Hugh Downs with Kermit and Yorick, in a February 1963 appearance.
Hugh Downs (1921-2020) was a respected television news anchor who served as host of NBC's The Today Show and ABC's 20/20. He also hosted the NBC game show Concentration, served as announcer for Jack Paar on The Tonight Show (1957-1962) and The Jack Paar Program, and was a long-time radio announcer.
In 1962 and 1963, the Muppets made frequent appearances on The Today Show, and Downs often interacted with Kermit and other early characters from Sam and Friends.