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Steve Whitmire
Steve Whitmire
Steve Whitmire
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Steven Lawrence Whitmire (born September 24, 1959) is an American puppeteer, known primarily for his work on The Muppets and Sesame Street. Beginning his involvement with the Muppets in 1978,[3] Whitmire originated the roles of Rizzo the Rat, Lips, Wembley Fraggle, and Bean Bunny. He also inherited the roles of Kermit the Frog and Ernie after Jim Henson's death in 1990; he performed the characters until 2016 and 2014, respectively.[4] In later years, he also performed Statler and Beaker. As part of the Muppet cast, he has appeared in multiple feature films and television series, performing a variety of characters on The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock and during such occupations has been employed by The Jim Henson Company, Sesame Workshop, and The Muppets Studio.

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Whitmire first appeared (unpaid) at a pre-show event at Six Flags Over Georgia. He performed with his then alter-ego puppet Otis for the children waiting to see a multimedia show.

Before graduating high school, Whitmire had his first "professional" puppeteering job using Otis at "The World of Sid & Marty Krofft" in Atlanta, the first indoor theme park. From there Whitmire appeared on local Atlanta TV live for 2 1/2 hours every day on "The Kids Show with Otis" taking telephone calls from children and adults. The show received more than 2000 calls per hour. WATL was owned at that time by former Atlanta children's television host "Officer Don" Kennedy. Otis made appearances on various WATL 36 shows with Atlanta's Ludlow Porch, performing with the Georgia Bulldogs' Larry Munson, Don Kennedy, and Entertainment Page host Artie Goodman. As Otis, Whitmire interviewed Olivia Newton-John during a tour promoting an album.

He worked with puppets after graduating high school, and eventually got a job working on The Muppet Show in 1978. Since then, Whitmire performed in almost every major Henson company project, including non-Muppet projects such as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and Dinosaurs.[5]

Characters performed

[edit]
Whitmire in 2014

Whitmire was the second performer of two signature Muppets—Kermit the Frog and Ernie—after the death of their creator and original performer Jim Henson (with whom he shared a birthday) in 1990.[6] Whitmire was personally asked by Brian Henson and Jane Henson to be Kermit's performer a few weeks after Jim Henson's death.[7] Heather Henson arranged for a Kermit puppet to be sent to Whitmire's residence; however, Whitmire hid the puppet away for weeks before deciding on taking on the role.[8][9] Following Richard Hunt's death and Jerry Nelson's retirement, Whitmire took over the roles of Beaker and Statler, respectively.[10] In 2014, Billy Barkhurst took over the role of Ernie,[11] with Peter Linz taking over that role in 2017.[12] According to Whitmire, he stated that the decision to recast Ernie was due to the show facing budget restructuring at the time and it was getting too expensive to fly him to New York for filming.[13]

Muppet characters original to Whitmire include Rizzo the Rat,[14][15] Lips (the trumpet player from Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem), Miss Piggy's dog Foo-Foo, Wembley Fraggle and Sprocket the Dog on Fraggle Rock, and Bean Bunny, a character that originated in The Tale of the Bunny Picnic (1986).

Whitmire voiced Link Hogthrob in the Muppet RaceMania and Muppets Party Cruise video games. He also performed Link for the 2011 film The Muppets. This was the first speaking appearance of the character since the death of Jim Henson, the original performer of Link. He also performed him in Muppets Most Wanted. In 2008, Whitmire took over another of Jim Henson's roles, The Muppet Newsman.

Dismissal from the Muppets

[edit]
Whitmire at Raleigh Supercon in 2018

In July 2017, The Muppets Studio announced that Whitmire was no longer involved with the Muppets and that fellow Muppet performer Matt Vogel was cast as Kermit's new performer.[16] Whitmire stated that he was dismissed from his roles in October 2016 because of undisclosed issues that he said had not been discussed before his dismissal. In their decision-making, Disney (the parent company of The Muppets Studio) consulted the Henson family, who supported the recasting of Kermit and Whitmire's dismissal.[17]

Brian Henson stated that issues with Whitmire began in the mid-1990s, and said that Whitmire would make "outrageous demands and often played brinkmanship", mentioning that "Steve would use 'I am now Kermit and if you want the Muppets, you better make me happy because the Muppets are Kermit.' And that is really not OK."[7] He additionally stated that Whitmire would "send emails and letters attacking everyone, attacking the writing and attacking the director".[17] He also expressed guilt for not dismissing Whitmire and recasting Kermit before selling the Muppets to Disney in 2004, "because I knew that it was going to be a real problem".[7] Lisa Henson stated that Whitmire was opposed to having an understudy for Kermit and refused to train one, which became problematic when it came to "B-level performances, such as a ribbon-cutting," at some of which she said he was unwilling to appear. She also stated that he "blackballed young performers" by refusing to appear in shows with them.[17]

