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Henson & Jane: A Love Story Beyond Divorce
1 Mar
Summary
- Jim and Jane Henson had a 'handshake of a separation' instead of divorce.
- Jane was Jim Henson's first partner and collaborator on 'Sam and Friends'.
- Henson remained faithful to his wife, calling her when near death.
Biographer Brian Jay Jones revealed on "Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia" that Jim Henson and his wife, Jane Henson, maintained a close relationship throughout their lives, even after separating. They described their split amicably as a "handshake of a separation" and never officially divorced.
Jane Henson was instrumental in the early days of The Muppets, co-founding Muppets Inc. with Jim and teaching puppetry skills, including lip-syncing, to performers like Frank Oz. She was Jim's first professional partner on his local NBC show, "Sam and Friends."
Jones noted that while Jim Henson was not always faithful to Jane, their mutual respect endured. Jane was the first person Jim called when he fell ill shortly before his death in 1990 at age 53. The couple met at the University of Maryland while studying puppetry.
Their children have shared memories of Henson's dedication to his work. Brian Henson recalled spending time in his father's studios, while Heather Henson remembered traveling with her father for inspiration. The enduring appeal of The Muppets is attributed to the craftsmanship and storytelling power of the puppets, a legacy Jim Henson masterfully created.
