Frank Oz

Early life

Oz was born Frank Richard Oznowicz in Hereford, Herefordshire on May 25, 1944, the son of Belgian mother Frances (née Ghevaert; 1910–1989) and Dutch-Polish father Isadore "Mike" Oznowicz (1916–1998), both of whom were puppeteers who had moved to England when his father joined the Royal Netherlands Motorized Infantry Brigade. His mother was an ethnically Flemish Catholic and his father was Jewish.{{cite web |access-date=2011-09-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902152401/http://workprint.powweb.com/score/ozlatimes.html |archive-date=2011-09-02

The family left England when Oz was six months old, living in his mother's native Belgium until he was five. They then moved to the U.S. and settled in Montana in 1951, Oz attended Oakland Technical High School and Oakland City College. He worked as an apprentice puppeteer at Children's Fairyland as a teenager with the Vagabond Puppets, a production of the Oakland Recreation Department, where Lettie Connell was his mentor.

Career

Performing

Oz performed as a puppeteer with Jim Henson’s Muppets. As a teenager, he worked with the Vagabond Puppets at the Children's Fairyland of Oakland, which is how he first met Henson. He was 19 when he joined Henson in New York to work on the Muppets in 1963. His characters have included Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and Sam Eagle on The Muppet Show, and Cookie Monster, Bert and Grover on Sesame Street.

In addition to performing a variety of characters, Oz was one of the primary collaborators responsible for the development of the Muppets, known most notably for his chemistry with Jim Henson himself, performing in such pairings as: Ernie and Bert; Cookie Monster and Kermit the Frog; Kermit and Miss Piggy; Kermit and Fozzie Bear; Kermit and Grover; Ernie and Cookie Monster; Rowlf the Dog and Fozzie Bear; Rowlf and Miss Piggy, and The Swedish Chef (Henson performed the head and voice, with Oz normally operating the hands). Oz performed as a puppeteer in over 75 productions, including Labyrinth (as the Wiseman), video releases, and television specials, as well as countless other public appearances, episodes of Sesame Street, and other Jim Henson series. His puppetry work spans from 1963 to the present, although he semi-retired from performing his Muppets characters in 2001 (continuing to perform on Sesame Street on a yearly basis through 2012). In 2001 following his retirement, his characters were taken over by Eric Jacobson, with the exception of Cookie Monster, who was taken over by David Rudman.

Oz explained why he decided on leaving the Muppets in a 2007 interview:

Oz is the performer of Jedi Master Yoda from George Lucas' Star Wars series. Henson had originally been contacted by Lucas about performing Yoda. Henson was preoccupied, so he suggested Oz be assigned as the chief puppeteer of the character, as well as a creative consultant. Oz performed the puppet and provided the voice for Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Return of the Jedi (1983), Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), and Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017). Director Rian Johnson decided to return to using a puppet instead of using computer-generated imagery (CGI) in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), even using the original mold, because he felt CGI would not have worked as it was not true to the Yoda Luke knew in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Oz also provided the voice of a CGI Yoda in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005). The conversion to CGI was met with some criticism among fans, but Oz himself said that was "exactly what [Lucas] should have done." Oz voiced Yoda in Disney theme park attractions, including Star Tours–The Adventures Continue and within * Star Wars*: Galaxy's Edge as well as in the Star Wars Rebels episodes "Path of the Jedi" and "Shroud of Darkness".

Oz voiced Yoda in the 2020 Oculus Quest virtual reality game Tales from the Galaxy's Edge alongside original C-3PO performer Anthony Daniels.

He directed the 2017 documentary Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched in which he and other Muppet performers discuss working behind the scenes with Jim Henson and the Muppets.

Directing

Inspiration as a filmmaker came to Oz upon a viewing of the Orson Welles film Touch of Evil (1958), the director told Robert K. Elder in an interview for The Film That Changed My Life:

Oz began his behind-the-camera work when he co-directed the fantasy film The Dark Crystal with long-time collaborator Jim Henson (Oz also puppeteered Aughra and the Skeksis Chamberlain in the film). The film featured the most advanced puppets ever created for a movie. Oz further employed those skills in directing 1984's The Muppets Take Manhattan, as well as sharing a screenwriting credit.

In 1986, he directed his first film that did not involve Henson, Little Shop Of Horrors. The musical film starred Rick Moranis and Ellen Greene, as well as Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, John Candy, Christopher Guest, Jim Belushi and a 15-foot-tall talking plant (voiced by Levi Stubbs) which, at its ultimate size, required up to 60 puppeteers to operate. The film allowed Oz to show his ability to work with live actors and led to opportunities to direct films that did not include puppetry.