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that same month, Whitmire stated he was dismissed for disagreements over Kermit's characterization and prolonged labor union negotiations between Disney and SAG-AFTRA (of which Whitmire is a member) that delayed his involvement in Muppet productions.[18] Whitmire alleged that Disney offered him what he called "consolation prizes" if he voluntarily left, including honoring him as a Disney Legend, under the public pretense that he would be retiring from performing.[19] In a statement released to The New York Times, Debbie McClellan, then-head of The Muppets Studio, said that they "raised concerns about Steve’s repeated unacceptable business conduct over a period of many years, and he consistently failed to address the feedback".[17] Whitmire expressed an interest in making amends and resuming his role with the Muppets in the future if possible.[20][21][22]

Several of Whitmire's fellow Muppet performers have voiced support for him. In a 2017 episode of the Defunctland Podcast, Terri Hardin, longtime Muppet performer, alleged that Whitmire was fired for wanting to keep the integrity of the Muppet characters, and was smeared as "a diva" and "hard to work with" to justify his firing.[23][24] In a 2017 interview, Frank Oz stated "with Stevie it's so sad, because the situation with Stevie was a pure business situation, as I understand it. I'd worked with Stevie since he was 18 years old, and on the floor he's terrific. We had a lot of fun. So when he's actually on the floor — I think it was something outside that. And it's very sad."[25] In 2019, director and producer Kirk Thatcher stated that Whitmire was "a sweetheart on set, one of the easiest people to work with, and super giving with the other performers."[26]

Personal life

[edit]

In June 1978, Whitmire married his wife Melissa. They met during his senior year at Berkmar High School in Lilburn, Georgia.[27][2] They live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Film credits
Year Title Role Notes
1979 The Muppet Movie Additional Muppet performer Puppeteer; Whitmire also makes an onscreen cameo as a man attending Bogen County Fair
1981 The Great Muppet Caper Rizzo the Rat, Lips Puppeteer/voice
1982 The Dark Crystal skekTek the Scientist Puppeteer
1984 The Muppets Take Manhattan Rizzo the Rat, Gil the Frog, Dog, additional characters Puppeteer/voice
1985 Dreamchild The Caterpillar, Mock Turtle Puppeteer only
1986 Labyrinth The Four Guards, Firey 4, Ambrosius
1987 A Muppet Family Christmas Rizzo the Rat, Lips, Wembley Fraggle, Sprocket the Dog, and Christmas Turkey Puppeteer/voice
1990 The Witches Luke Mouse Puppeteer Only
1992 The Muppet Christmas Carol Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Bean Bunny, Lips, Sprocket, Beaker, Belinda Cratchit, Laundress, additional characters Puppeteer/voice
1993 Billy Bunny's Animal Songs Kermit the Frog
1996 Muppet Treasure Island Rizzo the Rat, Kermit the Frog, Beaker, The Dodo, Walleye Pike, Inkspots, Rats
1997 123 Count with Me Ernie
1998 Elmopalooza Ernie, Kermit the Frog
1999 Muppets from Space Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Bean Bunny, Cosmic Fish #1, Alien Gonzo, Rainbow the Beach Hippie (on-screen cameo)
1999 The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Ernie, Bad Humor Man, Football Stenchman, Sharon Groan, Stuckweed, Parrot
1999 CinderElmo Ernie, Kermit the Frog, and Prince the Dog
2002 Kermit's Swamp Years Kermit the Frog, Young Kermit, Chico, Jack Rabbit
2002 It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Bean Bunny, Mr. Poodlepants
2005 The Muppets' Wizard of Oz Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Statler, Bean Bunny, Audience Member at Aunt Em's Diner (on-screen cameo)
2007 Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Kermit the Frog
2008 Sesame Street: Abby in Wonderland Ernie (as Tweedledum)
2011 The Muppets Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Rizzo the Rat, Statler, Link Hogthrob, The Muppet Newsman, Lips
2014 Muppets Most Wanted Kermit the Frog, Foo-Foo, Statler, Beaker, Lips, Rizzo the Rat, Link Hogthrob, The Muppet Newsman, Andy Pig, gulag prisoner (on-screen cameo)

