Noel MacNeal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Noel MacNeal
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MacNeal at GalaxyCon Columbus 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 on September 15, 1961, is a talented American puppeteer, actor, director, singer, and writer. He is most famous for bringing the lovable character Bear to life on the popular 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, Noel has also been a puppeteer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, where he performs characters like Mr. Nutterbutter.
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Noel MacNeal's Amazing Career
Starting with Puppets
Noel MacNeal began his journey in puppetry in 1982. He started as a "puppet wrangler" for Sesame Street, helping to manage the puppets behind the scenes. In 1983, he took over the role of Knock-Knock the Woodpecker on The Great Space Coaster. This was one of his first big puppet roles.
Becoming Bear in the Big Blue House
In 1997, Noel 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. Bear was a friendly, caring character who lived in a big blue house. Noel's performance as Bear was so good that he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2003. This award was for being an outstanding performer in a children's series.
More Than Just a Puppeteer
Noel MacNeal is not only a puppeteer but also a writer and director for children's shows. He has written for shows like Eureeka's Castle and The Puzzle Place. He has also directed episodes of programs such as Between the Lions. In 2023, he even directed an episode for the 53rd season of Sesame Street.
Since 2014, Noel has been a regular puppeteer on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. He performs many different puppet characters on this show.
Noel MacNeal's Personal Life
Noel MacNeal married author Susan Elia on November 6, 1999. Their wedding took place in Manhattan. In 2005, they welcomed their son, Matthew, into their family.
Noel MacNeal's Work in TV and Movies
Noel MacNeal has worked on many different movies and TV shows. He has performed many puppet characters and also helped as a puppeteer behind the scenes.
Movies Featuring Noel MacNeal
- In 1985, he performed Madame Chairbird in Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird.
- He was a facial assistant for Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III in 1993.
- In 2008, he performed Sweetums in the TV movie A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa.
- He was a puppeteer for the movie Old Dogs in 2009.
TV Shows Featuring Noel MacNeal
- From 1983 to 1986, he was Knock-Knock on The Great Space Coaster.
- He has been a performer on Sesame Street since 1983, playing characters like Mommy Snuffleupagus and Gretel.
- From 1989 to 1995, he performed Magellan and Webster on Eureeka's Castle, and also wrote for the show.
- He was a puppeteer for an episode of The Cosby Show in 1990.
- From 1995 to 1996, he performed Leon MacNeal on The Puzzle Place and also wrote for it.
- His most famous role, Bear, was on Bear in the Big Blue House from 1997 to 2006. He also wrote and directed one episode.
- From 2000 to 2005, he performed Kako on Oobi.
- He performed Rabbit in The Book of Pooh from 2001 to 2003.
- From 2006 to 2007, he was the puppeteer for Blue in Blue's Room.
- He performed Lionel Lion and other characters on Between the Lions from 2009 to 2010.
- Since 2014, he has been a puppeteer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
- He was a puppeteer for an episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt in 2015.
