Ron Howard: Jim Henson Didn’t Have A Dark Side | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

[@028fn48dne]

Jim did a press conference in Singapore not long before he passed. I was 12 or 13. I convinced my school newspaper to let me be absent that day. In a room full of professional reporters, when Jim opened the floor for questions, I was the first one he called on. You can't tell the story of Henson's funeral without making people tear up. It was utterly beautiful.

[@naynayhooray]

Kids were always his audience. He really cared about what you had to say.

[@MiguelJuanez]

That's beautiful!

[@RAIN-AGAIN]

THANKS FOR PLAYING HOOKIE THAT DAY🤓 just by being the you that day that…. POSSIBLY only you knew you were…… and showing up to that interview……. ALL of us…. here in 2024 are….. somehow “ HEALED “ just a bit more….. and comforted by the innocence in you….. that day….. and sharing such a tender moment with us; reminding us of the kid in all of us! Incidentally…… of all the awards Mr. Howard has gotten…….. Mr. O’Brian just produced the most sincere acknowledgment; not just the magical beauty that defined Mr. Henson……… but Conan simply said….. what WE ALL….. feel about OPIE TAYLOR, & RICHIE CUNNINGHAM ❗️ WHO KNEW……. THAT 2 RED HEADED GUYS ……. ……. were all the world ever needed….thanks boys 🎬

[@michaelhockus8208]

I love this story, thanks for sharing

[@CittizinKane]

Hold onto that, bottle it, preserve it, that will give you the life you need when you need it the most, believe in one self ❤

[@thishollowhill]

The fact Ron looks around the room when he talks, because he's having a conversation with everyone, is amazing. Much respect to a great man.

[@ald.3387]

He's the real deal. His parents were awesome. Read his book!

[@CHDean]

His mom and dad taught him well.

[@gispel7058]

Yes he is a stand out in Hollywood. A giant talent who was raised the right way.

[@SynthMusicWorld]

I'm autistic and it was one of the first things I noticed in this clip. It demonstrates a lot about Ron's character. Maybe it's ironic that I noticed that, but I pick up on when people demonstrate kindness to others.

[@Gerrys-Channel]

Great person. Includes everyone.

[@vivelaresistance3239]

Jim Henson and Fred Rogers. No scandal, no fame-seeking. Just the work, and kindness.

[@crazkurtz]

And Mr Dressup

[@CHDean]

Each comes around once in a lifetime.

[@betterthanumjf]

The painting guy too

[@CHDean]

@@betterthanumjf Bob Ross?

[@christopherporter2459]

​@@betterthanumjf Bob Ross you uncultured swine!

[@kumakhan22]

So happy to hear more talk about Jim Henson, this world needs his light now more than ever.

[@chrisevans9688]

​@JohnnyNoPockets Chris Evans right tomorrow did you take it out and just like you tv show in now this week and did you take it out of back next week so it will be back on Monday night soon

[@somarriba333]

I was 13 when Jim Henson died and I cried hard. He's the only celebrity I cried like that for and still tear up for today. There are so many entertainers I wish were still with us. If I had to pick one, it would be him.

[@francescaa8331]

I cried also. Just thinking of it brings tears. How I wish he'd had more time with us.

[@peterbuckley9731]

Me too mate, it was him and Bowie. And I wasn’t sure why, but their purity touched me I think. And I didn’t understand it until they were gone.

[@andyoli75]

If ever I'm in need of a good cry, watching Carol Spinney as Big Bird sing "It's Not Easy Being Green " sends me off into uncontrollable tears. www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DSmhgtVl7R34&ved=2ahUKEwieoMSHsceGAxV-G9AFHX1_CssQwqsBegQIDxAE&usg=AOvVaw2jFzs1NbEjklEwqva74Uv_

[@andyoli75]

If ever I'm in need of a good cry, watching Carol Spinney sing "It's Not Easy Being Green " sends me off into uncontrollable tears. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ7LmKeMoZyFaZYsi=JeeBoC4kFMp3T70o

[@jwil4751]

I was in high school and my friends and I all wore green armbands for the day to honor him 💚

[@Galactic123]

Jim Henson and Mr Rogers was my childhood. Made me the man I am today.

