Though Muppet lore has the world’s most popular amphibian originating in the swamps of Florida, the character actually got his beginnings on “Sam and Friends,” Jim Henson‘s live-action and puppet television show, in 1955. Kermit soon became a regular on “Sesame Street” before putting his tadpole days behind him and graduating to “The Muppet Show,” for which he was the front-frog. Since then, Kermit’s titles include movies, albums and even an autobiography. The famous frog is returning to the big screen in “The Muppets” this Thanksgiving. Here’s a glimpse at some of the more memorable moments in Kermit’s show-biz career. (Clockwise from left: Jim Henson Company, Jim Henson Productions, Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times, and Jim Henson Productions / Associated Press)
By Emily Christianson, Noelene Clark, Nate Jackson, Todd Martens, Jevon Phillips and Nardine Saad
The Muppets and “Sesame Street” characters are Thanksgiving Day parade regulars. In 2002, after a bit of an absence from the parade, Kermit returned as a 78-foot-long balloon, and he was the official mascot for the event. Kermit and Miss Piggy even got an interview on “The Today Show” to talk about the new balloon.
More recently, Kermit has appeared at the parade to show-off his singing chops. In 2009, he appeared with Disney actress Tiffany Thornton to sing his Christmas original “I Believe.” (Jeff Christensen / Associated Press)