Noel MacNeal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Noel MacNeal
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MacNeal at GalaxyCon Raleigh in 2023
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| Born | September 15, 1961 |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1983–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Susan Elia
(m. 1999) |
| Children | 1 |
Noel MacNeal (born September 15, 1961) is an American puppeteer, actor, director, and writer. He is most famous for being the performer of Bear on the TV show Bear in the Big Blue House. He also played Kako on Oobi, Leon MacNeal on The Puzzle Place, and Magellan on Eureeka's Castle. Since 2014, MacNeal has also been a puppeteer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, where he brings characters like Mr. Nutterbutter to life.
Noel MacNeal's Career Highlights
Noel MacNeal started his career in puppetry in 1982. His first job was working with puppets on Sesame Street. In 1983, he took over the role of Knock-Knock the Woodpecker on The Great Space Coaster.
In 1997, MacNeal became widely known for his role as Bear in the Disney Channel show Bear in the Big Blue House. This show was very popular with young children. In 2003, he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for being an amazing performer in a children’s series.
Besides being a puppeteer, MacNeal has also written for many children's TV shows. These include Eureeka's Castle and The Puzzle Place. He has also directed several TV programs, such as episodes of The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss and Between the Lions. In 2023, he even directed an episode for season 53 of Sesame Street.
Since 2014, MacNeal has been the main puppeteer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. On this show, he performs various puppet characters.
Noel MacNeal's Personal Life
Noel MacNeal married author Susan Elia on November 6, 1999. They got married in Manhattan. In 2005, their son, Matthew, was born.
Where You Might Have Seen Noel MacNeal's Work
Noel MacNeal has worked on many films and television shows. Here are some of his notable roles and contributions:
- Film:
- Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird (1985) – Performed Madame Chairbird.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993) – Helped with the facial movements for Raphael.
- A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008) – Performed Sweetums.
- Television:
- The Great Space Coaster (1983–1986) – Performed Knock-Knock.
- Sesame Street (1983–present) – Performed Mommy Snuffleupagus, Gretel, and other Muppets.
- Eureeka's Castle (1989–1995) – Performed Magellan and Webster, and also wrote for the show.
- The Puzzle Place (1995–1996) – Performed Leon MacNeal and Blue Piece Police, and was a writer.
- Bear in the Big Blue House (1997–2006) – Performed Bear, Moss, and Billy.
- Oobi (2000–2005) – Performed Kako.
- The Book of Pooh (2001–2003) – Performed Rabbit.
- Blue's Room (2006–2007) – Was a puppeteer for Blue in season 2.
- Between the Lions (2009–2010) – Performed Lionel Lion, Monkey, and Squeaky the Wheel.
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014–2021) – Served as a puppeteer.
