Jim Henson's Son Brian Once Candidly Described His Childhood with the 'Muppets' Creator

Jim Henson entertained countless children as a Muppet master, inspiring her own children in the process.

Brian Henson, his son, shared what it was like to grow up as a child of the “Muppets” creator.

"My dad would always say, 'If something is not inspiring, then do something that is.' He was an inspiration to everyone."

"My dad was a workaholic," Brian said. "I have four siblings, and for us to see our father, we would spend a lot of time hanging out in his studios and his workshop."

But it was this dedication to his craft that inspired Jim’s children. Jim was the mastermind behind “The Sesame Street” and “Muppet Show.”

"He always had so many ideas he felt like he needed to do," Brian recalled. "My dad would always say, 'If something is not inspiring, then do something that is.' He was an inspiration to everyone."

He added, "He inspired people to realize their weird and wonderful ideas. He came up with an original idea and presented it to the world, who embraced it because it’s sweet and positive."

A BIG FAMILY

Jim shares five children with his wife Jane Nebel – Lisa, Cheryl, Brian, John, and Heather. All five of his children started working with Muppets at an early age.

Jim and Jane separated in 1986 but remained close friends until his death in 1990 at the age of 53. Jim died of toxic shock syndrome and pneumonia.

Brian eventually became the chairman of the Jim Henson Company in Hollywood.

"The value of some of the puppets my brother, John, and I ruined in the sandbox when we were four or five years old is horrifying when I think back on it," he said.

SESAME STREET'S IMPACT ON MICHELLE OBAMA

In May this year, 2019, former US first lady Michelle Obama paid a heartwarming tribute to “Sesame Street” on its 50th anniversary.

After being honored at the Sesame Workshop’s 50th Anniversary Gala, Obama wrote a touching message for the show on her Instagram.

“I could not be more honored to help celebrate 50 years of @SesameStreet tonight. It’s a program that’s been a part of my life as a child, as a mother, as First Lady—and thankfully, still today,” she said.