Kermit the Frog Turns 50

[PhishyBrewer]

http://disney.go.com/inside/issues/stories/v051108.html

 

Kermit celebrates with the people of

Kermit, Texas.

 

 

It's not easy being green - but it does have certain compensations. For one, Kermit the Frog, who turns 50 this year, doesn't look a day over 22. For another, he got a grand welcome to kick off his anniversary celebration in a town that could have been made for him. Kermit, Texas, turned out in force to celebrate with Kermie.

 

Kermit coworker Debbie McClellan accompanied the famous frog on his pilgrimage to the small Texas town, population around 5,700, and told us about the festivities. "We wanted to find a place for Kermit to visit that was either green or had something to do with Kermit the Frog. When we found Kermit, Texas, it just took off from there!" she says.

 

The people of Kermit welcomed the birthday boy with open arms. He read stories to local school children, met the mayor, received a key to the city, and found his visage painted on the town's water tower. He also got to ride in the Kermit homecoming parade, and even crowned the Kermit High homecoming queen.

 

Debbie had nearly as much fun as Kermit - although there is no water tower in her honor. "There were two really special moments," she says. "The first when Kermit was introduced at the press conference and I was on the stage and the town cheered -- the stage literally shuddered from the amount of noise that was made. The second was at the end of the day when Kermit was signing autographs, a woman said to us, 'you have no idea what this has done for our town, this was so special and it was something that brought us together.' That was really moving."

 

Debbie assures us that the Kermit we know from film and TV is the real deal - no Hollywood hotshot. "Kermit the Frog is everything you would want him to be, cute, modest, and sweet. What you see on TV is what you get. No prima donna there ... but Miss Piggy is another story!"

 

Kermit's first 50 years have been eventful ones, taking him from humble beginnings as part of a Washington, D.C., local children's television show called "Sam and Friends" all the way to international stardom and his current status as part of the Disney family. His recent starring role in "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz," coupled with the DVD release of the first season of "The Muppet Show," prove once again that the plucky frog is truly evergreen.

 

Kermie will be taking a break from the silver screen for the time being to continue his travels - current plans include a trip to Pamplona for the annual running of the bulls ("I thought they said bullFROGS," he has confessed), a visit to the Great Wall of China, and even - gulp! - a guest appearance at a Frog Leg Festival in Fellesmere, Florida. Debbie will accompany him throughout. "Needless to say I'm thrilled," she says. "I never get tired meeting people who feel an affinity for this frog and how he can make everyone from ages 2 to 99 smile."

[Scaparri]

I was always a bigger fan of Fozzie Bear, but I do a mean impression of Kermit. Whatever happened to good kids shows on tv like the Muppets? Those were the days. No disrespect to Spongebob.

 

Anybody else wanting to watch Weezer's "Keep Fishing" music video now?

[zaneymon]

Happybirthday Kermit

[FlyingScooter]

Who said it ain't easy being green...

 

And he doesn't look like he's aged at all in the last fifty years...

[SharkTums]

Awww....

 

I still think that Muppets 4D is one of the greatest attractions of all time! It's like being in the audience of the Muppet Show!!!

 

I was always partial to Rizzo, but I'll take Kermit too!

[dandaman]

Awww....

 

I still think that Muppets 4D is one of the greatest attractions of all time! It's like being in the audience of the Muppet Show!!!

 

I was always partial to Rizzo, but I'll take Kermit too!

 

Favourite part is the pre-show... "Ladies and gentleman, Mr. Mickey Mouse!"

 

*Rizzo in M.M. costume* "Hey, how are ya, welcome to my park!"

 

"Rizzo! What are you doing?!"

 

"Don't worry, they're tourists! They won't know the difference!"

[Teddymonster]

Awww....

I was always partial to Rizzo, but I'll take Kermit too!

 

No way, Ms. Piggy all the way. I've always liked Ms. Piggy and her no-BS attitude. That's one fierce piggy! 8)

[Stitch]

Happy 50th Kermit! My favorite Muppets have always been Gonzo and Animal

[DonkeyBreath]

I'm with Teddymonster Miss. Piggy is my girl lol

 

Kermits a big wuss for being scared of all that women Miss.Piggy was throwing at him.

 

My favorite one had to be the one where Miss. Piggy was PigDonna that one was funny as hell.

[ChrisZer0]

Me, i was always partial to Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_(Muppet)

[PhishyBrewer]

I still think that Muppets 4D is one of the greatest attractions of all time!

 

Wow! That's a bold statement.

 

For me, it's the most passed up attraction and wish it was torn down everytime I'm at DCA. But that's just me.

[Erik Johnson]

^^ Dang, how can you not like the Muppets 4D show? Even the pre-show still kicks major butt. I can understand not liking Captain EO or Magic Journeys though.

[PhishyBrewer]

^The only Muppet 4D show I've seen is the one at DCA. I think it was awful. Maybe it's just me. :?

[Erik Johnson]

Heh heh heh, its all cool. I believe the movie is the exact same at all its locations. Maybe they will do an Emmitt Otter's Jugband Christmas 4-D sometime, that would be cool.

[robbalvey]

Or maybe Fraggle Rock 4-D!

 

--Robb "Call me weird, but I also love Muppet's 3-D!" Alvey

[ChrisZer0]

Muppetvision rocks...One of the best attractions at MGM thats been there from the beginning.