For those that don’t know Wilkins and Wontkins are the proto-Muppets developed by Jim Henson for use in Wilkins Coffee commercials in the late 50’s and early 60’s. The spots are all :08 seconds long and include lots of cartoonish, Muppet violence and humor.

Pay close attention to the voices. Wilkins sounds just like Kermit and Wontkins sounds like Rowlf, which makes sense since Henson voiced both of those characters.

Check out this ad montage TV Squad ran today for a bit of Muppet and advertising history.

Also, be sure to check YouTube for some other great Wilkins and Wontkins ads.

Happy Friday!