[@normanwolfe7639]

I’ll assume you turned out ok 😬

[@michaelrafales2782]

This interview is just another reason why KZbin needs a love button instead of just a like button

[@WTFG78]

Had no idea Conan interacted with Jim Henson. Respect.

[@DurkMcGerk]

I too have a smidge more respect for Jim Henson.

[@dalevintage]

My favorite Jim Henson story is that he would often leave his wallet in his car, sometimes on the front seat...not on purpose, and his car door unlocked...more than once someone stole his wallet from his unlocked car. I can't recall who asked him, but someone inquired why he didn't get angry about it...he said, "Obviously they needed it more than I do." A quality human being across-the-board. ❤️🎬❤️

[@thegood9]

There are not many guests on a podcast that will engage every single soul in the room the way Ron Howard does. He is a true gentleman. So many ignore the other people throughout, focusing ONLY on their "host" exclusively, which is kinda rude.

[@TimelessAlien]

He really is! One of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

[@Adones09]

I always appreciated, on his night show, when guests would talk to Andy and make him part of the conversation.

[@ritacarrot6185]

Ron Howard a National Treasure!

[@stephengilmour8114]

smarty pants for along time !

[@srulycooks]

Ron Howard is such a gift. He seems so sensible, calm and down to earth. Love his stuff.

[@ModernGoddess81]

When I was little I remember my Dad being just as happy to watch the muppets and Sesame Street as I was! He would sometimes laugh and I didn’t understand why something was funny because I was still too innocent to get the adult joke implied. That is the genius of Jim Henson 💖

[@shashaduke8700]

I had the EXACT experience with my Father❤😊😊

[@sunshine3914]

Mine was never home for Sesame Street, but we never missed The Muppets, Tracey Ullman , The Simpsons, Titus, & Get a Life.

[@GoodForYou4504]

Flintstones and Jetsons were the same idea. The shows were differently viewed depending on your age but fun for both.

[@jd5588]

Same. When Kermit introduced the guest, and frantically waved his arms, while making that joyful scream "Arrrrrrruuuu" we'd all join in. Of when ever we heard "Foooozzzzzzzzy Bear"

[@andreastschig6905]

I love how Ron is addressing the room when talking, not including just Conan!

[@cc1k435]

He's always been such a good, polite boy. 😊

[@franchisemiami]

Every episode of the podcast is different. This time we can feel that every second spent with Ron is cherished as a special moment. As great as he is, he's still a humble kind person.

[@cammieg4381]

Somehow, we need to hang on to that innocence and joy that Jim Henson brought out in us from within! Thank you Ron Howard! You are a national treasure indeed! 👍❣

[@ep4169]

Glad they mentioned both Henson and Frank Oz as a great comedy duo. I consider those two to be one of the all-time great comedy teams, up there with Abbott and Costello, Burns and Allen, Lemmon and Matthau.

[@theantichrist5191]

I loved jim Henson's the storyteller. its sad he died and everything great about him died. I wish that man was still alive

[@palaceofwisdom9448]

I just happened to watch The Dark Crystal the other day for the first time in years, and it's incredible how well it has aged. It is easily Jim's most underrated achievement.

[@patreekotime4578]

His contribution to the Labyrinth is also amazing. Puppets hold up where CGI just doesn't. I wish he had gotten to do more of those kinds of collaborations.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Grover the waiter and the bald man skits are pure gold.

[@erintheokay]

I was 5 when Jim Henson died. I remember learning about it at my grandma's house and starting to cry because I thought Big Bird had died. When she explained it again, I cried harder because Big Bird's DAD had died. He was a beautiful, hilarious soul and I can't wait to watch this film.

[@bernicequigley4629]

I loved Jim Henson and Frank Oz. I was 5 when they first showed on PBS in '69 and I look back at some of those videos now and I notice that the kids in on the show that first year learning to count, etc thought they were real and you saw real emotion from the kids. They were true geniuses.

[@brianjl7477]

I watched the documentary this weekend - it was very well done. What an amazing life Jim henson led and what a brilliant, creative person - one of the greatest to ever do it.

