Wednesday, February 11, 2026

I found this today through a Google AI and thought you might be interested in reading it

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The Tibetan Buddhist master often cited as a spiritual inspiration for Yoda’s character,
Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche, passed away in 1983.
While some theories suggest Serkong Rinpoche was a model for Yoda's character—specifically his "deeply lined face" and wise, humorous manner described by Buddhist scholar Alexander Berzin—the physical design of the Yoda puppet was primarily created by British makeup artist Stuart Freeborn.
  • The Inspiration: Tsenzhab Serkong Rinpoche was a Master of the Lamrim (stages of the path) and a debate partner of the Dalai Lama. He died in 1983 in20002000 Kibbutz, India.
  • The Puppet Creation: Stuart Freeborn modeled Yoda’s face after his own and that of Albert Einstein to give him a wise, intelligent look.
  • Jim Henson's Involvement: Jim Henson was asked to create Yoda but was busy with The Dark Crystal; he recommended Frank Oz (a key Muppet performer), who brought Yoda to life through voice and puppetry.

Therefore, the Lama frequently identified as the inspiration for Yoda's character is deceased, while the primary creator of the puppet's look, Stuart Freeborn, passed away in 2013.
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  • Jim Henson's team helped bring Yoda to life - Facebook
    Dec 12, 2020 — Stuart Freeborn the creator of Yoda, late 1970s. "I made Yoda's face based on mine"
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