Francis Bacon

"I prefer anything to bacon."

Sir Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) was an English philosopher, statesman, scientist, lawyer, jurist, and author. He served both as Attorney General and Lord Chancellor of England, and among his many accomplishments is credited with developing the scientific method.

References

Though it is not the mainstream view, one school of thought suggests that Sir Francis Bacon wrote the poems and plays usually attributed to William Shakespeare. This Baconian theory was referenced at least twice in the first season of The Muppet Show.

• In the At the Dance sketch in episode 101, Miss Piggy asks her male pig dancing partner if she prefers Shakespeare to Bacon. Naturally, he prefers anything to bacon.

• The Panel Discussion in episode 107 asks the question ""Was William Shakespeare, in Fact, Bacon?" This time, Miss Piggy (who appears alongside Florence Henderson, Floyd Pepper, and Brewster) takes offense. Later in the episode, Piggy quotes Shakespeare, and Kermit responds, "Sounds more like Bacon. From a ham."

• The first issue of Muppet Magazine, for "The Great Muppet Look-a-Like Contest," initially claims Miss Piggy's lookalike is a woman named "Frances Bacon" (Piggy herself crosses out the text and substitutes a photo of Catherine Deneuve).

• During his appearance on Reading Rainbow, Kermit shows LeVar Burton his selection of classic pig books, including Pignocchio, Boar and Peace, and Hamlet. Of the latter, LeVar asks, "By Shakespeare, right?" Kermit retorts, "Well, some say it was Bacon."