[@nathansheldahl]

I hope they covered a little bit the connection between his shop and the famous Star Wars/ILM creature shop and Frank Oz and collaboration done there.

[@brianjl7477]

@@nathansheldahl They actually don't cover much Star Wars. They do cover the Creature Shop, and a lot about Dark Crystal and Labrynth, the latter of which George Lucas produced.

[@nathansheldahl]

@@brianjl7477 good. Thats the important parts of it.

[@Archimedeeez]

Jim Henson's stuff will always crack me up, no matter what age.

[@salvation7362]

If I could have a dinner party with any celebrities/famous people living or deceased, Jim Henson would absolutely be at the top of my list along side Robin Williams. They both played a huge roll in my childhood as people I aspired to be like.

[@ActualChef]

I love the reverence with which they speak of such an incredible artist. This is gold.

[@thelucabrazzi]

Conan I wish you knew how much your content touches me. You are the funniest man alive to me and you have given me so many moments of great joy this past year in such a dark time of my life. Lost my dad 3 months ago and so much more. You make me laugh so much and your stories mean so much to me. I WISH I could meet you one day too and I don't care about meeting many celebrities. I LOVE your sick sense of humor and all the crazy stories you tell !!!

[@pirateylass]

As an 80s kid, my world was full of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. I remember my Mom telling a story of me toddling around with a Grover picture book, held upside down, begging her to read it to me for the umpteenth time. Apparently I also banged on pots with a wooden spoon with the greatest impression of the Swedish Chef a 4 year old could do. 😅 I cried so much when the news broke that Jim Henson died. At 10, it really broke my little heart. He was such a treasure. ❤

[@cfrend]

Ron's character Oppie was a powerful example to teach a person how to embody peace, goodness, faithfulness, joy, love, kindness, gentleness, & self-control. Andy, Bee, Barney were at times super human in these qualities, but Oppie was accessible as a model for the viewer.

[@wolfsmith2865]

Jim and his crew are the reasons I have good memories of childhood. I learned about comedy, charm, and expressing ideas to others. I was crushed when I heard he'd passed.

[@Moekoffee2001]

Warm and Fozzie conversation

[@sollysolutions]

Waka Waka!

[@deviljhohunter524]

Big Bird at Jim Henson's funeral is impossible to watch without crying.

[@cc1k435]

To know he had only just died quite suddenly and everyone had gathered to speak and perform so movingly in his honor makes it all that much more remarkable. ❤

[@samsignorelli]

The tribute ep the Muppets did...I ugly-cried so many times....

[@tubewatcher155]

This is quite possibly one of the best interviews I've ever seen. One of my favorite people Conan O'Brien can you give me another of my favorite people Ron howard. And they're both talking about two of my other favorite people Andy Griffith and Jim henson.

[@ThatsOnYoutube]

Conan first met Jim Henson when Henson was sure Conan was one of his escaped Muppets.

[@shashaduke8700]

🤭🤭

[@jonathanbarr9764]

I've heard a few jokes about Conan's appearance (don't worry I'm sure he finds them funny) but that one is pretty good.

[@nicsuhler9241]

Jim Henson was an idiot. I want to be delusional and not go to a doctor. 😮

[@daftgowk1]

Burdie, buuuurdie

[@dlxmarks]

Another connection is that Lisa Henson, his eldest child, was president of the Harvard Lampoon when Conan joined it in his freshman year. He succeeded her as president in his sophomore and junior years.

[@spiercephotography]

Jim Henson was a treasure, and his work carries on now too, so loved. We still go back and rewatch old Muppet Show episodes

[@leslie3933]

A wonderful Mississippi boy!

[@gleterfelix69]

Till this day me being 40 years old. Jim Henson holds a special place in my heart. He was a true genuine person that was loved. I haven’t watched the documentary bc I know I’m going to be balling my eyes out..but I will. ❤

[@TheTsunamijuan]

I am glad that Ron Howard is also one of those really genuine great people in showbiz.

