Jim Henson, the legendary creator of The Muppets, passed away suddenly on May 16, 1990, at the age of 53. Henson’s death was a devastating blow not only to his family—his ex-wife Jane, their five children, and countless fans worldwide—but also to the creative community that had been profoundly influenced by his work. Although his exact net worth at the time of his death is not widely documented, it is clear that Henson left behind a legacy worth far more than money. His contributions to the world of entertainment, particularly through puppetry, continue to resonate to this day.
The Illness That Claimed Him
Jim Henson’s death was caused by toxic shock syndrome, a condition resulting from a bacterial infection that escalated rapidly and fatally. The illness began with what Henson thought was a bad cold in early May 1990. He made his last public appearance on May 4, 1990, on The Arsenio Hall Show, where he was already showing signs of illness. Despite experiencing a sore throat and fatigue, Henson, ever the professional, pushed through his symptoms, attributing them to his busy schedule rather than a serious health concern.
Ignoring the Warning Signs
As his condition worsened, Henson continued to downplay the severity of his symptoms. He traveled to North Carolina on May 12 with his daughter Cheryl to visit his father and stepmother. It was during this visit that Henson’s health visibly declined. His stepmother, Barbara Henson, recalled that he was unusually tired and uninterested in food, but they attributed it to his recent busy months.
The following day, Henson returned to New York City, where his condition continued to deteriorate. He canceled a Muppets recording session on May 14, which raised alarms among his family, as he was known for his unwavering commitment to his work. That evening, Cheryl and her brother Johnny visited him, and even Henson’s ex-wife, Jane, came over. When Henson asked Jane to stay overnight—a rare request—his family became increasingly concerned.
A Rapid Decline
By 2 a.m. on May 15, Henson’s condition had worsened significantly. He began coughing up blood, prompting Jane to urge him to go to the hospital. Henson, who generally mistrusted doctors, initially resisted. However, by 4 a.m., he agreed that his breathing was too labored to ignore any longer, and he was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Upon arrival, Henson’s body was already in a critical state. X-rays revealed small pockets of infection, which had rapidly spread throughout his body. Despite being fully alert when he was admitted, his condition worsened quickly. He was anesthetized later that morning, and his family waved goodbye, not realizing it would be the last time they would see him conscious. At 1:21 a.m. on May 16, 1990, Jim Henson passed away after two cardiac arrests, a tragic end to a life filled with creativity and innovation.
The Impact of Stress
In the years following Henson’s death, those close to him speculated that the stress of his ongoing negotiations with Disney contributed to his untimely demise. At the time of his death, Henson was in the midst of a deal to sell the Muppets to Disney, a transaction that was both exciting and taxing. Frank Oz, a close friend and collaborator, suggested in a 2021 interview with The Guardian that the Disney deal likely played a role in Henson’s sudden illness, saying, “The Disney deal is probably what killed Jim. It made him sick.”
A Legacy Left Behind
Jim Henson’s death left a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy endures through the countless projects he brought to life. His work on The Muppets, Sesame Street, and numerous other projects revolutionized puppetry and influenced generations of creators. In 2024, Ron Howard’s film Jim Henson: Idea Man, released on Disney+, delved into Henson’s life and work, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the beloved characters.
Howard’s film explores Henson’s inspiration, drawn from the hippie revolution of the 1960s and the counterculture movements that shaped his worldview. Howard noted that Henson’s early experiences and losses, such as the death of his older brother, instilled in him a sense of life’s fragility, perhaps contributing to his relentless drive to create. “Jim had a kind of internal sense that there wasn’t going to be enough time,” Howard told PEOPLE. This urgency to create and innovate defined Henson’s career and left an indelible mark on the world.
A Final Message
Though Jim Henson’s life was tragically cut short, his spirit lives on through his work and the impact he had on those who knew him. At his memorial service, his friend Richard Hunt shared a message from Henson, written shortly before his death: “Please watch out for each other.” These words encapsulate the kindness and compassion that Henson embodied throughout his life.
Conclusion
Jim Henson’s sudden death at the age of 53 was a profound loss to his family, friends, and fans. The Muppets creator left behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and love that continues to inspire. His untimely passing serves as a reminder of the pressures and stresses that can come with a life of relentless creativity, but also of the joy and wonder that such a life can bring to the world. Henson’s work remains a testament to his genius, and his influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt for generations to come.