Frank Oz

Royalty of puppetry, Frank Richard Oznowicz, was born to esteemed puppeteers Frances and Isidore Oznowicz in Hereford, England before his family eventually settled in Oakland, California. As a teenager, he honed his craft as an apprentice puppeteer at Children's Fairyland amusement park. His talents would later be put on full display with his involvement in the production of Jim Henson's Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and over 75 other Muppet productions. His star shone even brighter when George Lucas personally selected him to play the part of Yoda in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and subsequently provided the voice and puppet of the Jedi Master in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002), Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008). Frank Richard Oznowicz is truly a beloved figure in the puppet world and beyond.