Frank Oz: praise from a fan

[frogboy4]

Much has been said about Frank Oz' estrangement from the Muppets in recent years. Even though I would like to see him in some sort of production capacity, I fully respect and understand his choices. This is a blurb that touches on just a bit of his Muppety and film accomplishments over the years. Feel free to share your thoughts and feelings too!

:mad: Frank Oz :o

Richard Frank Oznowicz was born May 25, 1944 in Hereford, England to puppeteer parents who were also Holocaust refugees. He moved to California at the age of five and eventually attended college in Oakland. He became a professional puppeteer during his teenage years and assisted Jim Henson with Rowlf the Dog on the Jimmy Dean Show in 1963.

Frank's work with Jim led to commercials, specials, Sesame Street, the Muppet Show, the performing of Star Wars character Yoda, Muppet movies and much more. His skills in special effects and directorial duties in the Dark Crystal and the Muppets Take Manhattan made him the perfect fit for Little Shop of Horrors in 1986. That film his directorial debut away from the Henson Company. He continued his work with the Muppets during this time and went on to direct Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in 1988.

Oz focused more on his career as a director after Jim Henson’s sudden death in 1990. Credits include What About Bob? HouseSitter, the Indian in the Cupboard, In & Out, Bowfinger, the Score, the Stepford Wives and most recently Death at a Funeral.

Frank popped in to perform a little with the when he could but ended up dubbing his classic voices more than actually providing the entire dedicated and brilliant performances of his pre-90s work. This includes the Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppets Tonight, some brief television appearances, Muppet Treasure Island before pretty much ending things with Muppets From Space. It is said that he makes the rare trip Sesame Street for a few sketches here and there, but after spending nearly forty years in the Muppet trenches he’s considered mostly retired. Many fans have a difficult time admitting this truth because it is such a hard one to swallow.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact date Oz actually stepped away from his performing duties because it is more of a fading that occurred throughout the 90s and by the early 2000s. The tradition of his characters is kept alive in the skillful hands of Eric Jacobson for Fozzie, Piggy and Grover (among others) and David Rudman who does a very convincing Cookie Monster. Some critics have even ignorantly remarked how well Oz was carrying on the tradition even after his unofficial exit.

The truth is that nobody can achieve the skills that come so naturally to Frank Oz. There’s a special spontaneity, wit and life that no one can ever match. That spark had been nearly snuffed out with the dubbing of his dialogue while others performed his characters. It’s best they have been recast and the new performers are carrying on the tradition beautifully. We actually get to see more of his beloved characters these days.

Much of the Muppet team has changed over the decades. I remarked during the last special that the only original Electric Mayhem performer left is Dave Goelz with Zoot (and he’s the one that doesn’t speak much). To my knowledge, neither the Hensons nor Oz are stockholders in the Muppets brand since the Disney sale. Jim Henson and Richard Hunt are no longer with us and Jerry Nelson has moved on with the exception of a rare Count appearance. It is an honor that Steve Whitmire and Dave Goelz still put in the time and that later additions Bill Barretta and Eric Jacobson are solidly committed to their Muppeteering craft.

Not many people hold one job for four decades before retiring from everything. Frank Oz has given us enough laughs and entertainment to last us several lifetimes. He has honored us with his gifts and deserves only praise for his years of Muppet service. Thank you Mr. Oz!

:super:

[Colbynfriends]

Frank Oz is a wonderful person with wonderful muppets. Heck, besides Jerry Nelson, I think he had the most characters on TMS (main characters anyway). I'll admit, its sad that he's gone, and I'm glad that we have Eric and David with them now. But I'll also admit this, hes one heck-a-va director as well. It would be nice if he would come back, but I wouldn't force him, becasue in the end, he's following his dream. Following your dreams has always been apart of the Muppets, and since he stoped working for the muppets full time, he now has (and had) the oppretunity to follow his dreams. Anyone get what i'm saying here, or am i crazy?:crazy:

As frogboy4 put it, Thank you Frank Oz!