Television

[edit]
Television credits
Year(s) Title Role Notes
1978–1981 The Muppet Show Rizzo the Rat, Lips, Foo-Foo, Fletcher Bird (voice), additional characters Performer
1979 The Muppets Go Hollywood Additional characters, extra Performer/actor
1979 John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together Additional characters Performer
1982 The Fantastic Miss Piggy Show Rizzo the Rat, back-up singer, additional characters Performer/actor
1983–1987 Fraggle Rock Wembley Fraggle, Sprocket, Marlon Fraggle, Flange Doozer, Murray the Minstrel, Papa Tree Creature, Phil Fraggle (puppetry only), Crusty Doozer Performer
1983 Rocky Mountain Holiday Rizzo the Rat, Giant Man Eating Chicken
1986 The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years Rizzo the Rat, additional characters
1986 The Christmas Toy Mew
1986 The Tale of the Bunny Picnic Bean Bunny
1987 A Muppet Family Christmas Rizzo the Rat, Lips, Sprocket, Christmas Turkey, Wembley Fraggle
1987 Inner Tube Henry, Duke Performer, unaired pilot
1989 The Jim Henson Hour Bean Bunny, Flash, Jacques Roach, Waldo C. Graphic, Yellow Extreme, additional characters Performer
1990 The Muppets at Walt Disney World Rizzo the Rat, Bean Bunny, Lips, Foo Foo, Sprocket
1993–2014 Sesame Street Ernie (1993–2014), Kermit the Frog (1996–2001; 2009), Dr. Feel and Additional characters Performer/voice
1990 The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson Rizzo the Rat, Bean Bunny, Kermit the Frog Performer
1991–1994 Dinosaurs B.P. Richfield (puppetry), Robbie Sinclair (face), Chief Elder (face), Mr. Mason Dixon, Sonny Woody, Blarney, Judge H.T. Stone (puppetry) Performer/puppeteer
1992–1993 Muppet Meeting Films Flunky, Mr. Briteweight, Kermit the Frog Performer
1993 Sesame Street Stays Up Late! Ernie
1994 Jim Henson's Animal Show Jake the Polar Bear, Wingo the Shoebill, Lawrence the Orangutan
1994 Muppet Classic Theater Rizzo the Rat, Kermit the Frog
1995 Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree Bear, Kermit the Frog, Owl
1996–1998 Muppets Tonight Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Bean Bunny, Captain Pighead, Andy Pig, Mr. Poodlepants, additional characters
1998-2009 Elmo's World Ernie, Kermit the Frog
2001 Family Feud Kermit Performer/Guest Contestant
2002-2007 Play With Me Sesame Ernie Performer (Season 1 only and Season 3 for non-US markets, excluding Season 2)
2008 Studio DC: Almost Live Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Statler, Bean Bunny, Foo-Foo Performer
2008 A Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Statler
2011 WWE Raw Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Statler Puppeteer
2012 WWE Tribute to the Troops Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat Puppeteer
2012 30 Rock Kermit the Frog Puppeteer, Episode: "My Whole Life Is Thunder"
2013 Good Luck Charlie Kermit the Frog Puppeteer/Guest Star, Episode: "Duncan Dream House"
2013 Lady Gaga and the Muppets Holiday Spectacular Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Rizzo the Rat, Statler Performer
2015 Muppet Moments Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Rizzo the Rat, Statler, Sheep, Andy Pig, Foo-Foo, The Muppet Newsman
2015–2016 The Muppets Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Statler, Lips, The Muppet Newsman, Andy Pig
2021 Lego Masters Willy Performer, (2 episodes)

Video games

[edit]
Video games
Year(s) Title Role Notes
1996 Muppet Treasure Island Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Walleye Pike Voice role[28]
1996 The Muppets CD-Rom: Muppets Inside Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker
1999 Sesame Street: Baby and Me Ernie
1999 Elmo's Number Journey Ernie
1999 Elmo's Letter Adventure Ernie
1999 Sesame Street: The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Football Stenchman
1999 Sesame Street Music Maker Ernie
2000 Sesame Street: Ernie's Adventure in Space Ernie
2000 Muppet Race Mania Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Bean Bunny, Gil, Link Hogthrob, Flange Doozer
2000 Muppet Monster Adventure Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker
2001 Sesame Street Sports Ernie
2002 Sesame Street Preschool Ernie
2003 Muppets Party Cruise Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Andy Pig, Bean Bunny, Link Hogthrob
2006 Bert and Ernie's Imagination Adventure Ernie

Other appearances

[edit]
Other credits
Year(s) Title Role Notes
1991 Muppet*Vision 3D Waldo C. Graphic, Bean Bunny, Rizzo the Rat Performer, theme park film
2005–2006 Statler and Waldorf: From the Balcony Statler (Ep. 1-8) Performer
2008–2009 Muppet YouTube Shorts Kermit the Frog, Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Statler, Rabbits, Pumpkins, Penguins, Turkey
2010 Disney's Honorary VoluntEars Cavalcade Kermit the Frog Voice, theme park parade
2010 The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Andy Pig, Foo-Foo, The Muppet Newsman Performer
2013–2014 Muppisodes[29] Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Rizzo the Rat, Statler
2014 Disney Drive-On with The Muppets[30] Kermit the Frog
2016 The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History Kermit the Frog Voice, theme park show
2019–2022 CAVE-iN Weldon the I.T. Guy Performer, Internet videos

