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TRANSCRIPT OF ON-LINE CHAT WITH KERMIT THE FROG
February 13, 1996
7:00 p.m. VIA America On-Line

This is the transcript of USA WEEKEND's auditorium chat with the famous Muppet TV and movie star Kermit the Frog, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 1996. Kermit talked about his new movie and TV show and the rumored romance between his green self and the mega-star Miss Piggy.

USAWdierck : Hi, all, and welcome to our special "Between WEEKENDS" auditorium. ...I'm Dierck Casselman of USA WEEKEND, your host today. Hard to believe that Kermit the Frog made his TV debut 40 years ago on Steve Allen's "Tonight Show" (parents, were any of you viewers?) He got his big break in 1969, when he and his Muppet friends joined the cast of "Sesame Street." Seven years later, the prime-time hit "The Muppet Show" catapulted the mild-mannered amphibian to superstardom in more than 100 countries. Feature films followed, as did the ultimate tribute, a Frog balloon in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Kermit appears in his fifth feature film with "Muppet Treasure Island," a retelling of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic which opens this weekend. Kermit plays Captain Smollett, with Tim Curry as Long John Silver and mega-star Miss Piggy as the comely Benjamina Gunn. In fact, Kermit, a huge number of people out there want you to clarify your relationship with that certain icon of porcine pulchritude -- and we're not talking Babe here! :-) We think it would be terrific for you to use this evening before Valentine's Day to tell us once and for all: Is there a romance between you and Miss Piggy? -- We'll ask Kermit that, but stay tuned audience. We'll ask you, too: We'll vote on what romantic course you think our favorite storm-tossed co-stars should plot, as it were. But first, Kermit, a heartfelt welcome to you from your many fans online.

Comment : Happy Valentine's Day (early) Kermit

KermtTheFr : Well, thank you very much! It's a pleasure to be here!

USAWdierck : OK, now. On to the question of the moment ... CORNINGS, BJ1018, Cubsomine, ESSAMMOT, JdBKR487, HardeeFam, KRACKED2, Chasemastr, Kolbas, COSMICSAL, FR Star, SWard10598, Watson15, TVDUDEAZ, STAGE54, BSE 7, MRK1001 each asked our message board whether you and Miss Piggy were involved romantically. Once and for all, how would you characterize your relationship?

KermtTheFr : Miss Piggy and I have a professional acting relationship. I act like a professional, and she acts like we are having a relationship.

Comment : kermit we have missed not having you on TV!!

USAWdierck : But what do you say to HMeyerson who asks, "are you playing hard to get? if so, I don't think your tactic is working. Miss Piggy's ready to find another frog."

KermtTheFr : Actually, my tactic is working just fine. Seriously, I have great affection for Miss Piggy, and I prefer to keep our relationship private.

Comment : It's not easy being green

USAWdierck : That leads to BSE 7's question: "Kermit Babe, does the lovely piggy annoy you as much as it seems?"

KermtTheFr : Sometimes, BSE7, she annoys me more than it seems.

USAWdierck : Does that mean you can't answer Estralla Lucero's question: "Is Miss Piggy a good kisser?"

KermtTheFr : I have kissed Miss Piggy, and she is a very good kisser... for a pig.

USAWdierck : How about Susan, age 7, who watches your videos with her mom ... "What are you going to get Ms. Piggy for Valentine's Day? Are you going to send her a Valentine card?"

KermtTheFr : Susan, usually Miss Piggy likes chocolate on Valentine's Day, it's just a factor of how much I can afford.

Comment : Miss Piggy and Gonzo and Fozzie ( wokka wokka Wokka) say hi

KermtTheFr : I didn't know they could type.

USAWdierck : BrysonMai asks ... "Kermit, When will your new shows" Muppets Tonight" and "Aliens in the Family" start on ABC?

KermtTheFr : They'll start on March 8th. Check your local listing for times.

Comment : Kermit is Cool!

USAWdierck : Can you tell us more about Muppets Tonight? Is it like your show in the late '70s?

KermtTheFr : It's like the old show, only new. Instead of running a vaudeville theatre we're running a TV station now.

Comment : Hiya Kermie! I'm a HUGE fan!!

Comment : Kermit...You are my best friend!

Question : Who's your favorite human actor?

KermtTheFr : If you ask me my favorite inhuman actor, I could give you an answer. I don't just like to pick just one, but I've always enjoyed Jimmy Stewart movies and I like Tom Hanks. I tend to like actors who play everyman roles -- or in my case, everyfrog roles.