Usually helming comedic productions, Oz went on to direct Dirty Rotten Scoundrels in 1988, starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine; What About Bob? in 1991, starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss; and Housesitter in 1992, starring Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn (all of which were scored by Miles Goodman). Later films include The Indian in the Cupboard (1995), In & Out (1997), Bowfinger (1999), The Score (2001), the 2004 remake of The Stepford Wives, and the original Death at a Funeral (2007).

Oz has frequently experienced on-set tension while directing his films, notably during the productions of What About Bob?, In & Out, The Score and The Stepford Wives.

In 2016, Oz directed a one-man stage show titled In & Of Itself starring Derek DelGaudio, which had its world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse on May 16. In April 2017, with the financial backing by Neil Patrick Harris among others, the play began its Off-Broadway theatrical run, which was initially slated for 10 weeks, but ended up extending its run for 72 weeks. In October 2020, the streaming service Hulu purchased the rights to a live recording of the play, which debuted on January 22, 2021.

Unrealized projects

In the late 1980s, Oz was attached to direct a film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1922 short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" for Universal Pictures, with Martin Short slated to star. Oz dropped out of the project after he could not figure out how to make the story work.

Oz was approached by Paramount to direct the 1990 film Ghost after Paramount picked up the project. Screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin approved of his hiring as he liked his both Little Shop of Horrors and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, though Oz would eventually leave the film as he wanted to digitally erase Sam's shadow when he became a ghost, which would've massively inflated the budget.

Oz was also going to direct the 1990 film Mermaids after Lasse Hallström dropped out of the project. However, Oz also left the project due to creative differences and was ultimately replaced by Richard Benjamin. Oz reportedly did not get along with Cher, who starred in the film.

It was reported in 1992 that Oz was slated to direct a film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for The Geffen Film Company. Oz also planned to direct an unmade film titled Swing Vote before directing Dreamgirls.

In the late 1990s, it was reported that Oz was going to direct either Sylvester Stallone or Bruce Willis in an unmade film titled Ump for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Oz claimed in a 2007 interview with The A.V. Club that he turned down the offer to direct Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). However, Oz later retracted his statement about turning down the project in a 2021 interview. "No, they didn't offer it to me. They asked me if I was interested. So it wasn't really an offer."

In 2006, Dick Cook hired Oz to write and direct The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made for Walt Disney Pictures. However, Disney passed on the project in favor of Jason Segel's script for what would become The Muppets following Cook's departure from the studio.

In 2013, it was reported that Oz was to direct Billy Crystal in an unmade film titled Winter’s Discontent.

Acting

As an actor, Oz appeared in one scene as a Corrections Officer in The Blues Brothers (1980), directed by John Landis. He appeared in a similar role and scene in Trading Places (1983), also directed by Landis. He had roles in several other Landis films including An American Werewolf in London (1981), Spies Like Us (1985), Innocent Blood (1992), and Blues Brothers 2000 (1998). In 2001, he had a voice acting role in the Pixar film Monsters, Inc. as Randall's scare assistant, Fungus. In 2005, he had a minor part in the Columbia film Zathura as the voice of the robot. He played a lawyer in the 2019 film Knives Out.

Oz played a surgeon in scenes cut from the theatrical release of Superman III.{{cite web

When Oz does not appear in a Landis film, his name is often spoken in the background. During airport scenes in Into the Night and Coming to America, there are announcements on the PA system for "Mr. Frank Oznowicz".

Personal life

Oz married Robin Garsen in 1979 and they divorced in 2005. He maintained a residence in England for nine years, and lives in Manhattan as of 2012.

Filmography

Film

Filmmaking credits

Director

Producer

• The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
• Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched (2017)

Executive producer

• The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
• Muppet Treasure Island (1996)