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Steve Whitmire

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Steven Lawrence Whitmire (born September 24, 1959) is an American puppeteer recognized for his extensive work with The Jim Henson Company, particularly as the performer of Kermit the Frog from 1990 until 2017 and Ernie from Sesame Street following Jim Henson's death. Whitmire joined the Muppets in 1978 during the third season of The Muppet Show, originating characters such as Rizzo the Rat, Beaker, Wembley Fraggle from Fraggle Rock, and Bean Bunny, while contributing to major productions including films like Muppet Treasure Island and television series across four decades. His departure from in stemmed from what the company termed "unacceptable business conduct," including unsolicited feedback on productions and a union dispute, though Whitmire maintained it resulted from his efforts to preserve the original vision and integrity of the characters as established by Henson.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Initial Interests

Steven Lawrence Whitmire was born on September 24, 1959, in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in its suburbs. His early exposure to television puppetry came through programs featuring Jim Henson's creations, which he had watched since childhood. Whitmire's interest in puppetry ignited around age 10 in 1969, coinciding with the premiere of Sesame Street. He viewed the show twice daily, recording segments on tape to study and mimic the lip-syncing techniques using puppets he built at home. His inaugural puppet construction was a makeshift Kermit the Frog, assembled from an aluminum potpie container painted green, topped with a cardboard mouth flap. At age 11, inspired by this pursuit, he corresponded with Jim Henson seeking guidance on puppet fabrication, receiving a motivational reply that further fueled his enthusiasm. Drawing from 1960s Women's Day magazine patterns, Whitmire crafted additional s as a personal hobby, integrating them into school activities such as oral reports throughout his formative years. Among his early original creations was Otis, a beach bum character he developed during , reflecting his growing experimentation with puppet design and performance.

Training in Puppeteering

Whitmire developed an interest in around age 10 after watching on television, prompting him to create simple from household items like socks. His mother supported this by purchasing a basic puppet kit and additional puppets for him, eventually teaching him basic stitching and seaming techniques to construct his own designs. Through trial and error, he progressed to building more sophisticated puppets and original characters, collaborating with a small group of friends for improvised performances. Throughout high school, Whitmire pursued puppeteering as a , incorporating puppets into assignments such as oral reports to enhance presentations and earn higher grades. Lacking formal instruction, his skills were honed via self-directed practice and local experimentation, without enrollment in structured programs or workshops. This informal approach culminated in his first professional opportunity shortly before high school graduation, when a friend auditioned successfully at the theme park The World of Sid & Marty Krofft using a Whitmire had built, leading to his hiring to perform the character Otis the Beach Bum. Upon entering the professional sphere at age 18 with Jim Henson's team, Whitmire described the experience as equivalent to advanced education, involving intensive on-the-job learning in monitor work, , show preparation, and production subtleties over a six-month period. This hands-on immersion refined his technique, emphasizing precise manipulation and character embodiment, though it built directly on his prior self-taught foundation rather than replacing it.

Career

Early Professional Work

Whitmire's first professional puppeteering engagement occurred at The World of Sid & Marty Krofft, an indoor theme park in that operated from June 1976 to September 1977. Hired approximately one month before his high school graduation in 1977, he performed daily with his self-built character, Otis the Beach Bum, greeting visitors at the park's entrance. Following the park's closure, Whitmire transitioned to local television in , where he performed live segments featuring his puppets, including Otis, and interacted with audiences through telephone calls and on-air activities. This work, conducted in collaboration with local producers aiming to develop broader programming, honed his skills in live performance and audience engagement over several months in 1977. The experience provided practical exposure to professional environments and contributed to his preparation for national opportunities.

Tenure with The Muppets

Whitmire joined the Jim Henson Company in 1978, beginning his work on The Muppet Show during its third season with his first performance on March 24. Initially assigned to one-off characters, he developed Rizzo the Rat as a recurring role, portraying the clever, opportunistic rodent in episodes and subsequent productions. His early contributions included puppeteering Lips, the mute trumpeter of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band, starting in season three of The Muppet Show. In 1983, Whitmire originated Wembley Fraggle for the television series , which aired until 1987, voicing and operating the indecisive, optimistic Doozer-turned-Fraggle across 96 episodes. He also created Bean Bunny, debuting the timid rabbit in the 1986 special The Tale of the Bunny Picnic and featuring the character in later works like MuppetVision 3D at parks. Following Jim Henson's death in May 1990, Whitmire took over , performing the amphibious host in over two dozen projects, including voicing and puppeteering in (1992) as Kermit/ and , Muppet Treasure Island (1996) as , and (2011) as Kermit and Beaker. Whitmire's tenure extended to Sesame Street, where he performed Ernie starting in the 1990s, maintaining the character's playful dynamic with Bert, and provided lip-sync movements for Beaker in films and specials. He also handled Statler in select appearances and contributed to the 2015 The Muppets series as Kermit, Rizzo, and others across eight episodes. Over nearly four decades, his work spanned five Muppet feature films, multiple television series, and specials, preserving character consistencies amid transitions in ownership and production teams.