USAWdierck : STAGE54 asks, "Why don't we see you in more movies? How is ms. piggy today? What makes you so green? Thanks for your answers. signed ty/troy"

KermtTheFr : Well, let's start on the first part. I get a lot of offers to play the title role in the Frog Prince. But I don't take them, cause I usually like to end a movie as the same species as I was when I started. I was disappointed I wasn't offered one recent film. I'm probably the only actor who could have played myself in Toy Story. Miss Piggy is fine. And I don't know what makes me this green. I've always been this green. And sometimes it's not easy.

Comment : Kermit i've loved you since i was little

Comment : Kermit, I've been enjoying you since the early days on Sesame Street when you weren't even a frog yet!

Comment : AHHHH we love Kermit

USAWdierck : (Still no commitment on a romance from K, ty/troy. He's sorta slippery on that issue ... )

KermtTheFr : I'm sort of slippery all over. I am a frog, you know!

Comment : Kerrime is so ardoraboul/adoorable/!

USAWdierck : From Pfrogs .. Question : My daughter would like to know if there is any color you cannot wear with green!!

KermtTheFr : I like to think green goes with everything.

Comment : kermit I like your movies

USAWdierck : On to the new movie: Tell us about your role in "Muppet Treasure Island."

KermtTheFr : Well, I play Captain Smollett. He is the short, green captain of the ship. Actually, any character I play is usually short and green.

Comment : KERMIT-I AM YOUR BIGGEST FAN! I HAVE FROM A PEZ DISPENSER TO A FULL SIZE MUPPET OF YOU

KermtTheFr : Whoever said that...I would like to get a Pez dispenser of you!

OnlineHost : To send a question or Comment to Kermit, use the "Interact" button.

Question : Kermit, will you be making appearances around the country to promote the movie - will your friends be joining you if you do?

KermtTheFr : We've been doing a lot of interviews to promote the movie. We will be on Entertainment Tonight tomorrow. Or is that Entertainment Tomorrow tonight? And you'll be seeing us from time to time.

Comment : keeeermit, you are the best, when you are around I can never rest.

USAWdierck : From JuliaFam ...: What is the most under-rated thing about being a frog? : (He's thinking hard about this one, JuliaFam ...)

KermtTheFr : Ummmmm. It's usually easy to find a good meal. That is, if there are some good flies around.

USAWdierck : MarissaAM asks, "Kermit, I'm 18 years old and Fozzie Bear is my hero. Do you believe his jokes are really funny or do you find him an irresistible bear like i do?"

KermtTheFr : I think Fozzie is a very funny bear! Actually, I should say that Fozzie is a barely funny bear. Bbut he tries very hard. He's a very trying bear.

Comment : I think Kermit is funny!

USAWdierck : From Eng22 ... Question : Kermit - Me and my two daughters love you - Did it take you long to make this movie

KermtTheFr : It took us... well, it was about a three-month shoot, but a lot more time for editing and special effects.

Comment : Kermit please tell Brian that he is doing a wonderful thing by not letting the magic of the muppets die with his dad. It is easy to see that there is the same great talent and care for kids which when I was a child made me smile and now as a parent i am gl

USAWdierck : It appears to have a lot of action -- any harrowing moments during filming?

KermtTheFr : We used an elephant in a couple of scenes. And there was a close call in between shots, when Fozzie started doing his impression of a peanut.

Question : Did you do your own stunts or did you rely on a frog double?

KermtTheFr : I did all of my own stunts. It's hard to find a 3-foot-tall green stunt double.

Comment : Kermey.. I loved you 40 years ago, and I still want to have your baby..!

USAWdierck : From EvonneRos ...Is Tim Curry as cute in person?

KermtTheFr : Well, Tim is a great actor, a terrific gentleman, and as anyone who has seen The Rocky Horror Picutre Show knows, he looks good in lingerie.

USAWdierck : (Though you won't see him in lingerie in this picture :-) )

Comment : Kermit is sooo cool!

Comment : I Love you Kermie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

USAWdierck : From AMB 200 ... Question : Kermit. I love the muppets, and Beaker is my favorite. What's his role in the movie?

KermtTheFr : Beaker's role in the movie is the same as in everything we do. He is there as Bunsen Honeydew's assistant, and as such, gets a little abuse.

