Kirk Thatcher (b. February 14) is a writer and director who has worked with the Muppets since 1989. His career began at age 18 working for George Lucas's Industrial Light and Magic. During his time with ILM, he designed, built, painted, and puppeteered creatures for numerous films including Return of the Jedi, Star Trek II, Star Trek III, E.T., Poltergeist, and Gremlins.