John Henson - Died at 48

ohn Paul Henson was a well known figure as Muppets creator. He was the craftsman, performer and co-owner of The Jim Henson Company. In his childhood, Henson starred in Numerosity films of his father. He became part of the Sesame Street playing a boy showcasing"10 bells" and he also appeared in the film called Memories as Bufferin, the narrator's son. The biographer Brian Jay told that Henson explained his childhood as a strange kid with endless energy in him. Henson told that if one looks at his old home movies, he will find this boy who is always lurching here and there and wandering away from the frame, that blonde kid is Henson himself- always relentless and energized.

Jim Henson, in an interview with the Washington Post in 1987 said about John Henson as he has done some great work with him in New York, including some of the great characters as Sweetums. By the late 1980s, Henson started performing in the body suit puppetry for Sweetums. The opportunity was given to Henson as Richard Hunt (the actual body suit puppet for Sweetums) was not well and unable to do it. Henson continued doing the dialogues for Richard hunt until he died in 1992, after which Henson completely took over the character. Henson has appeared as Sweetums several times gaining appreciation for the character. He also performed the character in Muppet*Vision 3D. Henson did role in Muppet Treasure Island where he provided with both voice and puppetry. Henson became the face of Sweetums for over a decade. His last appearance was in 2005 for The Muppets' Wizard of Oz. after which the character has passed on to different performers.

Besides the projects for televisions and films, Henson has also appeared as live performer several times as Sweetums. The most popular of his live appearances include the musical tribute to Jim Henson in 1992, the 2001 MuppetFest and in 2002 at The Hollywood Walk of Fame for the unveiling of Kermit the Frog. An addition to this, Henson has also appeared in advertisement for famous soft drink brand, wearing bear-suit.

Jim along with his siblings became the share holder and dominant member of the board of The Jim Henson Company. After his father Jim Henson died in 1990. He kept himself active in the business until his recent death. John Henson expired on 14th Feb. 2014. On his death The Jim Henson Company announced with great sadness that Jim Henson who was brother to Heather, Cheryl, Lisa and Brain, expired at 48. The reason of death as told by them was sudden heart attack. John has left behind his wife Gyongi along with his two daughters Katrina and Sydney.