USAWdierck : A good question from RDBritt in this political year ... Question : Kermit, are you going to run for president?

KermtTheFr : RD, unfortunately, there is nothing in the Constitution about a frog being eligible to run for president. In fact, I'm not even sure I can vote.

Comment : i had the Kermit unpigged shirt untill some girl in my gym class ripped it. She kind of looks like miss Piggy.

KermtTheFr : I'm sorry to hear about your shirt! I'm even sorrier that someone in your gym class looks like Miss Piggy.

USAWdierck : What do you think, audience? Would you like to see Kermit and Miss Piggy become boyfriend and girlfriend -- or whatever? Click on your "interact" button, and type in the text field the number that corresponds to your answer. Wait for the polls to open, then send your opinion by clicking "Vote." Send the number 1 if you think Kermit and Miss Piggy would make a lovely couple. Send the number 2 if you think things are fine the way they are.

OnlineHost : POLLING IS IN EFFECT - THE POLLS ARE OPEN.

USAWdierck : Vote now. 1 or 2.

KermtTheFr : Do I get to vote?

USAWdierck : Sorry Kermit. If you're onstage, you must just sit and suffer.

Comment : you are really cool!

USAWdierck : Another question from Crzy IS o ...

Question : Are you planning any other movies?

KermtTheFr : We are! We don't know what they are going to be yet, but we are already working on coming up with some ideas. Miss Piggy wants us to do a prehistoric action adventure called Jurassic Pork.

Comment : kermit is the cutest thing alive we love you!!!

USAWdierck : Does she have a particular role in mind for herself?

KermtTheFr : Probably the biggest one!

USAWdierck : Well, that could be gigantic!

USAWdierck : From Donald62 ...

Question : Hi Kermit !! I have been a fan of the Muppets for years, But it seems Animal has been neglected. Does he appear in the new movie ?

KermtTheFr : Animal has a little role in the movie. It's hard to write a good part for someone who only has a vocabulary of only about 10 words.

Comment : Kermit, I'd just like to say that although I have met many frogs in my life, you are certainly the most awesome. Keep up the green (whoops - great) work!

USAWdierck : Have you all voted? 1. for a frog/pig romance, 2. for no romance, please.

KermtTheFr : And 3 for minding your own business!

Comment : I love your song, "It's Not Easy Being Green"!!!!

USAWdierck : From Stumpy600 ...Question : What is your last name Kermit?

KermtTheFr : Actually, it's Stumpy. Seriously, my last name is Frog. My first name is Kermit, my middle name is "the."... my last name is "Frog." I could show you my passport if you like.

Comment : I AM YOUR #1 FAN KERMIT SUSAN 5YEARS OLD OHIO

USAWdierck : PKUZINA wants to know ... Question : An Comments about the (Bert and Ernie) Muppet-knapping?

KermtTheFr : Yes. Those were just puppets. The real Ernie and Bert are still on Sesame Street. I spoke to them the other day and they're doing fine!

USAWdierck : Whew.

Comment : Hi Kermit my name is Lizzie. This is a good time to do this. I like your movies.

USAWdierck : A personal question from MLenh8460 ... Question : how old are you and where were you born

KermtTheFr : You answer first! I've been around for about 40 years, but one of the good things about being a Muppet is that you age pretty gracefully.

Comment : I think kermit would have been better in an action movie like universal soldier

USAWdierck : Yes, in fact someone on the message boards had a compliment on your complexion and wondered if you used a moisturizer.

KermtTheFr : No. Sometimes I have myself drycleaned, and an occasional vacuuming keeps me looking quite nice!

Comment : We want kermit!!

Comment : It would be great to see you in a James Bond-type role.

USAWdierck : From MaestroCa ... Question : On the muppet Show how do you pick the Guest star?

KermtTheFr : I would love to do a James Bond-type role. Maybe we could call it Goldenfrog, or The Frog With the Golden Gun, or perhaps, The Pig Who Loves Me.

USAWdierck : And, yes, the possibilities for La Piggy simply boggle the mind. You should produce, Kermit!

USAWdierck : Back to the question about the guests ... how do you choose them for your TV show?

Comment : think green!

KermtTheFr : Well, we think about people that we've always wanted to work with. For example, Michelle Pfeiffer is our first guest on Muppets Tonight. All of us have always wanted to work with her except maybe Miss Piggy. She was thinking of picketing the studio.

USAWdierck : Tension on the set, huh?