Television

As director

Video games

Awards and nominations

References

References

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2. "Frank Oz". AllMusic.
3. (2021-05-16). "The Jim Henson Legacy - A Conversation with Frank Oz at the Museum of the Moving Image".
4. "Frank Oz Biography". Yahoo! Movies.
5. "The Wizard of Score".
6. Arnold, William. (June 8, 2007). "Director Frank Oz takes a new tack with low-budget dark comedy, 'Death at a Funeral'". [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]].
7. [https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/a-hitler-puppet-stashed-in-frank-ozs-oakland-attic-tells-his-familys-holocaust-story/ A Hitler puppet stashed in Frank Oz’s Oakland attic tells his family’s Holocaust story]
8. (December 10, 2024). "Frank Oz over tentoonstelling 'Op de vlucht voor Hitler'".
9. Plume, Kenneth. (18 February 2000). "Interview with Frank Oz (Part 1 of 4)".
10. Rabin, Nathan. (16 August 2007). "Frank Oz". [[The A.V. Club]].
11. (9 June 1980). "Yoda Mania".
12. (February 5, 2011). "Children's Fairyland". The New York Times.
13. "International Puppet Museum: Lettie Connell Schuburt". Puppetrymuseum.org.
14. (2021-08-30). "Frank Oz on life as Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and Yoda: 'I'd love to do the Muppets again but Disney doesn't want me'".
15. Mailman, Erika. (2010-09-16). "Looking Back: Muppet man Oz got the start at Children's Fairyland in Oakland".
16. Sauer, Patrick. (2018-08-13). "A Theory About Muppet Master Frank Oz".
17. "Our Founders". The Jim Henson Company.
18. Kamp, David. (March 14, 2018). "Frank Oz on His New Muppet Documentary, Miss Piggy's Troubled Past, and More".
19. Setoodeh, Ramin. (11 March 2014). "How Kermit and the Muppets Got Their Mojo Back". Variety.
20. Lloyd, Robert. (May 16, 2015). "If Harry Shearer leaves 'The Simpsons,' what will happen? Just ask Bugs Bunny". Los Angeles Times.
21. (2007-08-07). "Capone With Frank Oz About Death at a Funeral, What Went Wrong On Stepford, And (Of Course)...".
22. Jones, Brian Jay. (2016). "Jim Henson: The Biography". Random House.
23. Gray, Tim. (January 15, 2018). "Rian Johnson Answers All Your Spoilery 'Star Wars' Questions About Luke And That Surprise Cameo". Variety.
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26. (2011-05-10). "Countdown to an All-New Star Tours". The Walt Disney Company.
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36. (2 October 2003). "Nicole Kidman-Frank Oz's Tense Remake".
37. (16 March 2016). "Frank Oz To Helm World Premiere of Derek DelGaudio's: In & Of Itself".
38. Cox, Gordon. (13 February 2017). "Magic Show Produced by Neil Patrick Harris and Directed by Frank Oz to Open Off Broadway". Variety.
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40. Chitwood, Adam. (3 January 2019). "The Curious Development History of 'Benjamin Button'".
41. Cheney, Jen. (29 May 2009). "The story behind 'Benjamin Button'". Los Angeles Times.
42. [https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/ghost-screenwriter-bruce-joel-rubin-making-of-1235008913/ Harrison Ford Turned Down ‘Ghost,’ Frank Oz Almost Directed, and More Behind-the-Scenes Stories]
43. Yglesias, Linda. (17 December 1990). "Getting Along Swimmingly". [[Chicago Tribune]].
44. Hinson, Hal. (14 December 1990). "'Mermaids' (PG-13)". [[The Washington Post]].
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46. Murphy, Ryan. (15 November 1992). "A look inside Hollywood and the movies: Development Hell : 'Interview With a Vampire' and 'Dreamgirls' Looking Good to Ascend". Los Angeles Times.
47. Fleming, Michael. (6 January 1997). "Stallone pumped about 'Ump'".
48. (25 June 1998). "Willis may swing at 'Ump'".
49. (24 December 1999). "Bruce Willis May Be Out, But Movie 'Ump' Still On". [[Orlando Sentinel]].
50. Campbell, .Ramsey. (23 August 2001). "MGM Studio Still Pitching Idea of Filming 'Ump'". Orlando Sentinel.
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55. Tartaglione, Nancy. (May 13, 2013). "Cannes: Billy Crystal, Frank Oz Suit Up For Leisure Community Comedy 'Winter's Discontent'".
56. Paquette, Danielle. (12 July 2012). "Frank Oz speaks – but not as Yoda or Miss Piggy". The Los Angeles Times.
57. de Semlyen, Nick. (2019). "Wild and Crazy Guys: How the Comedy Mavericks of the '80s Changed Hollywood Forever". [[Broadway Books]].
58. Paquette, Danielle. (July 26, 2012). "Frank Oz speaks – but not as Yoda or Miss Piggy". [[Los Angeles Times]].
59. (May 20, 2015). "Pixar's 'Inside Out' Cast Includes Some Awesome Voice Cameos (Spoilers)". Stitch Kingdom.
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61. McHenry, Jackson. (December 20, 2015). "Obi-Wan and Yoda make a brief appearance in The Force Awakens…".
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63. "Muppet Guys Talking–Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched".
64. (March 7, 2024). "Disney and Pixar's 'Inside Out 2' Reveals New Trailer and Voice Cast".
65. "Frank Oz – Awards".