Key Characters Performed

Whitmire originated Rizzo the Rat, a street-smart rodent character who debuted in (1984) and became a recurring ensemble member in subsequent Muppet productions, including (1992) and (1996). He also created and performed Lips, the laid-back trumpet player in Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band, appearing in and later specials. Another original creation was Bean Bunny, a timid, optimistic rabbit introduced in The Tale of the Bunny Picnic (1986) and featured in films like . In (1983–1987), Whitmire originated Wembley Fraggle, the indecisive, woolly-haired Fraggle known for his high-pitched voice and conflict-avoidant personality, alongside minor roles like and Marlon Fraggle. He performed Foo-Foo, Miss Piggy's pampered pet Pomeranian dog, in various Muppet appearances starting from . Whitmire inherited following Jim Henson's death on May 16, 1990, performing the role for 27 years until his departure in 2017, including in projects such as , , and (2011–2016). He took over Beaker, the hapless lab assistant with a distinctive "Meep!" vocalization, from around 1992 onward, voicing the character in segments, films like , and viral videos such as the "" performance. Similarly, Whitmire performed Ernie on after 1990, maintaining the character's cheerful, inquisitive traits until at least 2014. Other notable performances include Statler, one of the elderly heckling duo, from 2002 in It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie and later productions; the Newsman, the bumbling reporter, starting in 2008; and Link Hogthrob, the dim-witted captain from The Muppet Show's "Pigs in Space" sketches, in revivals like The Muppets (2011).

Dismissal from The Muppets Studio

In October 2016, , a division of , terminated the employment of Steve Whitmire, who had performed since Jim Henson's death in 1990, along with other characters such as , Beaker, and . This ended Whitmire's 27-year association with the franchise, during which he contributed to numerous television productions, films, and specials. The studio's official statement attributed the dismissal to "unacceptable business conduct over a period of many years," emphasizing repeated issues that made collaboration untenable despite prior attempts at resolution. Whitmire contested this account, stating in a July 2017 blog post and interviews that he received no advance warning and was informed via phone call of two primary grievances: sending critical notes to executives—such as concerns over Kermit's portrayal in the 2015 television series—and resistance to a non-union being cast in a project. He framed his actions as efforts to preserve character integrity, describing the termination as a "devastating betrayal" after decades of dedication. The decision drew mixed reactions from fans and industry observers, with some praising Whitmire's fidelity to Henson's vision and others noting reports of interpersonal difficulties predating Disney's 2004 acquisition of the properties. Matt Vogel, a veteran performer, succeeded Whitmire as Kermit's operator, debuting in a July 2017 promotional video for Disney's Muppet Babies . The Henson family publicly backed the studio, citing Whitmire's behavior as having alienated colleagues over time.

Post-Dismissal Activities

Convention Appearances and Panels

Following his departure from in 2017, Steve Whitmire has regularly appeared at fan conventions, participating in Q&A panels focused on his puppeteering career, performances of Muppet characters, and insights into the craft. These events provide opportunities for fans to engage directly with Whitmire, who shares anecdotes from projects like , , and , while addressing questions about his techniques and industry experiences. One of Whitmire's initial post-departure convention appearances occurred at Raleigh Supercon, held July 27–29, 2018, where he conducted a Q&A session covering topics such as reunions with collaborators like and reflections on productions including and . Earlier that year, in April 2018, he joined a panel at the Great Philadelphia Comic Con alongside performer , discussing Muppet history and performance methods. Whitmire continued these engagements with a panel at Louisville Supercon in late 2018, featuring discussions on his career spanning approximately 45 minutes, including mentions of his new independent character Weldon shortly after its debut. In March 2023, he presented at Comic Con, fielding fan questions on his Muppet tenure and professional journey. More recently, in 2024, Whitmire participated in a joint panel with fellow puppeteer at Undiscovered Realm Comic Con, exploring the legacy of and puppetry's evolution. In October 2025, Whitmire held a Q&A at West Tennessee Comic Con, hosted by , where he elaborated on his extensive work in Henson productions. These panels often emphasize Whitmire's disciplined approach to character embodiment, describing a heightened state of in performance that animates puppets as distinct entities. His convention activities have extended to events like Fanboy Expo Knoxville in July and appearances, maintaining fan connections amid independent projects.