[Vic Romano]

Frank's like a rock star, he left when he was on top and you can't thumb your nose at that. This is Jim's best friend we're talking about, and I admire the man tremendously.

Just out of curiosity, Frank most likely keeps in touch with Dave and Jerry I'd imagine, right? Like a phone call here or there, you think?

[heralde]

I definitely don't give him a hard time, it takes guts to leave a comfort, successful job like the Muppets and try new things. It's an inspiration to better yourself. And I've enjoyed several of his films.

His characters have always been so sharp and dead on in their humor and charm. His chemistry with Jim is something that can't be repeated. And even after all this time he could make me laugh in the bonus feature interviews of Stepford Wives, lol.

He may not be quite as "tuned in" to the Muppets nowadays as fans are, because that was his past, it's perfectly normal. But I appreciate the comments he made about the current state of Sesame Street. It's clear he cares about what is happening there. It's also clear he has fond memories of the people he worked with, which is and should be most important. :)

[Vic Romano]

What comments did he make about SS? I'd like to read the article if there is one, please.

[frogboy4]

I would like to hear about his SS comments too. :insatiable:

Here's a YouTube Oz interview clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9FGsvmNv-Q&feature=related) about Death at a Funeral where he briefly mentions the Muppets and Jim Henson. He is a rather humble and reserved man that really only broke away from that through his characters. He also explains how he likely will never retire (in general) and I wonder if that is why he still hasn't called it totally quit with Sesame. :super:

Also, I'd like to think the performers all get together with their Muppet counterparts from time to time for tea. He he. I know that doesn't happen, but I do know that some of the Fraggle performers have reuinited over the years.

[Ilikemuppets]

To repeat what other have already said here. His chemistry with Jim Henson is incomparable. And he looked back fondly at his time he and all the years that he spend working with Jim and that part of his life and career is over and he has moving to other things. He is grateful that Jim gave him the opportunity to do what he is doing today.

Thank you for giving the world so much and continuing to do so, Mr.Oz!

[Super Scooter]

Also, I'd like to think the performers all get together with their Muppet counterparts from time to time for tea. He he. I know that doesn't happen, but I do know that some of the Fraggle performers have reuinited over the years.

The Jim Henson Legacy (http://www.jimhensonlegacy.org/) does stuff like that.

From the Jim Henson Legacy website:

"The Jim Henson Legacy decided to try and keep track of as many of Jim's extended creative family as possible.

The Amphibian Alumni Associates was formed to do just that and we welcome all past and present staff and freelance employees of the Jim Henson Company and Sesame Workshop to join its ranks. You're automatically a member, just drop us an e-mail to let us know where we can find you.

If you regularly receive invitations to Legacy events via e-mail, you're already enrolled and will continue to be invited to our special events. Please keep us informed if you move."

[Vic Romano]

Wow, that's cool.

[Ilikemuppets]

Oh wow! That's great!

[frogboy4]

Beautiful site. I hope they maintain it. It's very classic and Hensony. :)

[heralde]

What comments did he make about SS? I'd like to read the article if there is one, please.

Ah here it is!

http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=34451&highlight=frank+interview

Q: How do you feel about the direction "Sesame Street" has gone in, from the early days when you and Jim Henson worked on it?
A: It's just become a kids show, instead of a hip show. I've told them that, so many times - there's nothing I can do. I've given a master class in that stuff, but they don't get it. They're very nice people, and there are some really gifted people there. But the show was begun by people who were actually performers and actors.
The business now, it's mainly about people who are more executive, and people who come from television, and there's a difference, I think. I don't often watch the show, but I did a little bit, to see how it's going, and it's become a little kiddie show, and it's very sad. It was never like that with Jim and I, and everyone else back then. We always f - - - ed around, and did it for ourselves, and that's changed. I probably should be politic and diplomatic - but I'm not.