[@mariogallego5513]

Jim Henson will always be a childhood icon to me. RIP Jim Henson. Thank you for every single childhood memory you have given me. I'm 48 and I'm choking up right now. You are still missed

[@GoddessNeith]

I watched the documentary, Ron Howard has a deft and light touch. it wasn't to reverential, or scandalous, it was so even-handed and honest. I'd recommend it to everyone. I was touched by how much we lost because the man wouldn't go to the doctor!!!!!

[@donnamcmanus7360]

I'm 57 and remember laying on the shag carpet in front of the big ass console tv watching The Muppet Show with my parents and little brother. Literally the only celebrity death that caused me to cry. I wasn't expecting that reaction. ❤

[@bigfatdynamo246]

Jim Henson is one of those guys who was just quietly incredible on so many fronts that it's hard to tally them all. I studied animation in college, and Henson was a major inspiration to me. He is (to my mind) one of the greatest character designers of the 20th century. His sketchbooks are astounding, he seemed to intuit *a ton* of design principles for his characters long before they were formalized into rules. Puppets are subject to the uncanny valley effect themselves, and Henson just casually vaulted over it with his designs in an incredibly charming, effortless way. Dude literally invented like half of the principles of modern puppet design.

[@dalevintage]

For the record, if I let myself, the thought of his passing, brings tears to my eyes. ❤️ I still miss him...and will always be grateful for him. He brought joy to so many of us kids who didn't have it so easy, I felt less alone when I watched his shows. I am who am, due in part to his influence. Love you Jim. Thank you. ❤️

[@stranny6054]

Ron Howard is the most kind and well spoken hand talker I have ever seen and heard haha :)

[@citizenVader]

Anything about the Muppets is golden to me, so thank you so much for this.

[@pamlittle847]

When I was 14, 15, my niece was a toddler when Sesame Street started, and I watched along. And boy am I glad! Much like the old Warner Bros. cartoons, and Rocky and Bullwinkle they were there for the kids, but also hooked the adults. ❤❤

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Ron Howard is just an incredibly cool dude. He's been a celebrity his entire life and still as down to earth as your next-door neighbor that drives a truck.

[@hephzbah1130]

At 5:00: Jim Henson was a comedic genius. I didn’t realize he did so many Sesame Street bits; but it makes sense. Thanks Ron Howard for your insight on who Henson was😊

[@patriciawhite6820]

Thee "Rainbow Connection" makes me cry every time I hear it. I just loved the Muppets!!!

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

Henson died of pneumonia because he didn't want to bother his family with how poorly he was feeling. Miss you Jim. RIP.

[@erikcox8749]

We love ya Ronnie, been watching ya all my life , Andy Griffith reruns but you seem to be such a kind a generous man and that's hard to find in Hollywood, plus your love story with your wife is such a beautiful story. Good, intelligent, kind man. ✌️💙

[@CittizinKane]

Never underestimate conans intelligence, the way the information is presented is so tight and neat, I love these types that we see Conan engaging intellectually on a higher level

[@mikecronis]

Jim's work and messaging throughout all his work makes me think he was actually God visiting Earth for his time here, sometimes dark, sometimes humorous, often kind.

[@darthsirrius]

As someone who came home and watched PBS after school, I remember when Jim died, and even as a kid I knew he was the voice of Kermit the Frog, and thinking, what was going to happen to Sesame Street? What are they going to do about Kermit? That man impacted my life probably more than any other person in the world, I learned how to read early because of Sesame Street. That was a devastating loss that still hits me, because he was the best. Truly one of the greatest humans to ever walk the Earth.

[@goosedasheen]

We need Ron Howard back for another podcast -- a great story-teller!

[@NikMartin-I-am]

The Muppet Show was a staple of my household. We watched it religiously as a family. We all had our favorite characters, it was one of the few times we all sat together and watched a show.

[@actthree7810]

"the documentary is a tonic" is a great review.

[@H3rnD1zzl3]

I searched and found the memorial service (you can see it on KZbin)…cried like a baby.

[@hoboogre8023]

If you insist on believing in God, you have to believe he sent us Jim Henson for this age. He was a genius and his message was pure

[@mconfive2nine]

They’re not wrong about Sesame Street. I loved watching with my boys when they were young learners. Core memories. The best show on television!

