We’re saddened to learn that longtime Today Show weatherman and TV legend Willard Scott has passed away.
Of all the celebrities to have crossed paths with the Muppets, Willard Scott may have been the earliest. Scott worked at WRC-TV in Washington DC while Jim Henson produced Sam & Friends. This set off a life-long friendship between Scott and Jim and Jane Henson.
In 1987, Scott and Jim Henson appeared on-camera together at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as Scott got the honor of presenting Jim with an award.
In 1989, Scott appeared in an episode of The Jim Henson Hour, teaching Fozzie Bear about the art of meteorology. In a terrific example of how much he trusted the Muppet crew, the segment ends with Scott whipping off his toupee on camera.
In 1996, Scott provided a recipe for “Brown Sugar Pound Cake” for the cookbook “In the Kitchen with Miss Piggy”. I’m sure it’s delicious.
In more recent years, Scott made public appearances in Jim’s honor, including at the dedication ceremony for the Jim Henson and Kermit statue at the University of Maryland, and at the press conference when the original Sam & Friends puppets were donated to the Smithsonian.
As you can see, Willard Scott had a special relationship to Jim Henson and the Muppets, and we’re proud to include him as a strong presence in this Muppety world of ours.
Click here to help us remember Willard Scott on the ToughPigs forum!
by Joe Hennes – Joe@ToughPigs.com
