Anecdotes

Shares the same birthday (September 24) as original Kermit the Frog Jim Henson.

Performed beloved Muppets Kermit the Frog from 1990, following Jim Henson's passing, through October 2016, when Whitmire was let go from his role with the Muppets, as confirmed by Disney.

Was nicknamed Kermit in his youth because he aspired to become a puppeteer and even performed with a Kermit which he made. His high school yearbook even has the name "Kermit" on the front cover.

He and Dave Goelz are the only Muppeteers to have been featured in all 8 theatrical Muppet movies (The Muppet Movie (1979), Les Muppets à Londres (1981), Les Muppets attaquent Broadway (1984), Noël chez les Muppets (1992), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), Les Muppets dans l'espace (1999), Les Muppets (2011) and Les Muppets 2 (2014)). Goelz and Whitmire also contributed to the two theatrical Sesame Street movies (Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird (1985) and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999)) and the two fantasy Henson-company theatrical productions (Le cristal magique (1982) and Labyrinthe (1986)).

Once received a plaque from Brian Henson in recognition of Steve performing Kermit for three and a half hours non-stop, during a public appearance.

Had a dream about meeting Jim Henson in a hotel lobby, assuring him that Steve's nervousness about performing Kermit the Frog would pass. The next morning, Steve was confident and able to record the Kermit voiceovers for The Muppet Christmas Carol.