‘The Muppet Movie’ Figure Dead at 98: RIP to Richard L. O’Connor

A movie/TV pro who is credited on one of the greatest comedies ever made has sadly passed on.

Richard L. O’Connor, who is credited on The Muppet Movie and its sequel The Great Muppet Caper, died on July 22 in Palm Desert, California, per an obituary. He was 98.

O’Connor helped bring the iconic 1979 comedy, the first feature to including Jim Henson’s Muppets, to the big screen, credited as the executive in charge of production. He also served as a production executive on the aforementioned 1981 sequel.

His long list of film credits also includes On Golden Pond (1981), Angels in the Endzone, The Legend of the Lone Ranger, Across 110th Street, Hard Country and All Quiet on the Western Front (1979). (On Golden Pond director Mark Rydell also recently passed away.)

O’Connor was a three-time Emmy nominee, winning once in the Outstanding Children’s Program category for producing A Mother’s Courage: The Mary Thomas Story. The TV movie was a biopic about NBA star Isaiah Washington’s mother, whom Alfre Woodard portrayed. He’s also credited for behind-the-scenes work on the iconic game show American Gladiators.

Loved ones held a funeral for the late executive on Aug. 8 at Chapel by the Sea in Fort Bragg, California.