James Frawley, the Muppet movie
[Photo via YouTube]

‘The Muppet Movie’ director James Frawley dies at 82

The Muppet Movie director, James Frawley has passed away at 82. The veteran Hollywood director also worked on other projects such as the Monkees television show.

According to the Desert Sun, Frawley passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22 due to a heart attack in his Indian Wells home in California. Additionally, his wife, Cynthia Frawley, he was also fighting a serious lung condition, following a smoking habit that went on for years.

As the son of William Frawley (I Love Lucy), Frawley got his start in Hollywood very young. Frawley soon made appearances on The Seasons of Youth, Gunsmoke, The Outer Limits and Perry Mason.

However, Frawley found his passion behind the camera when he started directing the Monkees in 1966. Frawley got his next big break when he was asked by the Muppets creator Jim Henson asked him to direct the Muppet Movie in 1979.

Additionally, Frawley worked on later television series such as the Big Easy and Judging Amy in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.

Frawley was also known to give support and encouragement to up-and-coming female directors in Hollywood. According to the Desert Sun, Frawley was recognized by the Palm Springs Women in Film and Television in 2011.

“It came very naturally to me,” Frawley said of his recognition. “I understand women, I think. I understand their challenged and their problems. I was an early feminist and I encouraged young female directors. I hired them on Judging Amy.”

Our thoughts are with Frawley’s friends and family at this time.

See more: In memoriam: Musicians we lost in 2019

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