Back in 1957, Wilkins Coffee hired a young Jim Henson to create a series of 10 second TV spots to pitch their products. In total, Henson produced 179 spots from 1957-1961 featuring the character of Wilkins, who liked the coffee, and the grumpy Wontkins who hated the coffee.
The spots are notable in that Wilkins would often commit a serious act of violence against Wontkins, ranging from blowing him up to nearly decapitating him. The spots also give a glimpse into the origins of the Muppet characters we know today. Listen closely and you’ll hear traces of Kermit in Wilkins.
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Tags: Jim Henson, Muppets, Wilkins Coffee, Wontkins