Many of the muppets, who also star on Sesame Street are, not all that surprisingly, based on actual people. Oscar the Grouch’s voice for instance is inspired by a grumpy taxi driver in New York:

Oscar the Grouch is performed by the same guy who does Big Bird, Carroll Spinney. Spinney said he based Oscar’s cranky voice on a particular New York cab driver he once had the pleasure of riding with. He was originally an alarming shade of orange. In Pakistan, his name is Akhtar and he lives in an oil barrel. In Turkey, he is Kirpik and lives in a basket. And in Israel, it’s not Oscar at all – it’s his cousin, Moishe Oofnik, who lives in an old car.

Hmm, what our toys get up to when we’re not watching… is it just me, or do I get the feeling someone especially doesn’t like Kermit the Frog?

Jim Henson is without a doubt one of the most well known puppeteers in the world. You would think that being one of his most famous creations and favorite puppets would have obvious upsides but that isn’t entirely true. Kermit’s high profile has lead to some questionable behavior from the loudmouth frog and has drawn the ire of his colleagues, often leading to bloody altercations.

Probably not suitable for younger eyes.