Happy Birthday, Kermit! This week, we are celebrating a major milestone: the 71st birthday of Kermit the Frog. While there is often debate about the exact date, organizations like the Walt Disney Archives and D23 recognize this date because of the debut of Sam and Friends on May 9, 1955, as the official start of his journey.
Kermit’s story is a testament to the strength of playing the long game. He began with humble origins—literally made from an old coat—appearing in black and white before we even knew he was green. Seven decades later, he remains one of the most relevant and beloved figures in entertainment history. His story also has a lot to teach us as we all go on our own journeys through life!
Here are the core life lessons we can take from Kermit’s legendary career:
1. Consistency is a Superpower
Through the years, Kermit’s voice has evolved and the mediums he appears in have changed, moving from local television to global cinema and digital specials. However, his core mission has remained unshakable: singing, dancing, and making people happy. By staying true to that vision through every high and low, he has maintained a level of consistency that serves as his true superpower.
2. Collaboration Over Competition
Kermit is almost always surrounded by a “messy ensemble” of unique personalities—monsters, animals, and everything in between. As he mentioned in his commencement speech at the University of Maryland last year, “Life’s not a solo act. It’s a messy, delightful ensemble piece”.
Kermit leads by helping others find their spotlight and achieve their dreams. Success is far sweeter when you reach out a hand and leap together rather than trying to jump over others to get ahead.
3. The “Old Friend You Just Met”
There is a beautiful line from The Muppet Movie about “old friends you’ve just met”. This perspective encourages us to be curious rather than judgmental. Every stranger or acquaintance is a potential collaborator in your dream, and you are a potential collaborator in theirs. When we approach the community with curiosity instead of criticism, it changes the entire dynamic of how we interact with one another.
4. Dreams are the Roadmap
Kermit often says that “dreams are how we figure out where we want to go, and then life is how we get there”. Dreams provide the direction, even when the path itself gets difficult.
We see this currently in the Disney Parks, as the Muppets pivot from their traditional theater roles to a new experience at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets. While the format has changed, the dream of making people happy remains the compass that guides them.
Write Your Own Ending
At the end of The Muppet Movie, Kermit reminds us that life is like a movie and we should “write our own ending”. We may not control every variable, but we can choose our mission and our collaborators.
What is the one dream you’ve stopped pretending is possible? Perhaps it’s time to revisit it, find an “old friend you just met” to help, and start dreaming again.
Keep believing, keep pretending, and we’ll see you in the parks!
