Henson's television career took off with his award-winning show "Sam and Friends." The show featured Muppets created and made by Henson and aired from 1955 to 1961. The Muppets included Kermit (right), Moldy Hay, Yorick, Harry and Sam (left). Henson didn't start there though! He had his debut in 1954 on WTOP-TV's "Junior Morning Show." This opportunity arrived when his high school puppet club was invited to audition.(Courtesy of The Jim Henson Company)