Kermit the Frog
Anthropomorphic green frog and pragmatic everyman of the Muppets.
Kermit the Frog is a Muppet character created in 1955 and originally performed by Jim Henson. An anthropomorphic green frog, Kermit is the pragmatic everyman protagonist of numerous Muppet productions, most notably as the showrunner and host of the sketch comedy television series The Muppet Show and a featured role on Sesame Street. He has remained a recognizable character in popular culture worldwide for over half a century.
- created
- 1955
- creator
- Jim Henson
- first_performer
- Jim Henson (1955–1990)
- subsequent_performers
- Steve Whitmire (1990–2016), Matt Vogel (2017–present)
- field
- Puppetry, television, film, music
- known_for
- Host of The Muppet Show, featured role on Sesame Street, hit singles 'Bein' Green' and 'Rainbow Connection'
Lore & Background
Kermit first appeared on local programs and commercials broadcast on WRC-TV, most notably Sam and Friends. This prototype Kermit was created from a discarded turquoise spring coat belonging to Jim Henson's mother and two ping pong ball halves for eyes. Initially a vague lizard-like creature, his status as a frog was established in the television special Hey, Cinderella! in 1969, when his triangular-pointed collar was added to make him seem more frog-like and conceal the seam between his head and body. The origin of Kermit's name is disputed. It is often claimed he was named after Henson's childhood friend Kermit Scott, but archivist Karen Falk denies this, stating Henson merely liked the sound of the name. Another account holds that the puppet was named after sound engineer Kermit Kalman Cohen, whom Henson met during a studio tour. A third belief links the name to designer Kermit Love, though Love's association with Henson began after Kermit's creation and he denied any connection. Jim Henson performed Kermit until his death in 1990. Steve Whitmire then performed the character until his dismissal in 2016, after which Matt Vogel became the performer in 2017. Kermit has also been voiced by Frank Welker in Muppet Babies and by Matt Danner in the 2018 reboot of Muppet Babies.
Reader's Guide
Kermit the Frog is a central figure in the Muppet franchise, serving as the pragmatic host of The Muppet Show and a beloved character on Sesame Street. Kermit has appeared in numerous television series, feature films, specials, and public service announcements, and served as a mascot of The Jim Henson Company until 2004, when the character was acquired by The Walt Disney Company. In 2006, an 'autobiography' titled Before You Leap: A Frog's Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons was credited to the character. Kermit's enduring popularity over more than half a century is reflected in dozens of honors and awards from various organizations. The character's simple puppet construction, as noted by Michael K. Frith, allows a wide range of expression and gestures, contributing to his iconic status.
Did You Know?
- Kermit was originally created from a discarded turquoise spring coat and two ping pong ball halves for eyes.
- His triangular-pointed collar was added in 1969 to make him seem more frog-like and conceal the seam between his head and body.
- The origin of Kermit's name is disputed; it may have come from a childhood friend, a sound engineer, or designer Kermit Love, though all claims are contested.
- Kermit's performance of 'Rainbow Connection' was added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kermit the Frog?
Kermit is an anthropomorphic green frog who serves as the grounded, down-to-earth everyman at the center of the Muppet universe. He was created by Jim Henson in 1955 and has since become the most recognizable face of the brand across television, film, and music.
Who has performed Kermit the Frog over the years?
Jim Henson brought the character to life from 1955 until his death in 1990. Steve Whitmire then took over the role from 1990 to 2016, and Matt Vogel has been the performer behind Kermit from 2017 to the present.
What are Kermit the Frog's most famous songs?
His two signature musical numbers are "Bein' Green" and "Rainbow Connection," the latter of which became a massive pop hit from The Muppet Movie in 1979. Both tracks capture his voice as a character who finds quiet meaning in small, everyday moments.
What is Kermit's role on The Muppet Show?
Kermit functions as the straight-man host and de facto showrunner, keeping the chaos of the Muppet ensemble in check while introducing acts and managing backstage mayhem. He is the audience's anchor point throughout every episode.
Why is Kermit the Frog culturally significant?
As the longest-running and most widely recognized Muppet, Kermit has served as the public face of the franchise for over sixty years across multiple media. His pragmatic, slightly anxious personality makes him relatable to both children and adults, and his presence spans children's programming, sketch comedy, film, and music.
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