A Conversation with Kermit the Frog

KERMIT THE FROG (Kermit the Frog) returns to the big screen in 2011 inDisney’s “The Muppets.” With 56 years in show business, he boasts countlesscredits in television, film, stage and online, including the recent hit viralvideos featuring the Muppets’ take on Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2009) and“Ode to Joy” (2008)—both Webby winners (an award very dear to Kermit’s heartand feet). He has been honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame(2002), and his song “Rainbow Connection” was nominated for an Academy Award®and a Golden Globe® in 1979. Kermit has appeared many times in the Macy’sThanksgiving Day Parade. He received the Key to the City from Kermit,Texas, in 2005, and holds an honoraryDoctorate of Amphibious Letters from the SouthamptonCollege at Long Island University.He was the first amphibian to address the prestigious Oxford Union at Oxford University.

Kermit’sfilm credits include “The Muppet Movie” (1979), “The Great Muppet Caper”(1981), “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), “The Muppet Christmas Carol”(1992), “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) and “Muppets from Space” (1999). He’salso had starring roles in the TV films “Muppets Wizard of Oz” (2005) and “AMuppet Christmas: Letters to Santa.” In addition to hosting and starring in theinternational hit phenomenon “The Muppet Show,” which ran from 1976-1981, Kermit’ssmall-screen credits include “Muppet Babies” and “Muppets Tonight.” He hasappeared on a host of variety shows, including “The Tonight Show with JayLeno,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,”“Today” and “Late Night with Conan O’Brian.” Kermit has also been a guest on “ExtremeMakeover: Home Edition” and “Saturday Night Live,” among many others. Kermit’smemoirs—“Look Before You Leap: A Frog’s Eye View of Life’s Greatest Lessons”—werepublished in 2006.

Kermit residesin a swamp, where he maintains a bachelor pad.

A CONVERSATION WITH KERMIT THE FROG…

Why should audiences see Disney’s “The Muppets”?

It’s funny, upbeat and full oflaughs for everyone… frogs, pigs, bears… even people.

For new fans, it’s a chanceto see the Muppets in action on the big screen. And for old fans, it’s a chanceto get together with old friends… and get a little crazy together.

What is Disney’s “The Muppets” about?

Well, it’s the story of thisincredible Muppet fan named Walter who comes to Hollywood to meet us… and endsup having to get all the Muppets back together to put on a show and save MuppetStudios.

I guess it’s the firstMuppet movie that’s really from the point of view of a fan. Jason Segel, who isa really big Muppet fan in real life, co-wrote the movie. He wanted to showwhat it would be like if the world’s biggest Muppet fan—along with his brotherGary (played by Jason) and friend Mary (played by Amy Adams)—came to Hollywood tomeet us.

What is your role in Disney’s “The Muppets”?

I play me, Kermit the Frog.I’ve played other parts, like Bob Crachit in “A Muppet Christmas Carol” andCaptain Smollett in “Muppet Treasure Island,” but I think “me” is my favoritepart.

Playing a frog named Kermit mightbe type casting, but there aren’t a lot of great parts for amphibians, so I washappy to get the part.

In the movie—and in life,really—I’m a humble frog in Hollywoodwho wants to get back together with his friends and keep entertaining people.  

How does your life differ from the characters youplay in the films?

Well, on the big screen. I’m16 feet tall. But in real life, it’s closer to 18 inches. So, I’d have to saythe biggest difference is more height—and better lighting.

Seriously, though, my lifeon screen and off screen is about the same. In real life and on film, I’msurrounded by chaos, craziness, and romantic pigs—just like any other Hollywood star.

Why did you want to take part in this film?

I understand they consideredother actors—George Clooney, Tom Hanks. But in the end, when it comes toplaying short, green and amphibious, I’m still Hollywood’s go-to guy. According to directorJames Bobin, when I read for the role of “me,” I nailed it.

What is the funniest scene in the film?

I like the scene whereeverything goes crazy and no one knows what to do. It’s total mad chaos…..Hmm,come to think of it, that describes most of the movie.

I can’t pick JUST one scene—allthe other scenes would get jealous. But I really do like the big finale. Lotsof singing, dancing, laughing… and, I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s happy,too.

What was it like working opposite Jason Segel?

Jason is not only a greatcomedian, but as a co-writer of the movie, he’s great to work with. If youforget your lines, he can make up new ones.

Jason’s a swell guy. Hereally loved the Muppets before we worked together…and he still loves us after.That’s a true fan. And he has such a fantastic sense of humor. He can findfunny everywhere… even in Fozzie’s act.

…Chris Cooper?

Chris plays the villain, TexRichman, yet he’s really the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. That’s an incrediblefeat: being a good guy and playing a bad guy. When it comes to acting, it’s notthat easy being mean.

…Amy Adams?

Amy is incredible. She’s sobeautiful and talented and funny. I’d love to make every movie with her…. butMiss Piggy won’t let me.

She’s also a great actress: shecan sing and dance, and she has three Academy Award® nominations. I’m hopingshe gets an Oscar® for Disney’s “The Muppets.” If not, I’m willing to paintmyself gold and stand on her mantle.

…Miss Piggy?

I have to say: working withMiss Piggy is always a pleasure. I have to say that ‘cause she makes me say it.

This was a different kind ofmovie for us. Normally, Piggy and I are together right from the start. But in Disney’s“The Muppets,” Miss Piggy is over in Parisand we have to go get her. That was challenging for me. France is toughfor frogs… with legs.

What’s the deal with you and Miss Piggy? Are youstill together?

Miss Piggy and I have aprofessional relationship. I think we’re professionals; she thinks we’re in arelationship.

Actually, Miss Piggy and Iare good friends, but just friends. We like each other a great deal, but we arenot romantically involved—despite her best efforts.

Describe director James Bobin.

James has a quirky sense ofhumor. Just watch his work on “Flight of the Conchords” and you can see thisisn’t someone who sees the world like everyone else. Not being normal helpswhen you work with the Muppets. He’s a consummate professional—and we’re not,so we really needed him.

What is your advice for up-and-coming frogs/actors?

Never say croak.

To make a rainbow connectionwith Kermit the Frog, check out http://disney.go.com/muppets/portfolio/kermit/videos.html.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

On vacationin Los Angeles, Walter, the world's biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (JasonSegel) and Gary’s girlfriend Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover thenefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theaterand drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets' former stompinggrounds. To stage a telethon and raise the $10 million needed to save thetheater, Walter, Mary and Gary help Kermit reunite the Muppets, who have allgone their separate ways: Fozzie now performs with a Reno casino tribute bandcalled the Moopets, Miss Piggy is a plus-size fashion editor at Vogue Paris,Animal is in a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management, and Gonzo is ahigh-powered plumbing magnate. With secret, signature, celebrity cameos,Disney’s “The Muppets” hits the big screen Nov. 23, 2011.