Acting in “Labyrinth” Was Like ‘Going on Vacation’ for ‘Workaholic’ David Bowie, Says Brian Henson (Exclusive)
- - Acting in “Labyrinth” Was Like ‘Going on Vacation’ for ‘Workaholic’ David Bowie, Says Brian Henson (Exclusive)
Tereza ShkurtajJanuary 10, 2026 at 11:00 PM
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Moviestore/Shutterstock
David Bowie in 'Labyrinth.' -
Brian Henson, one of Labyrinth’s lead puppeteers, spent much of the film acting alongside David Bowie, who played the iconic Goblin King, Jareth
Reflecting on the experience, Henson recalls Bowie being playful, patient and approachable
In a special re-release presented by The Jim Henson Company and Fathom Entertainment, fans can celebrate the 40th anniversary of Labyrinth in theaters
Forty years later, Brian Henson still remembers what it was like sharing the set of Labyrinth alongside glam rockstar David Bowie in the ‘80s.
Henson, then 22 years old, spent much of his time on set acting opposite the late musician in many of the film’s most memorable scenes.
That close working relationship gave Henson a unique view of Bowie, not just as an untouchable icon, but as a playful, patient collaborator who embraced both the magic and unpredictability of a puppet-heavy production.
The Jim Henson Company
David Bowie as Jareth (left) and Jim Henson (right) filming 'Labyrinth.'
In Labyrinth, Bowie played Jareth, the enigmatic Goblin King who challenges Jennifer Connelly’s teenage character, Sarah, as she navigates a maze to rescue her baby brother, Toby.
Henson was cast as Hoggle, one of the film’s most prominent goblins and Sarah’s reluctant ally, while also managing puppeteering responsibilities behind the scenes.
In that role, young Henson shared extended scenes with Bowie, whose personality on set, he says, reminded him of his late father, Jim Henson, the director of the movie and creator of the Muppets.
“They both had totally crooked teeth,” Brian tells PEOPLE exclusively. “But they both were really quick to laugh.” That shared sense of humor often surfaced in the middle of takes, Brian admits,
The Jim Henson Company
Jim Henson (left), David Bowie (center), and Jennifer Connelly (right) filming 'Labyrinth.'
“[Bowie] had the same thing that my dad had…just sort of cracking up in the middle of a shot,” he recalls. “And then you have to start over, which can be a pain in the neck, but for the most part, it was super fun for David.”
It was Bowie’s ease and playfulness that carried through production and left a lasting impression on cast and crew.
“He's such a productive guy and such a workaholic that for him, playing Jareth in Labyrinth was like going on vacation,” Brian says. “For him, it was like, 'Wow, this is so great. All I have to do is show up.'"
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The "Starman" singer’s relaxed attitude proved essential, especially given the technical challenges of animatronic puppetry, where even small mechanical errors could require multiple retakes.
“Things go wrong – take after take after take,” Brian admits. “You know, you're often doing a take again because the eyes got stuck.”
Nevertheless, Bowie’s composure helped maintain the flow, keeping the set upbeat despite these obstacles. “He was super patient with all of that,” Brian recalls. “He was really good.”
The Jim Henson Company
David Bowie as Jareth (left) and Jim Henson (right) filming 'Labyrinth.'
Off camera, Bowie’s personality was just as approachable and grounded – often taking time after filming to relax and interact with the crew. Despite his larger-than-life reputation, he was a simple Englishman at heart, Brian says.
“He would pretty much every day go to the bar, have a pint with the crew, because he's just a Cockney boy underneath it all,” the filmmaker tells PEOPLE.
Bowie died on Jan. 10, 2016, at age 69 after an 18-month battle with liver cancer, leaving behind a vast legacy.
For Brian, collaborating with the beloved musician and actor on Labyrinth offered more than a chance to work with a pop culture icon – it was a lesson in patience, humor, and generosity under the unique demands of puppetry.
Labyrinth is now playing in select theaters for a special re-release in honor of the film's 40th anniversary, presented by The Jim Henson Company and Fathom Entertainment.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