[Super Scooter]

Ah here it is!

http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=34451&highlight=frank+interview

Q: How do you feel about the direction "Sesame Street" has gone in, from the early days when you and Jim Henson worked on it?
A: It's just become a kids show, instead of a hip show. I've told them that, so many times - there's nothing I can do. I've given a master class in that stuff, but they don't get it. They're very nice people, and there are some really gifted people there. But the show was begun by people who were actually performers and actors.
The business now, it's mainly about people who are more executive, and people who come from television, and there's a difference, I think. I don't often watch the show, but I did a little bit, to see how it's going, and it's become a little kiddie show, and it's very sad. It was never like that with Jim and I, and everyone else back then. We always f - - - ed around, and did it for ourselves, and that's changed. I probably should be politic and diplomatic - but I'm not.

Unfortunately, I agree with him. Don't get me wrong, the show is great for kids. I hope it never ends. But it's always been great for kids, even when it was, as he puts it, "hip" too. Not a little kiddie show, but an educational show that was fun and funny.

[Vic Romano]

Ah here it is!

http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=34451&highlight=frank+interview

Q: How do you feel about the direction "Sesame Street" has gone in, from the early days when you and Jim Henson worked on it?
A: It's just become a kids show, instead of a hip show. I've told them that, so many times - there's nothing I can do. I've given a master class in that stuff, but they don't get it. They're very nice people, and there are some really gifted people there. But the show was begun by people who were actually performers and actors.
The business now, it's mainly about people who are more executive, and people who come from television, and there's a difference, I think. I don't often watch the show, but I did a little bit, to see how it's going, and it's become a little kiddie show, and it's very sad. It was never like that with Jim and I, and everyone else back then. We always f - - - ed around, and did it for ourselves, and that's changed. I probably should be politic and diplomatic - but I'm not.

(thanks heralde)

Wow, blunt? I'm very curious if that's how he feels about SS, I wonder how he feels about the Classic Muppets. As a fan, it certainly gives me a perspective I'm confused about.

Also enjoyed the bit about doing voices for the crew on set, man I'd love to hear that.

Not that I mind at all, um, Frank certainly speaks... adult. I think it's awesome that Bert drops the "F bomb" a lot. I'd expect that from Animal though.

[Super Scooter]

I think this could clear part of it up. My favorite part of the interview:

Frank: People are much more discerning than other people think.

Q: Even kids?
A: More so!

It's true. People don't give kids enough credit, and that's why Sesame Street has started talking down a bit more to kids (not nearly as much as some shows), and I think that's the whole issue Frank has with it. Jim never talked down to kids, but felt that they could be your best audience.

[heralde]

Frank: People are much more discerning than other people think.

Q: Even kids?
A: More so!

It's true. People don't give kids enough credit, and that's why Sesame Street has started talking down a bit more to kids (not nearly as much as some shows), and I think that's the whole issue Frank has with it. Jim never talked down to kids, but felt that they could be your best audience.

Absolutley, they're young, not stupid, hehe. But society keeps trying to "baby" kids and protect them from being "confused" or "disapointed." Society will end up paying for it down the line.

[Fozzie Bear]

When I explain to folks about how wonderfully talented Frank Oz was with the Muppets, I say it as simply as possible: It took two puppeteers to replace him.

[Super Scooter]

When I explain to folks about how wonderfully talented Frank Oz was with the Muppets, I say it as simply as possible: It took two puppeteers to replace him.

And in some cases, even more than that! :o

:insatiable: ---> David Rudman

:attitude: ---> Kevin Clash (now Eric Jacobson)

[Vic Romano]

:attitude: ---> Kevin Clash (now Eric Jacobson)

Is Eric doing Sam in the new (and fantastic) YouTube video? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDA9NbPAK8o&feature=related) I thought it sounded a little like Bill Baretta.

[Ilikemuppets]

Absolutely, they're young, not stupid, hehe. But society keeps trying to "baby" kids and protect them from being "confused" or "disappointed." Society will end up paying for it down the line.I totally agree with you there! You cannot protect and shelter a child forever.:p

Is Eric doing Sam in the new (and fantastic) YouTube video? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDA9NbPAK8o&feature=related) I thought it sounded a little like Bill Baretta.I thought it was Eric myself...

