Richard frank oznowicz biography definition

American director and puppeteer. Frank Richard Oznowicz was born in England on May 25, 1944. His parents Isidore (known to all as Mike) and Frances Oznowicz were amateur puppeteers in their native Belgium.

Richard frank oznowicz biography definition wikipedia

They emigrated to the United States in 1951, settling in Oakland, California. Mike and Frances were active in the American puppet community, taking leadership roles in local and national organizations.

With the help of his parents, Frank Oz began puppeteering at age 12, performing at birthday parties, fairs, church bazaars, and anywhere else so that he could earn extra money while still going to school.

At the same time, Frank apprenticed for several years at the puppet theater at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, California, guided by Dorothy Hayward.

After his time at Children’s Fairyland, Frank assisted Jerryl Juhl (future Muppets head writer) at The Vagabond Puppets, a three-person troupe which would take a puppet trailer from school