Independent Puppeteering Efforts

Following his 2017 dismissal from , Steve Whitmire shifted focus to independent puppeteering through fan conventions and comic expos, where he conducted panels, demonstrated techniques, and performed original puppets. These appearances emphasized education on the craft, drawing on his decades of experience without relying on Disney-owned properties. For example, at the Great Philadelphia Comic Con in May 2018, Whitmire recounted early gigs involving his own creations and highlighted the challenges of performing non-franchise puppets. Whitmire's convention work often includes interactive sessions on puppeteering mechanics, such as rod manipulation for actions like grasping objects, which he has detailed publicly to preserve and teach Henson-style methods. At 2022, he hosted a "Talking Puppets" panel, fielding questions on character development and performance nuances from his career. Similar engagements occurred at Fanboy Expo in June 2018, where he showcased his skills to attendees. Constraints from intellectual property laws limit performances of signature Muppet roles like or to non-commercial or personal contexts, leading Whitmire to prioritize original characters and workshops. His personal website further supports these efforts by offering tutorials, such as adapting rods for interactions, fostering the next generation of puppeteers independently of studio affiliations. Ongoing appearances, including at events through 2025, underscore this sustained, convention-centered approach to independent work.

Personal Life

Family Background

Steven Lawrence Whitmire was born on September 24, 1959, in , Georgia, and raised in the city's suburbs during the , a period that shaped his early creative interests through cultural influences such as , the specials, and the Apollo space missions. He grew up alongside his brother Mark, with whom he shared imaginative childhood play, including inventing fictional characters and staging mock live television broadcasts using toys. Whitmire's father actively supported his burgeoning hobbies by converting an old barn on the property into an indoor workspace, where the young Whitmire constructed puppets and practiced music during his teenage years. His parents, while generally encouraging of his pursuits—including watching shows like together—approached his early puppeteering ambitions with caution, reflecting a practical outlook when he began professional work while still living at home. Little public detail exists regarding his parents' names or professions, as Whitmire has maintained on such matters in available accounts.

Personal Interests and Philanthropy

Whitmire developed an early passion for music, becoming obsessed with after being inspired by The Phantom of the Opera and with the following Al Hirt's "Green Hornet Theme Song" during the 1960s. At age 19, he played and sang in a local band. His musical interests extended into professional puppeteering, where he operated Rowlf the Dog's hands on for performances such as "I Hope That Somethin’ Better Comes Along" in (1979) and Kermit's hands on banjo for "" in the same film. In his childhood, Whitmire engaged in creative play with his brother Mark, inventing fictional characters and simulating shows using toys, which foreshadowed his lifelong immersion in techniques for school talent shows, choral concerts, church events, and private gatherings. Public details on Whitmire's are scarce, with no major charitable initiatives or donations prominently documented in available sources.

Filmography

Feature Films

Whitmire's involvement in feature films primarily occurred through his puppeteering and voice work for and franchise, beginning with minor roles in the early and expanding to lead characters after Jim Henson's death in 1990, when he assumed performance of . His credits include both original Muppet productions and collaborations like . Post-1990, he frequently performed Kermit alongside recurring characters such as (whom he originated), Beaker, and others. The following table summarizes his credited roles in theatrical feature films:
YearTitleRoles
1982Scientist (voice and puppeteer)
1984, Foo-Foo the Dog
1992 (as ), , Beaker, Bean Bunny,
1996 (as Captain Smollett), , Beaker (voice)
1999, , Beaker
1999The Adventures of Elmo in GrouchlandErnie (voice)
2011, Beaker, , Statler, Link Hogthrob, The Muppet Newsman (voice),
2014, Beaker, , Statler, The Muppet Newsman,
These performances contributed to the films' critical and commercial success, with Whitmire's handling of Kermit praised for maintaining the character's essence amid transitions in the franchise. No feature film credits followed his 2017 dismissal from The Muppets Studio.

