Frank Oz
Biography
Frank Oz, originally named Richard Frank Oznowicz, was born on May 25, 1944, in England. He later moved to the United States, where he carved out a remarkable career as a film director, actor, voice actor, and puppeteer. Oz is best celebrated for his iconic contributions to The Muppet Show, where he brought to life beloved characters such as Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear.
In addition to his work on television, Oz has made a significant impact in the film industry. He directed the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors, a musical adaptation that garnered acclaim for its inventive storytelling and memorable performances. His directorial skills were further showcased in the comedy hit Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which became a staple in the genre.
Beyond his directorial endeavors, Oz is also renowned for his role as the puppeteer and voice of Yoda in the legendary Star Wars saga, a character that has become a cultural icon and is pivotal to the franchise’s legacy. Throughout his career, Frank Oz has received numerous accolades for his contributions to film and television, solidifying his status as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry. His talents span generations, making him a beloved figure among fans of all ages.
Filmography
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Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
2011 • Self
Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas
1996 • Cookie Monster (voice)
The Great Muppet Caper
1981 • Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Sam the Eagle / Animal (voice)
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
2015 • Self
Knives Out
2019
Labyrinth
1986
Jim Henson Idea Man
2024 • Self
A Muppet Family Christmas
1987 • Miss Piggy / Fozzy Bear / Animal / Sam the Eagle / Bert / Grover / Cookie Monster
Follow That Bird
1985 • Cookie Monster / Bert / Grover / Additional Muppets (voice)
The Muppets Take Manhattan
1984 • Miss Piggy / Fozzie / Animal / Bert / Cookie Monster / Ocean Breeze Soap Board Member / Sam the Eagle (voice)
The Dark Crystal
1982 • Aughra, a Keeper of Secrets / Chamberlain
Blues Brothers 2000
1998 • Warden
The Muppet Movie
1979 • Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam the Eagle / Doc Hopper's Men / Marvin Suggs / Swedish Chef (hands) / Motorcycle Guy (voice)
Muppet Treasure Island
1996 • Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Sam the Eagle / Animal (voice)
The Muppet Christmas Carol
1992 • Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit / Fozzie Bear as Fozziewig / Sam the Eagle as Headmaster of Junior High Graduates / Animal / George the Janitor / Horse and Carriage Driver / Vegetable Salesman (voice)
Muppets from Space
1999 • Miss Piggy / Fozzie Bear / Animal / Sam the Eagle (voice)
Spies Like Us
1985 • Test Monitor
A Sesame Street Christmas Carol
2006 • Bert (voice) (archive footage)
Sesame Street: Elmo's Potty Time
2006 • Grover (voice)
Zathura: A Space Adventure
2005 • Robot (voice)
Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street
2021 • Self (archive footage)
Return of the Ewok
1982 • Yoda (voice)