Hey there, friends! Let’s dive into a story that's got the world buzzing. Kermit the Frog, the iconic green guy who’s been warming hearts for decades, is about to undergo a major change. Steve Whitmire, the talented voice behind Kermit for the last 27 years, has been let go by Disney executives. The reason? They claim Steve was engaging in "unacceptable" behavior. But wait, there's more to the story than meets the eye.
Steve, who's 57 years old and has given so much of his life to this beloved character, says he was fired back in October. He stayed quiet about it because he was assured he'd eventually be "honored for his contributions," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Now, with no sign of reconciliation on the horizon, Steve is speaking out and sharing his side of the story.
Take a look at Steve Whitmire with the Kermit the Frog puppet. This image captures a moment of history that now feels like the end of an era.
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Why Was Steve Whitmire Fired?
So, what exactly went down between Steve and Disney? According to Steve, the first red flag was raised when Disney felt he had been "disrespectful" during discussions with the top creative team working on the ABC Muppet series. But here’s the kicker—Steve has always been vocal about what he believes is best for the Muppets, ever since Disney took over in 2004. He insists he has respect for everyone involved, but he also knows the limitations of those who may not fully understand the essence of the Muppets.
Steve’s been the voice of Kermit since 1978, and in 1990, he was entrusted by Jim Henson's family to safeguard Kermit's character after Jim's passing. Steve took this responsibility seriously, often providing feedback on storylines and scripts to ensure Kermit remained true to Jim’s original vision. However, a spokesperson for The Muppets Studio claims they consulted with the Henson family before deciding to part ways with Steve.
Disney’s Official Statement
The Muppets Studio issued a statement emphasizing the iconic nature of Kermit the Frog and their commitment to preserving his integrity. They explained, "We raised concerns
