My favorite frog & I!
The Muppets
Working with the Muppets was always my biggest dream. After years of teaching myself to puppeteer, learning everything I could, and eventually getting into the business, I finally got that opportunity. The most amazing part is that the character that I would portray would be Kermit himself. To this day I’m one of only 4 performers, starting with Jim Henson himself, to perform and voice Kermit the Frog on national television. Check out some behind-the-scenes photos of my Muppet journey and consider booking me for your next project!
A Frog, a Bear, a Whatever, & a very tired Puppeteer.
The Muppets Character Workshop
I was a part of The Muppets Character Understudies Workshop that was put together by Disney. Muppet Producer Martin Baker, Disney Puppet Master Jeff Conover, Improv Expert Karen Maruyama, and Voice Instructor Mark Moseley, (along with special guests, Jane & Heather Henson) led us through this 3-week intensive where we learned the ins-and-outs of the Muppet characters. Through a series of character building, puppetry, improv, singing, and vocal exercises, I was trained to perform Kermit the Frog. This would come in handy a few years later when I got the call that The Muppets needed me to go on as Kermit!
Jane Henson, co-creator of the Muppets, and I.
Uh oh! The Pig doesn’t look happy.
The Muppets aren’t complete without Penguins!
Bringing Kermit to life!
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!
The Muppet Workshop Cast & Crew!
“Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart!”
The Muppets on America’s Got Talent
When the Muppets premiered on America’s Got Talent, I was brought in to perform and voice Kermit the Frog. In this bit, Kermit, Miss Piggy, and a group of Muppet Chickens sang “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart”. It was amazing to perform the most famous frog in the world on national television, as this was my dream since I was very little, and my inspiration for going into puppetry.
Kermit & host Nick Cannon.
Kermit, trying to convince Piggy that he cares.
Nick Cannon and the Muppet crew!
Backstage shot of Kermit and I.
Gaga and her date sharing a kiss.
Kermit & Lady Gaga at the VMA’s
When Lady Gaga was nominated for an award at MTV’s Video Music Awards she could bring any date she wanted. She chose a famous frog. Lucky for me, I was brought in to perform Kermit for this appearance. I was picked up in a limo, and Gaga was already inside waiting. She was incredibly sweet, and surprisingly shy. Gaga proceeded to talk directly to Kermit for the entire ride, asking him questions and telling him how much she loved him, and this was without any cameras even rolling! When we got out of the car we did an interview with the MTV host, and soon she was whisked away into Radio City Music Hall! What a crazy evening!
Waving to the cameras.
Chatting outside Radio City Music Hall.
Kermit arrived at the arena to 5000 cheering fans!
The Muppets at the D23 Expo
The Muppets were invited to appear at the inaugural D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA, and I was along for the ride! They came on stage in a replica of Disneyland’s Mark Twain Riverboat, with Kermit up top playing his famous banjo. I was truly honored to be a part of this, as I was able to sing my favorite song “The Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie. I had recorded the vocals the day before, and it really hit me how crazy it was that I was in a booth recording Jim Henson’s most cherished song for this live appearance! Craziest thing was that I was allowed to take Kermit home the night before to rehearse, so he was able to meet my wife and my parents!
Playing the banjo on the big screen.
Pinch me! Kermit came to my home for a visit.