[@markholle3450]

When I was in Jr. High in the late 70's, the Muppet Show was can't miss TV. It was "just good".

[@theYoungPilots]

I was walking down the street in Manhattan when I saw Jim Henson walking toward me. I treated him like everyone else. I ignored him. I think he appreciated that. Everyone deserves the right to walk down the street without being bothered.

[@tgirard123]

That picture they had I think on people magazine after Jim Henson died with All Muppets looking down. That was so moving

[@andriod1622]

This guy made my best childhood fantasy movie. WILLOW

[@stevencramsie9172]

George Lucas wanted to make it into a trilogy/franchise but decided not to. Loved Willow!

[@rivestalex]

Love Jim Henson's work. Will watch the documentary now. Thank you.

[@martyvimislik813]

As a young child approx. ‘73 ish I saw him doing a puppet show at an Elk’s club.

[@TheDopekitty]

That's so cool!

[@josephgreenberg2063]

as a boomer growing up in Chicago, we loved the Kraml milk ads that Jim Henson did in late 50’s. “You’ll get a bang out of Kraml milk.” Cannon fire

[@OnTheNerdySide]

I loved Idea Man, but I think it needed an extra 30 minutes so they could talk about the 80s a bit more. The documentary went into SO MUCH detail on everything leading up to The Muppet Show that it almost felt like they were given a hard cap on how long they could make the documentary. I think there was less than a minute on Fraggle Rock and very little about the days leading up to his passing. If you are interested in The Muppets more broadly, Defunctland has a great series here on KZbin about them that looks at them much more broadly than Idea Man, which was focused more closely on Jim himself. Idea Man being a Disney co-production, I didn't expect it to be included, but Frank Oz has said that the anxiety of selling the company to Disney was a contributing factor to Jim getting sick. Not that Disney killed him, but just that his immune system was low because he was stressed out and not sleeping. Also, Steve Whitmire, who was fired by Disney several years ago, was conspicuously absent from the film, not even in archival footage. There's one shot of him in the crowd at the funeral, and he's probably in a couple of Muppet Show era crowd shots. He didn't even get a Fraggle Rock mention.

[@sonsofthesportsguy]

Props to Opie Cunningham for matching the upholstery of the chair.

[@TheASSedoTV]

Conan here sounds like a cross between Animal and Rolf

[@angieallen4884]

I love any interview with Ron Howard. Thanks.

[@antonioluisbautista]

RIP Jim Henson My Idol!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@tommyrq180]

I believe Ron Howard is the youngest old guy I’ve ever seen. He talks and reacts like a much, much younger man. Incredible. The niceness level, between he and Conan, was off the charts. Impressive. 😊

[@sndsiwrite]

The timing of good comedy was the the two old guys commentary and the Swedish Chef.

[@Kitty8791]

Statler & Waldorf*

[@weirdloverwilde]

Early Sesame Street was incredibly brilliant. Surreal sometimes. Hilarious other times. Drama. Satire. A multitude of animation styles and so much music. It was such a great thing to grow up with.

[@ScottCrippen]

Great documentary. It's tough to watch the funeral footage again. 😔

[@MM180.9]

Love the Ron Howard , love that he looked part of the chair , it's a new thing ❤

[@malikjredd]

I cried during the Jim Henson documentary on Disney+ the man one once in a lifetime type of energy and spirit

[@swannix]

If you guys like this, you would DEFINITELY enjoy THE BOYS Ron and Clint's book about growing up in the biz. It's really good and gets into his folks life in the business and pulls no punches. The audio is the brothers speaking too. It's a very good read and just highlights the kind of person Ron is and what an incredible life he's had

[@tracygregory5036]

Has anyone else noticed the weird light orb that shows up at 7:57 when Conan starts talking about Jim's death? It must be Jim's ghost popping in to say, "Hi, Bert!"

[@ACIvideo]

The characters that Henson created in those easily SNL episodes were the forerunners to the characters that Brian Henson brought to life in “Farscape” in the late 90s. In that context the “muppets” became characters for a decidedly adult audience - not just kids.

[@josecollazo1948]

Ron is a gift, so is Conan both so incredibly gifted artists!

