Steve Whitmire, born on September twenty-fourth, nineteen fifty-nine, is a celebrated American voice actor, puppeteer, and actor, renowned for his significant contributions to the world of puppetry.
His journey with the Muppets began in nineteen seventy-eight, where he quickly made a name for himself by originating beloved characters such as Rizzo the Rat, Lips, Wembley Fraggle, and Bean Bunny. Following the passing of the legendary Jim Henson in nineteen ninety, Whitmire took on the iconic roles of Kermit the Frog and Ernie, continuing to bring these characters to life until two thousand sixteen and two thousand fourteen, respectively.
In addition to these roles, Whitmire has also performed as Statler and Beaker, showcasing his versatility and talent. Throughout his career, he has been an integral part of the Muppet ensemble, appearing in numerous feature films and television series, including The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock. His work has been closely associated with esteemed organizations such as the Jim Henson Company, Sesame Workshop, and the Muppets Studio.