Frank Oz

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Frank Oz (born May 25, 1944) is an American actor, puppeteer, director, and producer. He is best known for his work with Jim Henson's Muppets, as well as for his roles in various Star Wars films.

Early Life

Frank Oz was born Frank Richard Oznowicz in Hereford, England, to Isidore Oznowicz and Frances Oznowicz. His parents were both puppeteers and Holocaust survivors. The family moved to the United States when Oz was five years old, settling in Oakland, California.

Career

Puppeteering

Oz began his career as a puppeteer at the age of 19, joining Jim Henson's team in 1963. He is best known for performing characters such as Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and Sam the Eagle on The Muppet Show. He also performed Cookie Monster, Bert, and Grover on Sesame Street.

Film and Television

Oz has directed several successful films, including The Dark Crystal (1982), The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988), What About Bob? (1991), and Bowfinger (1999).

Star Wars

Oz is also known for his role as the voice and puppeteer of Yoda in the Star Wars franchise. He first performed Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and continued to perform the character in subsequent films, including Return of the Jedi (1983), The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Personal Life

Oz has been married twice and has four children. He continues to work in the entertainment industry, contributing to various projects as a director, producer, and voice actor.

Legacy

Frank Oz is widely regarded as one of the most influential puppeteers and filmmakers in the entertainment industry. His work with the Muppets and Star Wars has left a lasting impact on popular culture.

Related Pages

• Jim Henson
• The Muppet Show
• Sesame Street
• Yoda
• The Dark Crystal
• Little Shop of Horrors (1986 film)
• Star Wars