Kermit Actor Was Fired Over ‘Unacceptable’ Conduct, Says Muppets Studio
Steve Whitmire was replaced by Matt Vogel last week after 27 years as iconic character
Ryan Gajewski | July 17, 2017 @ 12:19 PM
Last Updated: July 18, 2017 @ 11:20 AM
Muppets Studio is weighing in on why Steve Whitmire was let go last week after 27 years as the puppeteer behind Kermit the Frog.
A spokesperson for the studio told TheWrap that the performer was let go due to his “repeated unacceptable business conduct.”
“The role of Kermit the Frog is an iconic one that is beloved by fans, and we take our responsibility to protect the integrity of that character very seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“We raised concerns about Steve’s repeated unacceptable business conduct over a period of many years and he consistently failed to address the feedback,” the studio continued. “The decision to part ways was a difficult one which was made in consultation with the Henson family and has their full support.”
Whitmire, who is being replaced as the voice of Kermit by Matt Vogel, has penned multiple blog posts offering his side of the story. Last week, Whitmire wrote that he was let go and is “devastated to have failed in my duty” to the late Jim Henson.
He said Disney informed him in October 2016 that the role was being recast. He added that he is “willing to do whatever is required to remedy their concerns.”
In a post over the weekend, Whitmire wrote that “Muppet performers are not interchangeable.”
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Since it launched on PBS in 1969, "Sesame Street" has brought generations of kids much joy with its colorful, relatable Muppets. But some stand out more than others.
13. Abby Cadabby Who? Exactly.
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12. Telly Nobody likes a worrywart, and Telly is the worry-est wart there is.
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11. Zoe Elmo proved to be such a popular character that the show introduced Zoe in 1993 to be his companion. But did we really need another Elmo?
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10. Rosita Rosita is most memorable for being the first regular bilingual character on "Sesame Street," but not much else.
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9. Mr. Snuffleupagus Everyone had an imaginary friend growing up, but only Big Bird's proved to be real.
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7. Bert and Ernie (tie) There's no separating this duo, not even on this list.
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6. Grover Grover doesn't speak in contractions, which should be annoying, but the character somehow manages to make it endearing.
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5. The Count The world has forgotten scores of pop culture vampires (Edward Cullen of "Twilight," we're looking at you) but we'll always remember The Count.
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4. Oscar the Grouch Oscar the Grouch represents the little bit of misanthropy that exists in all of us.
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3. Cookie Monster Who doesn't love cookies?
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2. Big Bird Tall, yellow and feathery, Big Bird is probably the most immediately recognizable "Sesame Street" character.
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1. Elmo While Big Bird may be the most recognizable, Elmo is easily the most beloved.
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