Television Productions

Whitmire's early television work featured prominently in The Muppet Show, where he joined as a puppeteer during its third season in 1978 and continued through 1981, performing characters such as Foo-Foo the dog and additional Muppet ensemble roles. He expanded his contributions in Fraggle Rock (1983–1987), serving as the primary puppeteer and voice actor for Wembley Fraggle, Sprocket the Dog, and additional Fraggles like Boober in select episodes. On Sesame Street, Whitmire took over the performance of Kermit the Frog following Jim Henson's death in 1990, continuing until 2017, and later assumed the role of Ernie starting in the early 2000s after Henson's original tenure. He also performed in Muppets Tonight (1996–1998), voicing and operating Rizzo the Rat and other supporting characters alongside Kermit. Further credits include (1989), where he puppeteered multiple Muppet characters, and Dinosaurs (1991–1994), contributing voices and puppetry to ensemble roles in the Henson-produced sitcom. In the 2015–2016 reboot , Whitmire reprised as the show's executive producer character. These productions highlight his consistent involvement in Henson Company television projects spanning puppet operation, voice work, and character development.
ProductionYearsKey Roles
The Muppet Show1978–1981Foo-Foo, various ensemble Muppets
Fraggle Rock1983–1987Wembley Fraggle, Sprocket
Sesame Street1990–2017 (Kermit); early 2000s–2017 (Ernie)Kermit the Frog, Ernie
Muppets Tonight1996–1998Rizzo the Rat, Kermit
The Muppets2015–2016Kermit the Frog

Video Games and Other Media

Whitmire provided and performances for several Muppet-licensed video games during the late and early 2000s. In Muppet Treasure Island (1996), he voiced characters including Beaker and Walleye Pike, contributing to the game's adventure gameplay featuring Muppet characters on a pirate-themed quest. For Muppet Monster Adventure (2000), a PlayStation platformer, Whitmire performed , , and Beaker, aligning his characterizations with the title's horror-parody narrative where Kermit navigates monster-infested environments. He continued with Muppet RaceMania (2000), voicing Link Hogthrob in the kart racing game that pitted Muppet characters against each other on whimsical tracks. In Muppets Party Cruise (2003), a party game involving mini-games and dance sequences, Whitmire supplied voices for principal characters such as Kermit, enhancing the multiplayer social elements. These contributions typically involved Whitmire's established Muppet portrayals, recorded to match the interactive format while preserving character consistency from prior media. Beyond video games, Whitmire participated in other interactive and experiential media, notably performing multiple roles including , Bean Bunny, and Waldo C. Graphic in the theme park attraction MuppetVision (premiered at ), a with live and blending comedy sketches and musical numbers. His work in these formats extended the Muppet franchise's reach into non-traditional entertainment venues, emphasizing puppet performance integration with .

Controversies and Reception

The 2017 Dismissal Dispute

In October 2016, Steve Whitmire was dismissed by The Muppets Studio—a division of The Walt Disney Company—from his role as the performer and voice of Kermit the Frog, a position he had held since Jim Henson's death in 1990, totaling 27 years. The studio cited "unacceptable business conduct" as the reason, describing it as behavior that had persisted over time and made it "extremely difficult" to maintain productive working relationships with cast, crew, and executives. Whitmire disputed this characterization, asserting in a July 2017 blog post that his termination stemmed from his advocacy for Kermit's character integrity, including refusals to perform in projects he deemed inconsistent with the frog's established persona—such as certain lines in Muppets Tonight or appearances that conflicted with labor disputes—and his resistance to what he viewed as declining creative standards under Disney's ownership. The dispute escalated publicly on July 17, 2017, when announced Matt Vogel as Kermit's new performer, prompting Whitmire to break his by detailing his perspective online. He described the dismissal as a "betrayal" of the Henson legacy, emphasizing instances like declining to have Kermit endorse a 2011 Disney cruise or cross a 2003 writers' strike , which he argued aligned with Kermit's principled history under . Studio representatives countered that Whitmire's actions prioritized personal convictions over collaborative obligations, leading to stalled productions and strained team dynamics; they noted efforts to resolve issues through counseling and performance reviews before the final decision. Members of the Henson family, including Brian and Cheryl Henson—who had initially selected Whitmire as Kermit's successor—publicly supported the studio's action, with Brian Henson stating that Whitmire's approach had diminished the character's vitality and that Vogel better captured Kermit's original energy. This endorsement underscored a rift, as Whitmire positioned himself as a steward of Henson's vision against corporate dilution, while the family and Disney emphasized operational necessities for sustaining the franchise. The episode highlighted tensions between artistic fidelity and business imperatives in legacy properties, with no legal resolution pursued by Whitmire, who subsequently focused on independent puppetry.

