Jim Henson Honored by Muppets Fans on 31st Anniversary of His Death Share Jim Henson Honored by Muppets Fans on 31st Anniversary of His Death 31 years to the day the legendary creator passed away, The Muppets fans worldwide are paying tribute to Jim Henson. Muppets everywhere are paying tribute to his memory on social media. As the creator of The Muppets and the original puppeteer and voice of Kermit the Frog, Henson has long been one of the most beloved celebrities of all time. He was just 53 years old when he passed away in 1990, but the legacy he left behind is still shining very brightly.