Kermit:‘‘I wasn’t the star of the show and wasn’t even billed as a frog.

But it was great preparation for my career.

Most important, that’s when I met Jim Henson.

Muppets | In his first televised appearances on this five-minute sketch-comedy puppet show broadcast locally in Washington, D.C. (clips of which can be found on YouTube), Kermit

Del Ankers

I’m not exactly sure what Jim did, but whatever it was really moved me.

He had a remarkable spirit that made you believe anything was possible.

Kermit:‘‘Thanks toThe Muppet Show, I became an international star.

Muppets | A bold experiment in fusing entertainment with education, Sesame Street became an overnight sensation, catapulting Kermit into the hearts of kids everywhere. Whether playing a

Richard Termine

She was, and is, a force of nature.

As for our relationship, it’s pretty simple: She loves me.

And she loves her.’’

Muppets | Moving to prime time, the Muppets headlined their own half-hour variety series, with Kermit taking center stage as the host, forever struggling to maintain order

Everett Collection

You learn a lot about someone during a road trip.

For instance, I learned that Fozzie only knew four jokes.

But he and I have been best friends ever since.

Muppets | In their first film, the Muppets recounted their origin story, starting with Kermit’s decision to set off on a road trip to Los Angeles alongside

Everett Collection

And I still sing that song whenever I’m back at the swamp.’’

Kermit:‘‘After portraying myself in several movies, I wanted to show my range as an actor.

Finally, Hollywood realized that I was more than just your typical short, green leading man.

Muppets | In 1990, Henson died of a bacterial infection at age 53, a devastating loss. Still, Kermit (now performed by puppeteer Steve Whitmire) pressed on with

Everett Collection (3)

Believe me, there are very few parts out there for short, green leading men.

Just ask Yoda.’’

Kermit:‘‘Jason and his pal Walter played two of the biggest Muppet fans ever.

Muppets | The Muppets had largely drifted out of the pop culture spotlight when Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller wrote a script for a musical comedy that

Scott Garfield

And they didn’t even have to act!

Now Walter is one of the Muppets, and we’re thrilled to have him.

Miss Piggy loves it when Walter follows her around and tells her how great she is.’’

Muppets | After the success of The Muppets , which earned $165 million worldwide, Disney quickly ordered up a sequel, in which the Muppets get mixed up

Jay Maidment

Lucky for me, Constantine couldn’t pick my pockets.

But only because I don’t wear pants….

It’s true that I’ve been entertaining people and other species for almost 60 years.

(Of course, in frog years, that still puts me in my mid-20s.)

Would I ever retire?

As long as we’re making people happy, I’ll keep sharing my dream.

Thanks for dreaming along with me.''