We’re extremely saddened to learn that Peter Harris – director of many Muppet projects, including about half of The Muppet Show – has passed away.
As you watch your newly-streaming episodes of The Muppet Show, you’ll likely see one of two names as the Director at the end of each episode. Peter Harris is one of those names, with Philip Casson as the other. These two handled the directorial duties for almost the entire series, which is an unthinkable feat today.
That was hardly the end of Harris’ career with Jim Henson. He also directed an episode of Fraggle Rock, various straight-to-VHS Muppet compilations, the Henson epic A Muppet Family Christmas, Sesame Street‘s 20th anniversary special, six episodes of The Jim Henson Hour, The Muppets at Walt Disney World, and more.
I mean, it’s simply incredible. The amount of classic Muppet material that Harris oversaw wasn’t just large in scope, but they all have a reputation for being among the greatest productions the Muppets ever made. Beyond the performers and the writers, it’s clear that Peter Harris had a strong influence in creating this franchise that we all love so much.
It’s sad that Harris’ passing comes so soon after The Muppet Show‘s debut on Disney+, but I can’t think of a better way to honor him than for us to watch and enjoy his work.
Many thanks to @TiswasOnline for the news and to Joshua Gillespie for alerting us. Click here to help us remember Peter Harris on the ToughPigs forum!
by Joe Hennes – Joe@ToughPigs.com
