Tim Henson and Jim Henson are both famous names in the world of puppetry and animation, but are they related by blood? Many fans of the Muppets and Polyphia have wondered if there is a family link between the two creative geniuses, who share not only a surname but also a passion for bringing life to inanimate objects. In this article, we will explore the facts and myths behind the possible relation between Tim Henson and Jim Henson, and reveal the truth behind the Muppet connection.
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Who is Tim Henson?
Tim Henson is an American guitarist, producer, and YouTuber, best known as a member of the instrumental progressive rock band Polyphia. He was born on November 19, 1993, in Texas, USA. He started playing guitar at a young age, influenced by his parents who were both musicians. His father played in bands but never achieved mainstream success, while his mother played piano and violin
Tim Henson co-founded Polyphia in 2010 with his friends Scott LePage, Brandon Burkhalter, and Lane Duskin. The band gained popularity after their song “Impassion” went viral on YouTube in 2013. Since then, they have released four studio albums, two EPs, and numerous singles, blending elements of progressive rock, metal, jazz, hip hop, and electronic music. Tim Henson is known for his technical skill, innovative style, and experimental approach to guitar playing. He has also collaborated with other artists such as Steve Vai, Chon, Jason Richardson, and Ichika Nito
Tim Henson is also a social media influencer, with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram and over 600 thousand subscribers on YouTube. He posts videos of his guitar playing, music production, lifestyle, and humor. He also has his own signature guitar models with Ibanez, featuring unique designs and features
Who is Jim Henson?
Jim Henson was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker, best known as the creator of the Muppets. He was born on September 24, 1936, in Greenville, Mississippi, USA. He grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he developed an interest in puppetry and television. He created his first puppet show called Sam and Friends while he was a freshman at the University of Maryland in 1955. He met his future wife Jane Nebel there, who became his partner in puppetry
Jim Henson joined the children’s educational television program Sesame Street in 1969, where he created some of the most iconic Muppet characters such as Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, Grover, Elmo, and many more. He also produced and starred in The Muppet Show from 1976 to 1981, which featured other famous Muppets such as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Rowlf the Dog, and others. The Muppet Show was a huge success worldwide, winning several awards and spawning several movies and spin-offs
Jim Henson also ventured into other genres of puppetry and animation, creating shows such as Fraggle Rock (1983-1987), The Storyteller (1987-1988), The Jim Henson Hour (1989), and Dinosaurs (1991-1994). He also directed and produced fantasy films such as The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986), which featured complex animatronic creatures and special effects. He was also involved in other projects such as The Witches (1990), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Jim Henson died on May 16, 1990, at the age of 53, due to complications from a bacterial infection. He left behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and joy that continues to inspire generations of fans and artists. He was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991, and was named a Disney Legend in 2011. His company, The Jim Henson Company, is still active today, producing new content featuring the Muppets and other characters.
Are Tim Henson and Jim Henson Related?
The short answer is no. Tim Henson and Jim Henson are not related by blood or by marriage. They share a common surname, but that is where the similarity ends. There is no evidence that they have any ancestors or relatives in common.
According to Wikipedia, the surname Henson is derived from a patronymic form of the medieval personal name Henn or Henne, which was a short form of Henry. The name Henry was introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066, and became very popular among the nobility and the common people. The name Henson is therefore of English origin, and is common in England and the United States.
According to Ancestry.com, the Henson family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Henson families were found in the USA in 1880. In 1840 there were 64 Henson families living in Kentucky. This was about 17% of all the recorded Henson’s in the USA. Kentucky had the highest population of Henson families in 1840.
According to FamilySearch.org, Tim Henson’s paternal grandfather was James Edward Henson (1924-2001), who was born in Texas and died in California. His paternal grandmother was Mary Louise Henson (1927-2009), who was born in Texas and died in California. His maternal grandfather was William Edward Brown (1928-2001), who was born in Texas and died in Texas. His maternal grandmother was Dorothy Mae Brown (1931-2007), who was born in Texas and died in Texas.
According to FamilySearch.org, Jim Henson’s paternal grandfather was Robert Edward Lee Henson (1875-1954), who was born in Mississippi and died in Mississippi. His paternal grandmother was Willie Marcella Brown (1878-1964), who was born in Mississippi and died in Mississippi. His maternal grandfather was Walter Henry Brown (1872-1946), who was born in Alabama and died in Mississippi. His maternal grandmother was Maude Louise Maury (1875-1956), who was born in Mississippi and died in Mississippi.
As you can see, there is no overlap between Tim Henson’s and Jim Henson’s family trees. They have different ancestors and different origins. They are not cousins, uncles, nephews, or any other kind of kin.
The Muppet Connection
While Tim Henson and Jim Henson are not related by blood, they do share a connection through their love for puppetry and animation. Tim Henson has expressed his admiration for Jim Henson and his work on several occasions.
In an interview with Guitar World in 2019, Tim Henson said that he grew up watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, and that he was inspired by Jim Henson’s creativity and humor.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel in 2020, Tim Henson showed his collection of Muppet memorabilia, including books, toys, posters, DVDs, and a Kermit the Frog puppet. He said that he considers Jim Henson to be one of his heroes, and that he hopes to collaborate with The Jim Henson Company someday. He also said that he has a tattoo of Kermit on his arm, which he got when he was 18 years old.
In another video posted on his YouTube channel in 2020, Tim Henson played guitar along with some clips from The Muppet Show, featuring characters such as Animal, Dr. Teeth, Beaker, Swedish Chef, and Gonzo. He said that he wanted to pay tribute to Jim Henson and his legacy, and that he had a lot of fun making the video.
Conclusion
Tim Henson and Jim Henson are not related by blood or by marriage, but they are connected by their passion for puppetry and animation. They both have made significant contributions to the art form, and have influenced many fans and artists around the world. They both have a unique style, a sense of humor, and a vision that transcends the boundaries of reality. They both are legends in their own right, and deserve our respect and admiration.
