Jim Henson Cause of Death, What Happened to Jim Henson? How Did Jim Henson Die?
by Harini
Updated Jul 22, 2023
Jim Henson's Cause of Death
Jim Henson, the creative genius behind the beloved Muppets and Sesame Street characters, tragically passed away on May 16, 1990, at the age of 53 due to a severe strep infection that rapidly led to organ failure.
Henson's contributions to the entertainment industry were profound. Characters like Big Bird, Ernie, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy became beloved icons, cherished by audiences worldwide. The success of PBS' Sesame Street and The Muppet Show had elevated him to the peak of his career, and he had recently agreed to sell Henson Associates to Walt Disney Co. for a substantial sum.
Beyond his talent, what made Henson truly special was his kind-hearted nature and gentle demeanor in an often competitive industry. He had a unique ability to infuse goodness and positivity into his characters, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions. Despite his enormous success, Henson remained remarkably humble, once describing puppetry as a way of hiding.
The circumstances surrounding Henson's death were deeply saddening. In the days leading up to his passing, he appeared to be fighting a cold but dismissed it as mere fatigue. Concerned family members noticed his unusual behavior, and it became evident that something serious was amiss when he started coughing up blood. Sadly, by the time he sought medical attention at New York Hospital, his organs were already failing, and despite the efforts of family and friends, he passed away after two cardiac arrests.
Following his death, there was uncertainty regarding the fate of his company, with Disney initially withdrawing from the acquisition. However, Henson's son, Brian, took legal action, eventually reaching a resolution. Jim Henson's legacy endures through the ongoing work of the Henson Creature Shop and the continued popularity of characters like Ernie and the Muppets, reflecting his benevolent spirit.
Jim Henson's ability to portray the "good guy" as the most interesting and eccentric character in his storytelling endeared him to countless individuals, and his impact on the entertainment industry remains unparalleled.
In the broader context of 1990, the year witnessed noteworthy events in various fields. The film Pretty Woman and the TV show America's Funniest Home Videos captured the hearts of audiences, while Janet Jackson's music and George Will's book on baseball struck a chord with fans in their respective domains.
What Happened to Jim Herson?
Jim Henson, the brilliant creative mind behind the beloved Muppets and iconic characters of Sesame Street, tragically passed away on May 16, 1990. At the age of 53, he succumbed to a severe strep infection that rapidly led to organ failure, resulting in his untimely passing.
Throughout his illustrious career, Henson left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His endearing characters, such as Big Bird, Ernie, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy, became beloved by audiences worldwide. His remarkable success with PBS' Sesame Street and The Muppet Show catapulted him to the peak of his profession. Additionally, he had recently agreed to sell Henson Associates to Walt Disney Co. for a substantial sum, further cementing his influence in the field.
What set Henson apart was not only his talent but also his kind-hearted nature and gentle demeanor amidst the competitive world of entertainment. He possessed a unique ability to infuse goodness and positivity into his characters, making them relatable and endearing to millions of fans. Despite achieving great success, Henson remained remarkably humble, often referring to puppetry as a way of concealing himself.
The circumstances surrounding Henson's death were deeply tragic. In the days leading up to his passing, he seemed to be battling a cold but dismissed it as mere fatigue. Concerned family members noticed unusual behavior, and when he began coughing up blood, it became apparent that something serious was amiss. Sadly, by the time he sought medical attention at New York Hospital, his organs were already failing, and despite the best efforts of family and friends, he ultimately passed away after experiencing two cardiac arrests.
Following his untimely demise, there was uncertainty regarding the future of his company, with Disney initially withdrawing from the acquisition. However, Henson's son, Brian, pursued legal action, eventually resolving the matter. Jim Henson's legacy lives on through the continued work of the Henson Creature Shop and the enduring popularity of characters like Ernie and the Muppets, keeping his benevolent spirit alive.
In conclusion, Jim Henson's passing on May 16, 1990, resulted from a severe strep infection that led to organ failure. His contributions to the entertainment industry, along with his kind-hearted nature and ability to infuse goodness into his characters, have left a lasting impact on the hearts of millions, ensuring that his legacy continues to shine in the world of entertainment.