KermtTheFr : At one point, Miss Piggy and Michelle Pfeiffer were given the same dressing room. I would tell you what happened, but I was suddenly called away to another state.

USAWdierck : We're closing the poll. ...

USAWamelia : THE POLLS ARE NOW CLOSED.

USAWdierck : From StaMcC ... Question : Is the new movie your favorite?

KermtTheFr : It's hard to pick one favorite right now. It's my favorite of all Muppet movies that are opening Feb. 16th at a theater near you!

USAWdierck : Let's see how you voted, folks. Ready, USAWamelia?

USAWamelia : Let me dig them up

OnlineHost : **** Poll Results From the Auditorium ****

OnlineHost : amel.5.t

    Total Votes Cast:69

  1. 34 votes or 49%
  2. 33 votes or 47%
  3. 2 votes or 2%

USAWdierck : Wow! Almost evenly split.

Comment : hey kermit green rules

USAWdierck : 49 percent said get together you two! and 47 percent said they liked things the way they are.

USAWdierck : and 2 percent ... hmmm ... 3 wasn't an option, but I'll take that as a sign they don't want you and Miss Piggy to become involved. What do you think?

KermtTheFr : What is the margin for error? I will take it under advisement.

Comment : I always draw little of pictures of you when I'm bored of the Chemistry lecture for the day! I still havn't mastered Ms. Piggy...

Comment : Kermit, you are great you were my son's hero 12 years ago. you kept him busy while I got things done around the house I am forever greatful

USAWdierck : A request from 9-year-old Danny Walter, a 4th-grader in Pittsburgh, PA: "I was hoping you could help me with a homework assignment. have to interview a famous celebrity from New York, and I need to ask you a few questions. Please respond as soon as possible ...so that I may hand it in this week. Thank you!! (s) Danny ... #1) What part of New York do you live in?

KermtTheFr : I live in a split level lily pad overlooking Central Park. Actually, it's in Central Park. But I only live in New York part of the time. The rest of the time I spend in the swamp.

USAWamelia : BTW, all, "Muppet Treasure Island" premieres this weekend, but ...to get a preview, check out the movie's Web site. We have a link for you in the USA WEEKEND Online area. Keyword: USA WEEKEND ...

USAWdierck : " #2) What do you like most/least about New York?

KermtTheFr : The most, I'd say the culture. Least, there's not enough swamp land,but we're close enough to New Jersey, so it's okay!

USAWdierck : " #3) How do you like your job as an actor?

KermtTheFr : I love my job as an actor. When you're a frog your career options are somewhat limited. You usually end up in a biology class or a French restaurant, so I am very happy to be an actor.

Comment : I think Brian Henson is doing a great job.

USAWdierck : " #4) What would you do to make New York better?

KermtTheFr : That's an easy one. A few more flies, and a lot less traffic!

USAWdierck : Hope you're out there, Danny. Come back to keyword ChatSpot tomorrow for a transcript of today's event with Kermit!

Comment : I surfed to your version of surfin u s a.

USAWamelia : BTW, all, "Muppet Treasure Island" premieres this weekend, but to get a preview, check out the movie's Web site. We have a link for you in the USA WEEKEND Online area. Keyword: USA WEEKEND ...

USAWdierck : From STer48 ...Question : hi, i heard you have a new fragrance, could you tell me more about it?

KermtTheFr : It's called Amphibia. It's just a little something we had fun with at Christmas time.

Comment : My room is filled with Muppet posters.

USAWdierck : I'm afraid we're out of time, Kermit. Where did these 45 minutes go so quickly? Thank you for joining us ...

Comment : your my hero kermt

KermtTheFr : It was a lot of fun! Could you do me a favor, and not give those poll results to Miss Piggy? She doesn't need the extra propaganda.

USAWdierck : Will do, Kermit!

USAWamelia : We'll keep the results in deep archive.

KermtTheFr : Goodbye everyone! It was great talking to you!

USAWdierck : And thank you, audience. You've been terrific. ...Remember, you can check out the "Muppet Treasure Island" Web site at keyword USA WEEKEND -- click CELEB-SCAPE. For more USA WEEKEND events or transcripts from previous events, go to keyword Chat Spot. Thanks, all, and good night.

Comment : you are so cool Kermit!! i used to watch the Muppets show when i was little, your a great actor!!

Copyright 1996 USA WEEKEND. All rights reserved.


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