jane Henson Has Died

After 23 years of life following her husband's death in 1990, Jane Nebel Henson, the wife of Muppets creator Jim Henson and a frequent collaborator of his work, has passed away at 78. The Hensons met at the University of Maryland in a puppetry class in 1954 before taking a small job at a TV station in Washington DC where they created Sam and Friends, a five-minute show that would become a national sensation after appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Steve Allen. The two would eventually become married in 1959 and begin a legacy of entertainment for people of all ages when they started creating The Muppets.

Jane Henson worked over the years as a puppeteer and puppet designer, working with her husband as they created some of the most iconic characters in television history from Kermit the Frog to Big Bird on "The Muppet Show" and "Sesame Street." Despite separating in 1986, Jane continued to honor her husband's life after his death in 1990 by serving on the board of the Jim Henson Foundation and also creating the National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, the Jim Henson Legacy to promote his work over the decades, and also her own Jane Henson Foundation for philanthropic work.

Jane Henson leaves behind five children, with two of them following in the footsteps of their parents. Brian Henson is chairman of the Jim Henson Co. and Lisa Henson is the CEO. The Hensons have had an undeniable impact on entertainment, especially children of several generations, who will continue to keep their legacy in puppetry strong. Donations in Jane's memory can be sent to the Center for Puppetry Arts, the Jim Henson Foundation for the support of puppetry and the Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Memorial Theater Center. You can get more nformation at Henson.com. Rest in peace.

1 kenbutt on Apr 3, 2013

2 walrusaurus on Apr 3, 2013

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