[muppetfan89]

Much has been said about Frank Oz' estrangement from the Muppets in recent years. Even though I would like to see him in some sort of production capacity, I fully respect and understand his choices. This is a blurb that touches on just a bit of his Muppety and film accomplishments over the years. Feel free to share your thoughts and feelings too!

:mad: Frank Oz :o

Richard Frank Oznowicz was born May 25, 1944 in Hereford, England to puppeteer parents who were also Holocaust refugees. He moved to California at the age of five and eventually attended college in Oakland. He became a professional puppeteer during his teenage years and assisted Jim Henson with Rowlf the Dog on the Jimmy Dean Show in 1963.

Frank's work with Jim led to commercials, specials, Sesame Street, the Muppet Show, the performing of Star Wars character Yoda, Muppet movies and much more. His skills in special effects and directorial duties in the Dark Crystal and the Muppets Take Manhattan made him the perfect fit for Little Shop of Horrors in 1986. That film his directorial debut away from the Henson Company. He continued his work with the Muppets during this time and went on to direct Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in 1988.

Oz focused more on his career as a director after Jim Henson’s sudden death in 1990. Credits include What About Bob? HouseSitter, the Indian in the Cupboard, In & Out, Bowfinger, the Score, the Stepford Wives and most recently Death at a Funeral.

Frank popped in to perform a little with the when he could but ended up dubbing his classic voices more than actually providing the entire dedicated and brilliant performances of his pre-90s work. This includes the Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppets Tonight, some brief television appearances, Muppet Treasure Island before pretty much ending things with Muppets From Space. It is said that he makes the rare trip Sesame Street for a few sketches here and there, but after spending nearly forty years in the Muppet trenches he’s considered mostly retired. Many fans have a difficult time admitting this truth because it is such a hard one to swallow.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact date Oz actually stepped away from his performing duties because it is more of a fading that occurred throughout the 90s and by the early 2000s. The tradition of his characters is kept alive in the skillful hands of Eric Jacobson for Fozzie, Piggy and Grover (among others) and David Rudman who does a very convincing Cookie Monster. Some critics have even ignorantly remarked how well Oz was carrying on the tradition even after his unofficial exit.

The truth is that nobody can achieve the skills that come so naturally to Frank Oz. There’s a special spontaneity, wit and life that no one can ever match. That spark had been nearly snuffed out with the dubbing of his dialogue while others performed his characters. It’s best they have been recast and the new performers are carrying on the tradition beautifully. We actually get to see more of his beloved characters these days.

Much of the Muppet team has changed over the decades. I remarked during the last special that the only original Electric Mayhem performer left is Dave Goelz with Zoot (and he’s the one that doesn’t speak much). To my knowledge, neither the Hensons nor Oz are stockholders in the Muppets brand since the Disney sale. Jim Henson and Richard Hunt are no longer with us and Jerry Nelson has moved on with the exception of a rare Count appearance. It is an honor that Steve Whitmire and Dave Goelz still put in the time and that later additions Bill Barretta and Eric Jacobson are solidly committed to their Muppeteering craft.

Not many people hold one job for four decades before retiring from everything. Frank Oz has given us enough laughs and entertainment to last us several lifetimes. He has honored us with his gifts and deserves only praise for his years of Muppet service. Thank you Mr. Oz!


:super:


You said it perfectly. I love Frank Oz as well. People often say Jim was a genius. That's very true, but I also fell that Frank is a genius as well, both as a performer and director. I mean when he performed, he was just brillant, on and off camera. As far as film directing goes, he knows what he's doing and he shows that. I just saw Death at a Funeral, and I thought it was a brilliant comedy that was well done by Frank. I hope he plans to make more films. I also hope that one day, there will be a DVD set with all his films, something like, "The Frank Oz Collection." That would be great!