[@kevindean0000]

Conan: Adam Sachs is gonna take that out Narrator: He did not

[@brianparkman8183]

First remembrance I have of a muppet was Rowlf on The Jimmy Dean show. I remember as a kid always hoping he would be on.

[@onrope600]

Jim Henson’s funeral film footage should be restored. If you have any love of Jim and his muppets the funeral will feel your heart.

[@jeremyroberts4760]

The Muppets were unifying from the start, in a world lacking unity. The Muppet Show was the only show we watched as a family. Jim Henson changed the world with his humor and grace.

[@weirdloverwilde]

So few shows multiple generations can enjoy at once

[@jazminratzlaff5357]

Love Jim Henson and Frank Oz, and that Conan and Ron talk about him with so much passion and affection filled with humour and laughter. Can’t wait to see Ron’s new documentary about the brilliant genius visionaries behind Sesame Street and The Muppets. Their comedy and timing precision with puppet characters and directing the stories. 😍🥰😘😂😆🤣👑💎⚜️🏆🎙️📺🎬🎥🤩🌟✨🎧🇺🇸🎞️

[@michaelweston2285]

i dreamt about Conan last night. i dreamt i was on my computer and found an add to have Conan deliver a hand-made iced tea to your door. thinking it was some joke or gimmick, i responded to the ad and lo and behold, Conan was at my door at 7am with my iced tea that he made.

[@elisaesquer4462]

I’d pay anything for Conan to knock on my door with my iced tea 😭

[@Kitty8791]

Wow, all those crazy adventures on Burn Notice & that's what Michael Weston fantasizes about . . . who knew. 😜 P.S. People snoozed on Pedro Pascal as Comadante Veracruz in The Fall of Sam Axe movie.

[@dosesandmimoses]

Mr Howard.. I was so impressed with your role in Crazy Mama.. such a great film!!

[@justbrowsing5279]

Jim Henson's dark side was Frank Oz

[@helenpatterson3858]

!

[@jbainbridge22]

I like how Ron's shirt matches the chair so he looks like a floating head n hands.

[@theoldman2821]

The reference to Hormel Ham is incorrect. The company he did commercials for was Kraml Dairy of Chicago. The similarity of the name is where the confusion lies. Decades later he was sued Hormel for mocking Spam (and IP appropriation ) for the film, Muppet Treasure Island.

[@Lillytime1236]

I think Jim Henson drew the pipes back in the early 60's

[@VHShit]

Jack Parr show (1963-1965)

[@heatherilse4510]

I hope it's not on asbestos.

[@russellw7785]

Great interview!!

[@MrEffdot]

The muppet Wilkins Coffee commercials would fit right into TikTok still - sometimes 7 to 15 seconds long - and their later 1960s TV commercials were great. Cookie Monster started life as a furry brown, spiky toothed googly eyed goofy monster in an IBM corporate film.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

What impresses me is that he talks to everyone in the room, not just Conan.

[@windsorspitfire]

Henson's early La Choy Dragon ads for canned Chinese food were inspired. Can be found on this channel.

[@robbernath]

It's been said Henson didn't have to die so reasonably young. He had a severe bacterial infection for which he elected not to pursue treatment. Very sad. That said, I do recall being at Disneyworld in Florida shortly after Jim passed in 1990 (Disney had owned the Muppets for a few years by this point) and the tribute was very touching and tearjerking. He's still missed to this day and night even still be alive had he received the medical treatment he needed.

[@Grateful999]

I loved Sesame Street. And my mother loved it too. When the YIP YIP aliens came on-she’d call a friend and they would laugh on the phone together. I think I had more fun laughing at her laughing lol

[@johnsweet8508]

Some of those early commercials were "Sam and Friends." Ran in the D.C. television market for a few years in the late 50s/early 60s. They were for Wilkins Coffee.

[@Redmenace96]

Jim Henson was not, "satirical", as much as he was subversive. Irony, satire, and subversion and transgression are a blend, but I remember his best work as subversive. Like the best comedy you can remember. Jim Henson's favorite song is, "Lydia, the Tattoo Lady" and it is pure gold when he performs it.