Kermit Wishes on a Star
by Jason Schirle, TP cub reporter
I just returned from experiencing yet another great chapter in Muppet History. This morning, Johnny Grant, the honorary mayor of Hollywood, bestowed upon the world’s most famous amphibian that most exalted honor — a star on Hollywood Boulevard.
I arrived promptly at 9:15, and I was surprised to discover that the Chamber of Commerce crew were themselves just getting set up. A red-carpeted platform had been erected to support the ceremonial podium… and to conceal Steve Whitmire. Commuters exiting from the Metro rail station at Hollywood and Highland responded with surprised smiles as famous Muppet tunes filled the air, setting the tone for the event.
As is the case with many Muppet appearances, Henson Company staff members emerge from out of nowhere, anonymous to passersby. Steve Whitmire and Jane Gootnick appeared on the scene to do a quick sound and video check.
After following the careers of Muppet performers for over two decades, it still cracks me up to watch performers crouch down, hide under a box and poke their hands up through a hole! HA! Puppeteering is timelessly fundamental.
I caught up with Steve after the sound check and complimented him on Kermit’s appearance last night on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn… not the most likely of venues for the frog, but his genial confidence defused the nefarious host. Steve felt Kilborn “toned it down a bit,” although Whitmire himself had yet to view the interview when we spoke.
By 11:15, the street was crowded with Muppet fans of all ages, eager to catch a glimpse of Kermit in the felt. Johnny Grant promptly began his introduction at 11:30 — and, in true Muppet spirit, Kermit popped up next to him at the podium to the resounding cheers of fans and paparazzi alike. Grant welcomed Kermit back to tinseltown, and the frog replied, “It’s great to be here. And we’re right across the street from the tattoo parlor!”
An area on the left of the platform was roped off for members of the Henson family. Jane Henson, children Brian, Cheryl, Heather and John, and grandchildren Katrina and Virginia were in attendance. Henson CEO Charles Rivkin and Christmas Movie co-star David Arquette were on hand to celebrate and acknowledge Kermit’s accomplishments as a performer and as a spokesfrog for numerous charitable organizations.
At one point, Johnny Grant, having established quite a comical rapport with Kermit during the proceedings, broke into a laugh, saying, “I’ve never done this before, but it’s fun!” It’s truly magical watching the Muppets win people over with humor and high spirits.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Kermit was presented with a plaque from the city of Hollywood commemorating the occasion, and Grant proclaimed November 14th as Honorary Kermit the Frog Day! The mic was turned over to Kermit, who, gracious to a fault, thanked the Muppet fans for their love and support. Quoting a well-known passage from The Muppet Movie, he said:
“I’ve had a dream too. It’s about singing and dancing and making people happy. That’s the kinda dream that gets better the more people you share it with. And I found a whole bunch of friends who all have the same dream. And it kinda makes us like a family.”
Like so many moments during the live Muppet Show at Muppetfest, you could feel a wave of warmth come over the audience. Kermit disappeared below the platform, and reappeared on a lower platform in full figure as his star was unveiled. Cameras flashed, fans cheered and history was made.
It was a special occasion personified by the spirit of joy and happiness that only the Muppets can create. As the crowd dissipated and the crew began to dismantle the platform, Steve was still lingering with a small group of fans — signing bits of paper, posing for photographs and autographing Kermit dolls and puppets. When presented with a unique request, he exclaimed, “You really want me to sign your ankle?” The young female fan squealed with glee and left the scene blissfully displaying her prize for all to see. Now, that’s gratitude!
Your unofficial Hollywood correspondent,
Jason Schirle
