description Wontkins Overview
Wontkins is a puppet character created by Jim Henson for a series of Wilkins Coffee advertising spots that began in 1957. He serves as the sceptical counterpart to Wilkins, the coffee supporter, and his refusal to drink the product is repeatedly followed by an exaggerated comic punishment or destruction. The short commercials are early examples of Henson's use of expressive hand puppets, rapid visual gags, and recurring character roles in advertising.
help Wontkins FAQ
Who created Wilkins and Wontkins for the coffee commercials?
Jim Henson created both puppets in 1957 for a series of Wilkins Coffee spots aired in the Washington, D.C. market. Wilkins eagerly endorses the coffee while Wontkins is the grumpy holdout.
What happens to Wontkins when he refuses to drink Wilkins Coffee?
His refusal is met with exaggerated comic violence, from cannon fire to clubs, delivered in spots that lasted only a few seconds. Henson reportedly produced well over a hundred of these short commercials.
Why are the Wilkins and Wontkins ads significant in Jim Henson's career?
They were among Henson's earliest and most successful commercial works, made nearly two decades before The Muppet Show, and taught him how effective sudden slapstick was in selling a product. He later reshot the same formulas for other regional sponsors.
Where can I watch the original Wilkins and Wontkins commercials?
Many of the surviving spots are preserved in Henson-related archives, including collections associated with the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, and numerous clips now circulate online. They remain a frequently cited chapter in the pre-Sesame Street history of the Muppets.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