Public and Industry Views on His Tenure

Whitmire's long tenure as a performer, spanning from 1978 and including 27 years voicing after Jim Henson's death in 1990, earned widespread praise from fans for preserving character continuity and delivering performances described as "lovable, funny, and charming." Public admiration highlighted his technical skill as a and deep commitment to the roles, with many viewing him as essential to the ' enduring appeal. Industry perspectives were more divided, acknowledging Whitmire's talent while citing interpersonal issues. Executives at , owned by , described his dismissal in October 2016 (announced July 2017) as resulting from "unacceptable business conduct," including repeated unaddressed concerns over behavior that strained relationships with crew and performers. , daughter of and president of the Jim Henson Foundation, publicly stated that Whitmire's portrayal of Kermit had evolved into a "bitter" and "angry" version, reflecting self-centered attitudes that diverged from the character's intended optimism. Following the dismissal announcement on July 10, 2017, public backlash was significant, with fans expressing shock and launching petitions urging his reinstatement, framing the decision as a loss of authenticity for the franchise. Whitmire himself described the firing as a "huge shock" without prior warning, attributing tensions to his advocacy for character fidelity rather than outright disruption. This fan support contrasted with studio assertions of long-standing issues, underscoring a perception among audiences that his dedication outweighed reported conduct problems.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0926209/
  2. https://integrallife.com/author/steve-whitmire/
  3. https://muppetcentral.com/articles/interviews/whitmire1.shtml
  4. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/disney-says-fired-kermit-frog-actor-unacceptable-business-conduct-1021701/
  5. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/18/537836531/kermit-the-frog-actor-fired-over-unacceptable-business-conduct
  6. https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/kermit-frog-puppeteer-denies-he-was-difficult-work-n784806
  7. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/steve-whitmire.html
  8. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Steve-Whitmire/
  9. https://dailydragon.dragoncon.org/2019/steve-whitmire-the-heart-of-a-puppeteer/
  10. https://stevewhitmire.website/about-us/
  11. https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Steve%2BWhitmire/392239
  12. https://marianithomas.wordpress.com/2017/07/12/the-whit-of-the-muppets-steve-whitmire/
  13. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/11/536656568/after-27-years-kermit-the-frog-is-getting-a-new-voice
  14. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/steve_whitmire
  15. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/longtime-kermit-frog-voice-actor-replaced-27-years-1019780
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  20. https://www.toughpigs.com/the-top-10-songs-of-steve-whitmire/
  21. https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/muppets-studio-kermit-the-frog-1202497849/
  22. https://deadline.com/2017/07/kermit-the-frog-voice-actor-exiting-steve-whitmire-matt-vogel-1202126314/
  23. http://wtkr.com/2017/07/18/war-of-words-between-fired-voice-of-kermit-the-frog-disney-and-henson-family/
  24. https://www.[npr](/page/NPR).org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/18/537836531/kermit-the-frog-actor-fired-over-unacceptable-business-conduct
  25. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40641830
  26. https://deadline.com/2017/07/muppets-studio-steve-whitmire-fired-statement-disney-kermit-the-frog-1202130574/
  27. https://fancons.com/guests/bio/7108/steve-whitmire
  28. https://www.toughpigs.com/steve-philly/
  29. https://frogoflamancha.blog/2018/10/22/long-story-short-too-late-steve-whitmire-at-raleigh-supercon/
  30. https://frogoflamancha.blog/2019/03/22/supercon-louisville-steve-whitmire-comic-con/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ve9dEfI9mk
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9xbk9PWFq8
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lrVKu-e1cQ
  34. https://stevewhitmire.website/
  35. https://www.facebook.com/TheSteveWhitmire/
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itTGI5gZwSA
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIdmZC9o1_E
  38. https://stevewhitmire.website/how-do-you-get-rod-puppets-to-hold-or-grab-things/
  39. https://stevewhitmire.website/study-the-past-if-you-would-define-the-future/
  40. https://muppetcentral.com/articles/interviews/whitmire2.shtml
  41. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/64180-steve-whitmire?language=en-US
  42. https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Steve_Whitmire
  43. https://www.darkcrystal.com/mythology/canon/the-dark-crystal/film-credits/steve-whitmire/
  44. https://puppetry.fandom.com/wiki/Steve_Whitmire
  45. https://www.fandango.com/people/steve-whitmire-724925
  46. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/steve-whitmire/
  47. https://kids.kiddle.co/Steve_Whitmire
  48. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Muppet-Treasure-Island/Beaker/
  49. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Muppet-Treasure-Island/Walleye-Pike/
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0271072/fullcredits/
  51. https://www.mobygames.com/game/9163/muppet-racemania/credits/playstation/
  52. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/18/studio-kermit-actor-fired-for-unacceptable-conduct.html
  53. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/jul/19/save-kermit-the-frog-steve-whitmire-henson-why-the-muppets-debacle-is-so-devastating
  54. https://www.businessinsider.com/kermit-the-frog-actor-firing-details-2017-7
  55. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/07/kermit-steve-whitmire-fired-cheryl-henson-brian-henson
  56. https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/7/24/16003912/why-was-kermit-the-frog-voice-actor-steve-whitmore-fired
  57. https://www.toughpigs.com/6-thoughts-about-the-steve-whitmire-news/
  58. https://deadline.com/2017/07/cheryl-henson-statement-steve-whitmire-fired-kermit-the-frog-muppets-studio-1202130984/
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