Noel Tovey facts for kids

Noel Christian Tovey AM (born 25 December 1934) is an Australian dancer, actor, mentor, director, and choreographer. He was a key leader for the Indigenous welcoming ceremony. This event took place at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Early Life and Background

Noel Tovey was born in Melbourne, Australia. His mother was of Aboriginal and New Zealand descent. His father had Scottish and African roots. Noel faced a difficult childhood. Despite these challenges, he worked hard to achieve his dreams.

A Career in Theatre

Noel Tovey became very successful in theatre. He performed and worked in both Australia and London. He taught at famous drama schools. These included the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He also taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Noel helped start the London Theatre for Children. He returned to Australia in 1990.

He played the main character in a play called Skipping on Stars. This play was about Con Colleano. Con Colleano was an Indigenous tightrope walker. The play celebrated a special anniversary. It marked 25 years of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. In 2004, Noel Tovey wrote a book about his life. It was his autobiography.

Awards and Recognition

Noel Tovey has received many important awards. In June 2010, he got the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was from the {also} Foundation. It recognized his contributions to the community. In January 2015, Noel Tovey became a Member of the Order of Australia. This is a very high honor. Also in 2015, he was added to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll. This roll celebrates important Indigenous people.

Noel Tovey married Barbara Hickling. They had a daughter named Felicity in 1961. Sadly, Felicity passed away.