James Maury "Jim" Henson (September 24, 1936 May 16, 1990), was one of the most widely known puppeteers in American history. He was the creator of The Muppets. He was the leading force behind their long run in the television series Sesame Street and The Muppet Show and films such as The Muppet Movie (1979) and creator of advanced puppets for projects like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and Return of the Jedi. He was also an Oscar-nominated film director, Emmy Award-winning television producer, and the founder of The Jim Henson Company, the Jim Henson Foundation, and Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Henson's sudden death on May 16, 1990, of streptococcus pneumonia resulted in an outpouring of public and professional affection. There have since been numerous tributes and dedications in his memory. Henson s companies, which are now run by his children, continue to produce films and television shows. On September 26, 1992, Henson was posthumously awarded the Courage of Conscience Award for being a "Humanitarian, muppeteer, producer and director of films for children that encourage tolerance, interracial values, equality and fair play."