Kirk Thatcher, the designer behind the iconic characters of the ABC sitcom 'Dinosaurs,' recently shared insights into the production's complex technical origins and its connection to Jim Henson's final creative works, according to a report by polygon.com.
The series, which aired for four seasons and 65 episodes, featured a prehistoric family living 60 million years ago. While the show is remembered for catchphrases like "Not the mama!", Thatcher revealed the project's development was deeply tied to Henson's final days.
Thatcher worked on two rounds of designs with Henson before the puppeteer's sudden death in May 1990. "I did two rounds of designs with Jim Henson. The idea was something that he thought up, and he and me were brainstorming," Thatcher told Polygon.
Following Henson's passing, the production moved forward under the direction of Henson collaborator Kirk Thatcher and sitcom veterans Michael Jacobs and Bob Young. The show's technical execution relied on heavy practical effects, utilizing technology previously developed for the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' films.
Animatronics and character design
The production required performers in rubber suits with radio-controlled animatronic heads. Thatcher noted that the primary challenge was mutating dinosaur anatomy enough to allow for articulate, dialogue-heavy movement without losing the recognizable dinosaur aesthetic.
For the character of 'The Baby,' Thatcher drew inspiration from real-world biology. He based the character's look on a Moluccan cockatoo hatchling, which appears as a "pink blob with giant purple eyes" before developing feathers.
Thatcher also described the show's underlying social themes. He noted that the initial concept aimed to mirror 'All in the Family' while delivering a message about environmentalism. "We wanted to show that treating the Earth like it's your toilet or ashtray is not the best way to live your life," Thatcher said.
Character designs also underwent significant changes due to creative input from the Henson team. While Thatcher originally gave female characters hair, Brian Henson requested the addition of horns or 'ceratopsian protuberances' to maintain the prehistoric feel.
Cast and Legacy
The Sinclair family was voiced by a prominent cast, including Stuart Pankin as the dim-witted Earl, Jessica Walter as Fran, Jason Willinger as Robbie, and Sally Struthers as Charlene. The character of The Baby was voiced by Kevin Clash.
Despite its technical complexity, the show was a modest success on ABC's TGIF block. It remains most famous for its dark series finale, which concluded with the family facing imminent extinction.
