Noel Macneal

Noel MacNeal is an Emmy Award-winning puppeteer, director, and writer known for bringing various characters to life across television and film. After beginning his professional puppetry career in 1982 on the acclaimed children’s television series, ‘Sesame Street,’ where he trained alongside puppetry pioneers Jim Henson and Frank Oz, Noel MacNeal went on to expand his repertoire as Knock-Knock the Woodpecker on ‘The Great Space Coaster’ from 1983 to 1986. MacNeal further contributed to feature films, serving as a muppet designer for the Toronto unit of ‘Follow That Bird’ in 1985 and as a facial assistant for Raphael in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III’ in 1993, showcasing his early versatility across diverse productions. His career significantly advanced in 1997 when he became widely recognized as the performer of Bear in the Disney Channel preschool series ‘Bear in the Big Blue House.’ This pivotal role, which he reprised for video games, a spin-off series, and live performances at Disney theme parks through 2006, earned him a Daytime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series in 2003.

Demonstrating continued engagement with his foundational series, MacNeal directed an episode for season 53 of the iconic ‘Sesame Street’ in 2023. An Emmy Award-nominated talent, MacNeal continues to be a highly sought-after performer, director, and writer, bringing depth and character to projects across film and television.