Jim Henson started making television programs starring his distinctive googly-eyed creations — part puppet, part marionette — in the 1950s. And they were hits. Early versions of Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear and Cookie Monster made the rounds as guest stars on variety shows. But Henson’s Muppets were typecast. Although fuzzy and feather-covered, they were, at first, considered entertainment for adults. They even appeared on “Saturday Night Live” in the show’s early days, when John Belushi called them “the mucking fuppets.” But with the success of “Sesame Street” they became known as entertainers for children. It took Henson years to redefine his creations. It wasn’t until 1976 that the Muppets got a show of their own. Original story here.