Kermit the Frog to get a new voice after 27 years
- Published
Steve Whitmire voiced and controlled Kermit for 27 years
Kermit the Frog is getting a new voice for the first time in nearly three decades as his puppeteer steps down.
Steve Whitmire has supplied Kermit's nasal tones since 1990, after the death of Muppets creator Jim Henson.
US reports confirmed his departure and said he was going to be replaced by Matt Vogel.
Whitmire has worked on the Muppets since 1978 and also provided the voice of Sesame Street favourite Ernie, of Bert and Ernie fame.
No reason has been given for his exit.
Kermit and Miss Piggy arriving at the premiere for 2014 film Muppets Most Wanted
Whitmire has portrayed Fraggle Rock characters and appeared in films Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.
He was chosen to take over as Kermit by Henson's son Brian, online magazine Kill Screen reported, external.
Fans said they were "devastated", external that Whitmire would no longer work with Kermit, with one saying they were "trying not to cry", external at the news, and shared stories, external of meeting him.
Vogel has also worked on Sesame Street
Vogel, who voiced Kermit imitator Constantine in 2014 film Muppets Most Wanted, will first be heard as Kermit - the long-time love of Miss Piggy - in a Muppets Thought of the Week video next week, The Hollywood Reporter said, external.
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- Published23 November 2016
- Published26 August 2010
