John Henson (puppeteer)

American puppeteer
The basics

Quick Facts

IntroAmerican puppeteer
PlacesUnited States of America
wasEntertainer Puppeteer Actor
Work fieldEntertainment Film, TV, Stage & Radio
Gender
Male
Birth25 April 1965, Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.A.
Death14 February 2014Saugerties, New York, U.S.A. (aged 48 years)
Family
Mother:Jane Henson
Father:Jim Henson
The details

Biography

John Paul Henson (April 25, 1965 – February 14, 2014) was an American puppeteer best known for his association with The Muppets.

Biography

Early years

John Henson was the son of puppeteers Jim Henson (1936-1990), best known as the creator of The Muppets, and Jane Henson (1934-2013), who assisted in the launch of the Muppets. He had four siblings: Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, Cheryl Henson, and Heather Henson.

Career

John performed Muppet character Sweetums starting in 1992 following the death of Richard Hunt (who trained John Henson in performing Sweetums). The role has since been passed to different puppeteers, including David Rudman, Noel MacNeal, Rob Mills and Matt Vogel. Vogel officially assumed the role in 2009.

Death

Henson died of a heart attack on February 14, 2014, at age 48, at his home in Saugerties, New York after playing with his daughter in the snow. His family had a private funeral for him. He was cremated and his ashes were given to his family.

Filmography

Television

  • CityKids
  • Muppets Tonight - Sweetums

Film

  • Muppet Treasure Island - Sweetums
  • Muppets from Space - Sweetums
  • It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie - Sweetums
  • The Muppets' Wizard of Oz - Sweetums as a Flying Monkey

Video games

  • Muppets Party Cruise - Sweetums

Miscellaneous

  • Muppet*Vision 3D - Sweetums (in-suit performer)
  • The Muppet Show Live - Sweetums
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