Toby Froud Reflects on His Role as the Baby in Labyrinth and His Artistic Journey with Encouragement from His Famous Parents

Brian, Toby and Wendy Froud.
Credit: The Jim Henson Company

NEED TO KNOW

• Toby Froud made his first unforgettable impression on audiences as baby Toby in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth.
• Apart from his iconic role in the 1986 fantasy film, Froud is also known as the son of visionary artists Brian and Wendy Froud.
• Now 41 years old, he is sharing insights with PEOPLE about working with his parents and continuing the family legacy.

Toby Froud, raised in a family steeped in creativity, reflects on how his upbringing has shaped his artistic journey.

The son of renowned artists Brian and Wendy Froud, Toby’s childhood was infused with magic and artistry. From an early age, he was surrounded by imaginative creations, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

When he was just 18 months old, Toby was cast as baby Toby in Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, after the filmmaker invited the Froud family, who were already involved in the film, to let their infant take on the role.

Toby Froud.
Credit: The Jim Henson Company

Now, four decades later, Toby reflects on his journey and the lasting influence of his artistic upbringing. “Making art and creating characters and worlds… it was always meant to be my life,” he reveals. “Being an accountant was never a part of what I was going to do.”

This creative environment cultivated Toby’s natural inclination toward hands-on art. “We work as a family together now… and I also work in my own right,” he says, highlighting a balance between honoring his family’s legacy and forging his unique path.

Raised among the works of Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and the Muppets, Toby acknowledges his longing during childhood to actively partake in the creative process. “I was only sad that I wasn’t old enough to be on the set of Labyrinth and experience it the other way… of actually building and creating at the same time,” he reflects.

This childhood dream materialized when Toby collaborated with his parents on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration.

Toby Froud in ‘Labyrinth.’
Credit: The Jim Henson Company

Encouraged by his parents to cultivate his own artistic voice, Toby acknowledges, “They always supported me… and taught me that anything’s possible.” He emphasizes crucial lessons of resilience instilled by his parents: to be brave and recognize that failure is part of the creative process. Above all, they taught him to create with empathy, underscoring the importance of love and kindness in all artistic endeavors.

Today, Toby continues to infuse this “Froudian” sensibility into his work, dedicating the past 15 years to animation, particularly stop-motion. He expresses his love for this medium, stating, “I love that medium because you get to literally create the world from the ground up.”

With the recent re-release of Labyrinth in theaters from January 8 to January 11 to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Toby views this event not just as a nostalgic celebration but as part of a living legacy for both his family and The Jim Henson Company. “It’s a reminder of the world that raised me, the family that shaped me, and the magic I continue to help carry forward – one carefully crafted puppet at a time,” he concludes.