Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1944-05-25
- Born Place: Hereford, Herefordshire, England, UK
Also Known As:
Фрэнк Оз, فرانک اوز, Richard Frank Oznowicz
Frank Oz
Frank Oz is an iconic figure in American entertainment, renowned as a puppeteer, voice actor, filmmaker, and actor. Born Frank Richard Oznowicz in Hereford, England, on May 25, 1944, to puppeteer parents who were Holocaust refugees, his family moved to the United States when he was five, eventually settling in Oakland, California. Oz began puppeteering at a young age and, in 1963, joined Jim Henson and The Jim Henson Company, a partnership that would define much of his early career.Oz became an integral part of "The Muppet Show" and "Sesame Street," bringing to life some of the most beloved and memorable puppet characters. His legendary voice and puppetry performances include Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and Sam Eagle from "The Muppet Show," and Cookie Monster, Bert, and Grover from "Sesame Street." His ability to imbue these characters with distinct personalities and humor made them cultural touchstones.Beyond the Muppets, Oz achieved global recognition for his portrayal of Yoda in George Lucas's "Star Wars" saga, starting with "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980). He performed the puppet and provided the distinctive voice for the wise Jedi Master, a role he reprised in subsequent films and series.Transitioning into directing, Oz co-directed "The Dark Crystal" (1982) with Jim Henson, showcasing his talent behind the camera. He went on to direct numerous live-action films, often bringing his comedic sensibilities and a keen eye for character to the screen. His directorial credits include critically acclaimed movies such as "Little Shop of Horrors" (1986), "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (1988), "What About Bob?" (1991), "In & Out" (1997), "Bowfinger" (1999), and "Death at a Funeral" (2007).Oz has also had various acting roles in live-action films, including cameos in movies directed by John Landis like "The Blues Brothers" and "Trading Places," and more recently in "Knives Out." He continues to be a respected voice in the entertainment industry, with a legacy built on bringing joy and unforgettable characters to audiences worldwide.
