Kermit the Frog Puppeteer Fired for ‘Unacceptable’ Conduct, Studio Says – Celebrity News

Whitmire succeeded Jim Henson, the founder of the Muppets and the original voice of Kermit, after he died in 1990. Henson’s daughter, Lisa Henson, told the newspaper that Whitmire refused to train an understudy for “B-level performances” and “blackballed young performers” by refusing to appear with them. Jim’s son, Brian Henson, claimed that Whitmire would “send emails and letters attacking everyone, attacking the writing and attacking the director.”

The second reason had to do with a small video shoot involving several Muppets characters and an outside company, Whitmire claims. There was a contract dispute between the Screen Actors Guild and Disney over how much the puppeteers should be paid. SAG advised Whitmire not to participate in the project, and he agreed.

Whitmire also told The Hollywood Reporter that he has been outspoken about what’s best for the Muppets for years. “We have been doing these characters for a long, long time and we know them better than anybody. I thought I was aiding to keep it on track, and I think a big reason why the show was canceled [after one season last fall] was because that didn’t happen,” he said. “I am not saying my notes would have saved it, but I think had they listened more to all of the performers, it would have made a really big difference.”

He added that it’s been a difficult few months. “The hardest part is that I genuinely like both of the executives who chose this action, and that makes this all the more disappointing,” Whitmire said. “My sadness is over knowing how important it is for the success of the Muppets to have the characters remain consistent and seeing the value of that ignored.” 

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