Jerry Juhl

Juhl started out as a teenage puppeteer in California community theater and school performances, and befriended Frank Oz while the two were performing with the Oakland Recreation Department. After receiving a degree in Speech and Drama, Juhl developed a puppet show for San Jose public television. He then re-teamed with Oz and staged a theatrical version for the Puppeteers of America National Festival -- where he was spotted by Jim Henson. Juhl joined the fledgling Henson company initially serving as co-puppeteer to Henson, before passing that job onto Oz, so he could concentrate on writing. Juhl would go on to script all the early Muppet projects: educational programs on public television, industrial films, unaired pilots and the various TV specials that were developed as the Muppets became more popular. He also worked on a series of Sesame Street children's books and created the alter ego of "Super Grover." Juhl remained with Henson, becoming the Muppets' primary writer on all their television programs and movies.

He retired from writing after 'Muppets From Space,' although he did contribute trivia facts for the DVD release of Season One of 'The Muppet Show.' Sadly, after a bout with cancer, Juhl passed away on September 26, 2005. Fans proclaimed the 26th to be Jerry Juhl Day, where you're encouraged to be as silly as possible, in tribute to the late writer.

'The Muppet Show': Staff Writer for Season 1, Head Writer for Seasons 2 to 5

'The Muppet Movie': Co-Writer

'The Great Muppet Caper': Co-Writer

'Fraggle Rock': Co-Creator and Head Writer

'The Muppet Christmas Carol': Writer

'Muppet Treasure Island': Co-Writer

'Muppets From Space': Co-Writer

Additional Credits:
Writer on Henson TV programs: 'The Cube,' 'Sesame Street,' 'Hey Cinderella,' 'The Great Santa Claus Switch,' 'The Muppet Musicians of Bremen,' 'The Muppet Valentine Show,' 'The Muppets Go Hollywood,' 'Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas,' 'A Muppet Family Christmas,' 'The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson'