What was your nickname growing up?
Steve Whitmire, puppeteer for Kermit the Frog: I had several, but the most widespread was in high school when I was an obsessive Muppet fan. I was called “Kermit” because I built a crude copy of Kermit the Frog. Being “the puppet guy” turned out to be my niche during my teenage years.
Tom Resovich, Overland Park freshman: My dad was a teacher at my elementary school, so people used to call me Little Rez.
What are some of your hobbies?
S.W.: I love outdoor work and spend a great deal of time on a tractor managing land, which probably sounds weird for a guy who plays with puppets for a living.
T.R.: Bowling, basketball, football, chess, tabletop, ping-pong. I’m up for anything when the mood strikes.
Where would you love to visit the most?
S.W.: Since I travel so much for work, I like being at home, but I would like to visit Africa. I have been hearing for 20 years that I should make a point to go there because it is disappearing fast.
T.R.: Rome. I’m a history geek and I’m fascinated with Roman culture.
What is your favorite movie Kermit has been in?
S.W.: It’s a cross between The Muppet Movie, which was the first Muppet film and the first I worked on, and The Muppet Christmas Carol, which was the first film we did after Jim Henson’s death.
T.R.: Muppets in Space. It’s the one I always seem to recall because it’s so cheesy.
What do you do to stay eco-friendly?
S.W.: Remind myself and others, often through Kermit, the first step in preserving our world is to care for ourselves, our fellow human beings, and ultimately the planet as a whole.
T.R.: I walk, ride my bike, recycle any time I can and try to cut back on trash by making sure it gets eaten or disposed of properly.
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