:For other uses of "Henson", see: Henson.James Maury "Jim" Henson (September 24, 1936, Greenville, Mississippi - May 16, 1990, New York, New York), was one of the most widely known puppeteers in American history. He was the creator of The Muppets. He was the leading force behind their long run in the television series Sesame Street and The Muppet Show and films such as The Muppet Movie (1979) and creator of advanced puppets for projects like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and Return of the Jedi. He was also an Oscar-nominated film director, Emmy Award-winning television producer, and the founder of The Jim Henson Company, the Jim Henson Foundation, and Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Henson's sudden death on May 16, 1990, of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS, not to be confused with TSS), resulted in an outpouring of public and professional affection. There have since been numerous tributes and dedications in his memory. Henson’s companies, which are now run by his c... more