The Walt Disney Archives Celebrates 70 Years of Kermit the Frog
While The Walt Disney Company has an unparalleled stable of stars, few have ever shown brighter than Kermit the Frog.
Originally created by Jim Henson in 1955 for the Sam and Friends show, Kermit was introduced to national audiences in the 1960s thanks to his appearance on Sesame Street.
Photo: D23
Kermit quickly endeared himself to millions of fans with his distinctive voice and expressive eyes. Soon, his fame would hit the stratosphere when he stared in The Muppet Show.
A Cultural Icon
By the time that The Muppet Movie was released in 1979, Kermit was one of popular culture’s most recognizable characters and for many, a symbol of Americana.
Kermit would enter the Disney universe in the late 1980s, when the company and Jim Henson began collaborating. The plan, was to introduce the Muppets to the Disney Parks, particularity at the Disney-MGM Studios, and eventually purchase the troupe.
Photo: Disney
As a lifelong Disney fan, Henson seemed eager to join forces with one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies.
Unfortunately, Henson’s tragic death spelled the end of the deal. While Disney would collaborate with the Henson family on Muppet*Vision 3D, the relationship between the two entities would eventually sour.
Photo: Sony
Finally, in 2004, Disney reached an agreement to purchase The Muppets. Since being acquired by Disney, Henson’s iconic troupe has starred in films, television shows, and the Disney Parks. 70 years after making his debut, Kermit continues to delight and entertain new generations of fans.
The Disney Archives Pay Tribute to Kermit
In honor of Kermit’s big anniversary today, the Walt Disney Archives took to Instagram to pay tribute to the beloved frog.
“Hi-ho! We’re here to celebrate 70 years of Kermit the Frog!,” the archives proudly announced before sharing some of Kermit’s backstory.
Along with the post, Disney shared a still of Kermit and Mickey Mouse together from The Muppets at Walt Disney World.
You can read the full post from the archives below.
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