A Jim Henson Birthday Celebration: Jimmy Dean & Rowlf’s 60th Anniversary

Hosted by Craig Shemin with special guest Lucas Ross, who will play songs before and after the screening program

In 1963, The Jimmy Dean Show premiered on ABC-TV and a new comedy team was born: Jimmy Dean and his “hound dog buddy” Rowlf (performed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz). Originally designed by Henson and built by Don Salhlin for a Purina Dog Food commercial, Rowlf made weekly appearances alongside Jimmy Dean throughout the show’s three season run, eventually garnering more fan mail than the popular country singer and becoming the first major Muppet star on network television. We’ll celebrate the 60th anniversary of Rowlf’s Jimmy Dean Show debut with a brand-new compilation of clips from the show, including some rare commercials featuring Jimmy and Rowlf. 

Oklahoma City actor/musician/TV personality Lucas Ross, who, among his other many credits, has been Kermit the Frog’s personal “banjo advisor” for the past few years, will be joining us to perform a few songs before and after the screening.

Approx. running time: 80 mins

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / free for MoMI members at the Senior/Student level and above. Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.