March 1, 1990. Apparently as part of the pending sale of the Muppets to Disney, Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and Michael Frith discuss how the Muppets work, even to the point of describing how they should be drawn. While still a rather top level discussion, it's a look under the felt that's rarely equaled.
The Muppets have a big special airing on May 6, 1990. The week before, Jim Henson promotes the special on the Arsenio Hall show by talking about it as little as possible. He is excited and cheerful as he plays with Arsenio and watches Kevin Clash best the talk show host.
May 1990. Jim finds out that what he thought was a lingering cold is actually a bacterial infection, Group A Streptococcus. May 15, 1990. Workaholic Jim finally checks into the hospital to have it investigated.
May 16, 1990. Jim Henson dies. He was 53.
May 21, 1990. The first of the memorials to Jim Henson is held in New York.
Have you ever considered what it's like to perform as Big Bird? Have you? To walk about, nearly blind but for a TV monitor strapped to your chest, holding your right hand far above your head while the weight of the Bird head pushes down upon it? Then, blind and stiff, your muscles moaning, you need to sing? And to try doing this as you cry?
Caroll Spinney did it. Somehow.
If that felt like the saddest Muppet Moment Ever, then you may not have seen this before. November 21, 1990. Now it's everyone's turn to celebrate Jim Henson. When Fozzie and Gonzo gasp, I'm done. Everytime.
May 16, 1991. Jim's last major Muppet project is released as Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3D officially opens in Walt Disney World. So today's not all bad afterall.
As always, thank you Jim. Miss you lots.
