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Lord Lew Grade - December 13, 1998

The Muppets have lost a true friend. The one who gave them the chance to become "the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, muppetational" thing in the world. Lord Lew Grade believed in Jim Henson and the Muppets right from the beginning, even after all three American networks rejected a proposal to produce what would become "The Muppet Show." Grade did not. In fact he never had a written contract with Jim, they agreed with a handshake and a promise.

Through his company ATV and his involvement in the film industry, the larger-than-life mogul was associated with The Muppets, Jesus of Nazareth, Crossroads, The Saint, The Persuaders, Robin Hood, William Tell, The Buccaneers, Thunderbirds and Sunday Night at the Palladium.

Legendary television and film tycoon Lord Lew Grade died at aged 91. Lew was a gentleman of his word. He always believed in integrity, and was well-known for such agreements.