On This day, May 25, 1944, Frank Oz was born. An American actor, puppeteer and director, best known as the puppeteer for and original voice of Yoda. Outside of Star Wars, Oz is notable for his work with Jim Henson's Muppets and in film directing. Oz was Muppets' creator Jim Henson's closest collaborator. Oz performed the Muppet characters Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Sam the Eagle, Bert, Grover and Cookie Monster. Co-directing The Dark Crystal (1982), with Henson, Oz also performed as Aughra, a Keeper Of Secrets and as Chamberlain in the film. Their collaboration continued through their many Muppet characters, Sesame Street, and in the popular Labyrinth (1986) film, where Oz performed as The Wiseman. Oz and Henson were as close as brothers, much like Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street, whom the pair also gave life to. Oz has directed a number of films including Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) which Costarred Star Wars Alumni, Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine), and The Indian in the Cupboard (1995), to name a few. May the Force be strong with Frank Oz on his Birthday. And to those who observe, Happy #GeekPrideDay!
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