Jim Henson Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Jim Henson, born in 1936, began his career in television at the tender age of 17. He started as a puppeteer on a local children’s show in Washington D.C., where he honed his craft and developed his unique style of storytelling.

In the 1960s, Henson moved to New York City and created his iconic Muppets, a collection of puppet characters that would eventually become a global phenomenon. His big break came in 1966 when he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, performing with his Muppets and captivating a national audience. This performance launched Henson’s career and set the stage for his future fame.

Jim Henson’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Jim Henson’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion. This figure takes into account his extensive work in television, film, and merchandising, as well as the enduring popularity of his creations like the Muppets and Sesame Street.

Career

Jim Henson, born in 1936, began his career in television in the 1950s, creating puppets for local programs. He gained national recognition in the 1960s with his work on Sesame Street, earning multiple Emmys. His Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear, debuted on The Muppet Show in the 1970s, further cementing his legacy.

Other Ventures

Beyond the Muppets and Sesame Street, Henson ventured into feature films with “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth.” He also founded Jim Henson Productions, which continues to produce content and manage his intellectual properties. His work has been recognized with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Emmy and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Assets

Jim Henson’s assets include his extensive library of intellectual properties, including the Muppets and Sesame Street characters. His company, now known as The Jim Henson Company, owns these rights and generates revenue through licensing, merchandising, and production deals. Additionally, Henson’s family estate includes several properties, including his former residence in New York City.

Annual Income

While it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact annual income for Jim Henson, given his posthumous earnings and the varied nature of his work, it’s estimated that his estate generates tens of millions of dollars annually. This comes from licensing fees, royalties, and production deals related to his intellectual properties. For instance, in 2016, Disney paid $150 million for the rights to the Muppets, contributing significantly to Henson’s estate that year.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Jim Henson

Frequently Asked Questions: Jim Henson Net Worth

1. What is Jim Henson’s net worth?

Jim Henson’s net worth is estimated to be around $90 million.

2. How did Jim Henson make his money?

Jim Henson made his fortune through his work as a puppeteer, animator, and filmmaker. He created the popular Muppets characters and produced various television shows and movies featuring them.

3. When was Jim Henson born?

Jim Henson was born on September 24, 1936.

4. Where was Jim Henson born?

Jim Henson was born in Greenville, Mississippi.

5. What was Jim Henson’s cause of death?

Jim Henson died on May 16, 1990, due to a severe bacterial infection called Streptococcus pyogenes.

6. What are some of Jim Henson’s most famous works?

Some of Jim Henson’s most famous works include “The Muppet Show,” “Sesame Street,” “The Dark Crystal,” and “Labyrinth.”

7. Who are some of the Muppet characters created by Jim Henson?

Some of the Muppet characters created by Jim Henson include Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, and Statler and Waldorf.

8. Did Jim Henson win any awards?

Yes, Jim Henson won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

9. What was Jim Henson’s first television appearance?

Jim Henson’s first television appearance was on the local children’s show “Sam and Friends” in 1955.

10. What was Jim Henson’s last project before his death?

Jim Henson’s last project before his death was the television series “The Storyteller,” which aired in 1987.