Kermit the Frog's Next Role: World Traveler

Kermit the Frog's Next Role: World Traveler

BURBANK, California, September 27/PRNewswire/ --

- World's Most Beloved Frog Celebrates 50 Years in Entertainment With 50-Stop Global Tour

One Frog. One Planet. Fifty Years. Put them together and you have the hoppiest celebration on Earth. To honor the 50th anniversary of his meteoric rise from the swamp to international icon, The Muppets Holding Company today announced that Kermit the Frog is taking his celebration on the road with a whirlwind tour of 50 destinations around the globe. The world's most beloved frog will kick off his worldwide adventure on October 14 in the aptly named town of Kermit, Texas.

"Kermit the Frog has not only transcended genres, he has entertained generations of fans for more than five decades," said Chris Curtin, general manager and vice president, The Muppets Holding Company, LLC. "For someone who has touched the hearts of millions, it only seems fit that we honor Kermit with the grandest of celebrations."

Through the end of 2006, Kermit will meet fans and participate in major events, visit famous attractions, and enjoy local celebrations in 50 destinations, touching down in numerous countries across four continents. The globe-hopping star will see renowned monuments such as the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China, among others. Our ever-youthful frog will touch down at NASA's Johnson Space Center, brave a Frog Leg Festival in Fellsmere, Fla., as well as run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Other activities will include a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland, a performance with the Rockettes and Kermit's first-ever USO appearance, where he'll bring a smile to service men and women abroad.

"Kermit is truly an international star, with a fan base that reaches the far corners of the globe," added Dave Burchianti, director of marketing, The Muppets Holding Company. "We're taking Kermit's celebration to places both far and near -- and everywhere in between."

Those who can't meet Kermit frog-to-face along his journey can follow him on Muppets.com. Fans will be able to download pictures and videos, as well as review Kermit's memories and adventures in an online journal -- his "Frog Blog." Truly a frog of the people, Kermit will allow his beloved fans around the world to determine his final destination via an online vote.

The Muppets have geared up for Kermit's World Tour with a "rainbow connection" of activities and promotions to celebrate their favorite frog's 50th Anniversary.

- The Muppet Show - Season One DVD Box Set -- In August, the Muppets released the first season of their hit television show, "The Muppet Show," on DVD for the first time in its entirety since its original broadcast in 1976. Delighting fans both old and new, "The Muppet Show" Season One quickly rocketed to the top of the sales charts, reaching number one on Amazon.com.

- Celebrity T-shirt Designs Honoring Kermit's 50 Years in Show Business -- Some of today's hottest celebrities teamed up with Kermit the Frog to inspire designs of one-of-a-kind T-shirts. The tees are being auctioned off through the end of the year to benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Celebrity participants included Robert DeNiro, Quentin Tarantino, Jennifer Garner, Kelly Ripa, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, Virginia Madsen, Tony Hawk, and Jimmy Johnson.

- "It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider" Hits Stores Shelves -- On September 15, Hyperion Publishing released the book "It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider." With commentary from some of Jim Henson's most well-known characters, such as Kermit the Frog, the book provides insight into the philosophy and humor that was essential to Henson's creations.

- Commemorative Postage Stamp -- On September 28, the United States Postal Service will issue a commemorative stamp collection in honor of the late Jim Henson and the Muppets. For the first time ever, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sam the Eagle, Statler & Waldorf, The Swedish Chef, Animal, Bunsen and Beaker, Rowlf and the Great Gonzo will be featured on postage stamps.

For more information about Kermit the Frog's 50th Anniversary activities, visit www.muppets.com.

About the Muppets

The Muppets deliver smiles and laughter to the world through heartwarming characters and stories inspired by the art of puppetry. Led by Kermit the Frog, the Muppets are a broadly appealing global franchise built on 50 years of original, award-winning entertainment that includes 44 Emmy nominations, six feature films, and The Muppet Show which captured over 235 million weekly viewers worldwide. The Muppets are true celebrities, with Kermit the Frog having his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the past year, under the management of The Walt Disney Company, the Muppets have been embraced by millions of people as part of a global re-launch of the beloved franchise that will culminate in the release of significant filmed entertainment projects. This year marks Kermit the Frog's 50th anniversary, a major milestone The Muppets will honor through a 15-month worldwide celebration that kicks off in October 2005 with Kermit's World Tour. Visit www.muppets.com for more news and information.

About Muppets Holding Company

The Muppets Holding Company, LLC (MHC) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). MHC was established in April 2004 when The Walt Disney Company purchased the Muppets from The Jim Henson Company. MHC's mission is to ensure that this beloved, world-class brand franchise entertains audiences of all ages by leveraging Disney's best creative resources and worldwide distribution platforms. MHC plans to develop new content in all arenas, including television, feature films, music, stage plays and theme parks, and to enhance the Muppets global licensing and distribution presence.

Contact: Corie Jackson Porter Novelli +1-310-444-7027

Web site: http://www.muppets.com

Source: The Muppets Holding Company

Corie Jackson of Porter Novelli, +1-310-444-7027, for The Muppets Holding Company

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