Steve Whitmire retiring from performing Kermit

[TMC]

http://time.com/4852111/kermit-frog-whitmire/

Muppets fans, prepare for a change: the puppeteer who voices legendary green amphibian Kermit the Frog has swapped over. In the beloved character's illustrious 62-year history, only two actors have delivered Kermit's delightful lines, creator Jim Henson and Muppets mainstay Steve Whitmire, who took over Kermit and Ernie duties on Sesame Street in 1990 after Henson passed away. But now, performer Matt Vogel will take the helm as the man behind the banjo-strumming green felt puppet.

After sharp-eyed viewers of recent Muppet Studios productions noted that characters usually voiced by Whitmire seemed to be missing from the latest lineup of Muppets content, fan blog Tough Pigs confirmed with Disney that Whitmire had departed from his longtime role, and that Vogel will be taking over as the Kermit performer. They did not provide a reason for the change, and Whitmire has not stated anything publicly as of yet.

Previously, Vogel — who joined Sesame Street in 1996 — has voiced Kermit's evil doppelgänger Constantine in the 2014 Muppets Most Wanted film, so he clearly has some practice at the iconic role, although that outing required a Russian accent. He's also performed dozens of other Muppets characters and puppets, including Baby Big Bird. He will feature as the new Kermit on next week's installment of the Muppets Thought of the Week, Disney further noted.Whitmire, who's 57, has been a much-loved staple of the Muppets franchise over the years, having started with the company back in 1978 and even originated popular characters like Rizzo the Rat.

[MA]

That's a shame. I grew up watching stuff like Sesame Street and The Muppets and will always miss Steve's voice because I find it to be very relaxing.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by MikaelaArsenault

That's a shame. I grew up watching stuff like Sesame Street and The Muppets and will always miss Steve's voice because I find it to be very relaxing.

Muppet Performer and Kermit the Frog, Steve Whitmire speaks out in blog post: He didn't leave, He was fired.

[MA]

Originally Posted by TMC

Muppet Performer and Kermit the Frog, Steve Whitmire speaks out in blog post: He didn't leave, He was fired.

Really? Why was he fired?

[JamesG]

Disney Says Steve Whitmire Fired for "Unacceptable Business Conduct"

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...onduct-1021701

[MA]

Originally Posted by JamesG

Disney Says Steve Whitmire Fired for "Unacceptable Business Conduct"

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...onduct-1021701

I figured that.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by JamesG

Disney Says Steve Whitmire Fired for "Unacceptable Business Conduct"

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/new...onduct-1021701

http://www.agcwebpages.com/BLINDITEMS/2017/JULY.html

170. ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER 07/18 **#11**
#3 – Apparently this recently fired person you have never heard of who was involved intimately for decades with a permanent A+++++++ lister who the entire world knows and loves is about to spill a bunch of secrets including some involving child molestation. Steve Whitmire ("Kermit the Frog")/Jim Henson

[TMC]

Originally Posted by MikaelaArsenault

Really? Why was he fired?

Save Kermit! Why the Muppets debacle is so devastating

[Retro4Life]

I didn't hate Whitmire's Kermit, but honestly, the character has never been the same since Henson died. I truly doubt anyone could infuse the same life into Kermit as Henson did; Henson WAS Kermit.

I hate to say Kermit should have been retired, but I think it might have been for the best.

[MA]

Thank you TMC.