ToughPigs is deeply saddened to learn that Arthur Novell, Jim Henson’s public relations director and one of the founding members of the board of The Jim Henson Legacy, has passed away at the age of 89.
Through his firm, Markham/Novell Communications, he served as The Jim Henson Company’s PR head for nineteen years. Additionally, he took on the role of a liaison to the guest stars on Muppets Tonight. Similar to what David Lazer did on The Muppet Show, Novell would make sure guests were comfortable and prepared to work on a Muppet production by showing them how to navigate the elevated sets and keep their eye focus on the puppets during takes. As a token of gratitude, he was caricatured as Arthur Modell, a Muppet contestant on “Swift Wits” in the Pierce Brosnan episode.
When The Jim Henson Legacy was established, Novell was one of the people chosen by Jane Henson to be on the board of directors. The Legacy continues to educate the public about Jim Henson’s life and work and search for archival material from his career that may not be in The Jim Henson Company archives. The Legacy is responsible for the “Jim Henson’s World” screening series at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, New York as well as various events and exhibitions around the world.
On a personal note, we were lucky to have interacted with Novell many times throughout the years. He was always incredibly friendly, quick with a laugh, and a devoted ally to anything and everything Henson-related. That dedication extended beyond just The Jim Henson Legacy, through the current and former employees of the Henson worlds, and into the Muppet fan community. We are honored to have known him.
We are grateful for Arthur Novell’s efforts for Muppet alumni and fans everywhere.
Click here to help us remember Arthur Novell on the ToughPigs Discord!
by Matthew Soberman – [email protected]
