Kermit the Frog loses his voice as puppeteer quits role after 30 years

The puppeteer who has voiced and controlled the Muppets’ Kermit the Frog has departed the show after nearly 30 years, according to reports.

Steve Whitmire has been the man behind the lovably nasal character since 1990 in the various Muppets TV programmes and films but, according to US media, has left theroleandwillbereplacedby puppeteer Matt Vogel.

Hollywood entertainment news website Deadline said that a Muppets Studio spokesman confirmed the news of Mr Whitmire’s departure along with Mr Vogel’s new position. 0 Kermit will be voiced by a new puppeteer next week

The news was first reported by Muppets fan site Tough Pigs, who said that it also had Mr Whitmire’s exit confirmed.

The reason for the Kermit star’s departure has not been revealed.

Tough Pigs additionally claimed that fans can expect to see Mr Vogel’s first outing as Kermit in a Muppets Thought of the Week video next week.

Mr Whitmire had been in control of Kermit since 1990 following the death of Muppets creator Jim Henson. He had also voiced Ernie of the beloved Sesame Street double act Bert and Ernie.

He had worked on the Muppets since 1978 and over the years has portrayed Rizzo the Rat and several Fraggle Rock characters, as well as appearing in Henson film projects such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.