In a galaxy of stars, very few burn as brightly as Kermit the Frog.  A titan amongst tadpoles, with charm and charisma he established himself firmly in the zeitgeist of popular culture.

Kermit got his first taste of show biz in 1955 on a local Washington D.C. show called Sam and Friends.  His big break came when Sesame Street offered him a number of recurring roles including lead field reporter for the prestigious Sesame Street News Flash.  From there, he caught the eye of The Muppet Show and the rest is, as they say, history.

The author of three books, Kermit has appeared in six big screen films based on The Muppet Show as well as numerous television specials and music videos.

 Although he plays his comedy broad, it is Kermit’s nuance that punctuates his roles.  The subtle tweak of his protruding eyeball, the crumpled sneer of his froggy nose, Kermit is so much more than the arm flailing MC shouting “yeeaahh” at the start of each show.

But Kermit’s brilliance doesn’t stop with him treading the boards of Scooter’s uncle’s theater.  Much more than a thespian, Kermit the Frog is a musical genius.  A double threat, he is arguably the most popular banjo player in history.  But it is his golden croak that elevates his greatness. The first time I ever heard Kermie sing a duet with Miss Piggy in which he croons the line “bib and napkin, knife and fork is the only way that I’ll touch pork” I nearly cried.  His gravely smoothness has a signature all its own, like Sinatra mixed with Tom Waits.  His smash hit “The Rainbow Connection” established him as one of the true treasures of the American musical landscape, but it is his rendition of “Bein’ Green” that will live on for generations to come.

A humble frog, Kermit has never forgotten the swamp from where he came.  He rarely talks about his honorary doctorate from Southampton College, his Oscar nominations, his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or his numerous Frog of the Year awards.  He prefers to spend time with his nephew Robin or his best friend Fozzie, or possibly his wife?  Rumors have persisted for years that his marriage to Miss Piggy in The Muppets Take Manhattan was in fact real.  Kermit’s reps deny the allegation to this day, but long time fans know deep down that that pig and that frog are meant for each other.

Kermit shows no signs of slowing down.  Recently entering into a mega contract with family entertainment giant The Walt Disney Company, Kermit and his Muppet crew are prepping a new movie, starring in a new line of comic books from Boom! Studios and taking meetings with some of the top talent in Hollywood as they continue to expand their empire.  Whatever the future holds, I have no doubt Kermit will remain inspirational, celebrational, and most importantly Muppetational.