In this episode of Cookies For Breakfast, I am joined by Noel MacNeal! It was such an honor to visit with Noel and learn about his approach to the art of puppetry. We also discuss the future of communication, the importance of truly listening to and serving the specific needs of children, and Noel’s experiences as a mentor to puppeteers from all around the world.
At the time of this conversation, Facebook is under public scrutiny and has rebranded to Meta. A rose by any other name still has thorns, so handle with care.
Noel may be best known for being the spirit and voice of Bear, the gentle and lovable star of Disney's Emmy award winning series, Bear in the Big Blue House, and the Disney Channel morning series, Breakfast with Bear. In 2003, Noel received a Daytime Emmy nomination as “Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series.”
Noel launched his career performing on PBS’s award-winning Sesame Street, where he honed his craft with puppetry legends Jim Henson and Frank Oz. He’s been a performer on Sesame Street for over thirty years and has trained puppeteers in Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Jordan, Palestine, India, and Pakistan for the Sesame Workshop international co-productions of Sesame Street. Noel has also performed with Disney’s The Muppets as Sweetums. Currently, he is the resident puppeteer for the HBO series Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
Noel is also developing a new series called THE SHOW ME SHOW, the first online/downloadable series for kids with autism & special needs.
Learn more about Noel MacNeal at noelmacneal.com.
To learn more about Danny LaBrecque, visit dannyjoestreehouse.com.
