Paul Neil
Paul Neil
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

I know this is an ancient article, but with the recent confirmation that Steve Whitmire is no longer performing with the Muppets, this article seems relevant once again. Unfortunately, there’s a blatant factual error that the author seems to use as an accusatory illustration. Ms. Stevens writes that Kermit sang a duet with an America’s Got Talent contestant in 2007, and was not performed by Steve Whitmire.

Though the performance in question happened during the live finale, that particular segment was taped the night before. I had the privilege of being in the audience for the pre-taping of that segment, and Steve Whitmire was definitely the performer.

What the author is probably thinking of is a performance from a full three years later, in 2010, where Kermit and Miss Piggy sang “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” on an episode of America’s Got Talent. In that episode, Kermit was performed by Artie Esposito because Steve Whitmire was unavailable. Esposito also performed Kermit alongside Lady Gaga at a red carpet event around the same time.

In addition, the author leaves out one basic fact that completely undermines her argument. The decision to continue Kermit without Jim Henson was NOT a Disney decision. It was a decision made by Jim Henson himself. Steve was handpicked by Jim to continue the character. At the time of his death, Jim had already had conversations about moving away from performing in order to focus more on other responsibilities with the company. The Henson family sent Steve a Kermit puppet after Henson’s death so that he could begin to get comfortable with the character.

You don’t have to like it. But you also don’t get to write off over two decades of history with a character because you think a decision was made by a soulless corporation.

    Paul Neil

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    Paul Neil