How Did Jim Henson Die?
Jim Henson, the visionary creator of the beloved Muppets and iconic characters of Sesame Street, passed away on May 16, 1990, at the age of 53. The cause of his death was a severe strep infection that quickly led to organ failure.
In the days preceding his passing, Henson was feeling unwell and appeared to be fighting a cold. He initially dismissed his symptoms as fatigue. Concerned family members noticed his unusual behavior, and when he began coughing up blood, it became clear that something serious was amiss. Unfortunately, by the time he sought medical attention at New York Hospital, his condition had deteriorated rapidly, and his organs were already failing. Despite the efforts of family and friends, Jim Henson passed away after experiencing two cardiac arrests.
Henson's untimely death was a tremendous loss to the entertainment world, as he had left an indelible mark with his endearing characters and remarkable contributions to children's television. The impact of his work and his kind-hearted nature continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans worldwide.
Who was James Henson?
James Maury Henson (September 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990) was a multi-talented American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker who achieved worldwide recognition as the creative force behind the Muppets. Beyond the Muppets, he was also known for his work on Fraggle Rock (1983–1987) and as the director of The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986). Born in Greenville, Mississippi, he was raised in both Leland, Mississippi, and University Park, Maryland.
Henson's journey into puppetry began during high school, when he started developing puppet characters. While attending the University of Maryland, College Park as a freshman, he co-created the television program Sam and Friends (1955–1961), a short-form comedy show, in collaboration with Jane Nebel, a senior at the time, whom he later married. After obtaining a degree in home economics from the University of Maryland, Henson and Jane embarked on producing coffee advertisements and exploring experimental film projects. In 1958, they co-founded Muppets, Inc., which eventually evolved into The Jim Henson Company.
His breakthrough came in 1969 when Henson joined Sesame Street, a renowned children's educational television program, where he played a significant role in developing Muppet characters for the series. During this time, Henson and his creative team also appeared on the first season of Saturday Night Live, a popular sketch comedy show. Henson's notable achievements include producing The Muppet Show (1976–1981) and gaining fame for his beloved characters like Kermit the Frog, Rowlf the Dog, and Ernie. In the later years of his life, he founded the Jim Henson Foundation and Jim Henson's Creature Shop, further expanding his creative endeavors. For his involvement in The StoryTeller (1987–1988) and The Jim Henson Hour (1989), he was awarded the Emmy Award twice.
Tragically, on May 16, 1990, Henson passed away in New York City at the age of 53 due to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. At the time of his death, he was in the midst of negotiating the sale of his company to The Walt Disney Company, but the talks came to an abrupt end after his passing. In honor of his enduring legacy, he received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991 and was recognized as a Disney Legend in 2011, commemorating his lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
James Henson Bio
Name
Henson
Date Of Birth
September 24, 1936
Died
May 16, 1990 (aged 53), New York City, U.S.
Resting place
Cremated; ashes scattered in Taos, New Mexico in 1992
Alma mater
University of Maryland, College Park (BS)
Occupations
Puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, filmmaker
Years active
1954–1990
Board member of
Jim Henson Foundation, The Jim Henson Company (1958–1990), Jim Henson's Creature Shop (1979–1990)
Spouse
Jane Nebel (m. 1959; sep. 1986)
Children
Lisa, Cheryl, Brian, John, Heather
Awards
Courage Conscience Award, Emmy Award, Disney Legend, Inkpot Award[2]
Jim Henson's Cause of Death: FAQs
Jim Henson passed away on May 16, 1990, at the age of 53, due to a severe strep infection that led to organ failure.
Jim Henson was a creative genius known for creating the beloved Muppets and iconic characters of Sesame Street. His contributions also extended to projects like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth, making him a celebrated puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker.
Jim Henson's remains were cremated, and his ashes were scattered in Taos, New Mexico, in 1992.
Jim Henson graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in home economics.
Jim Henson was associated with several organizations, including the Jim Henson Foundation, The Jim Henson Company (1958–1990), and Jim Henson's Creature Shop (1979–1990).