Jerry Juhl

Jerry Juhl was a puppeteer, writer, and lyricist who worked with the Muppets as the head writer for almost four decades. He also played a key role in creating the personalities of many famous Muppet characters and scripted five Muppet feature films. Jerry started off as a puppeteer, his first work with Jim Henson was on Sam and Friends filling in for Jane Henson during the last season. Perhaps Juhl's most notable puppet character was Taminella Grinderfall who appeared in a couple of other projects, starting with a pilot called Tales of Tinkerdee. Years later, he did his final puppetry work on two story specials; The Frog Prince and The Muppet Musicians of Bremen. Soon he found his true purpose in life, and that was writing. For the next thirty years, Jerry Juhl continued to write for numerous Muppet productions and not a lot of shows outside of Muppets. He was the head writer for both The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock, and also did the scripts and lyrics for The Great Santa Claus Switch and The Frog Prince. As for Sesame Street, he created the alter-ego of Grover, Super Grover and wrote for many musical records for that show as well as songs and sketches on the show. After writing the fifth out of the seven Muppet films (Muppets from Space), Jerry retired from writing. But knowing Juhl, I know that he wouldn't stop making appearances for the Muppet film work. Eventually he had to because in 2005, he sadly died from cancer, meaning the end of his contributions to the Muppets. After his death, fans on Tough Pigs decided to celebrate September 26th as Jerry Juhl day in memoriam of him. Jerry Juhl, you were a wonderful writer for the Muppets, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock. Nothing is really the same without the head writer of the Muppets. At least you've got lots of fans to honor you for your silliness and happiness. Rest in peace Jerry. You are really missed by everyone Juhl!