Noel MacNeal
Biography
Noel MacNeal was born on September 15, 1961, in Harlem, New York, USA. He is an American puppeteer, actor, director, and writer specializing in children's television who has performed since the early 1980s. He is sometimes credited as Noel McNeal or Edward Noel MacNeal. MacNeal is known for providing the voice and puppetry for Bear on Bear in the Big Blue House. His television credits also include starring roles as Kako on Oobi, Leon MacNeal on The Puzzle Place, and Magellan on Eureeka's Castle. Additionally, he serves as the resident puppeteer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, where he has portrayed puppet characters including Mr. Nutterbutter.
Career overview
Noel MacNeal is an American puppeteer, actor, director, and writer specializing in children's television who has performed since the early 1980s. Born on September 15, 1961, in Harlem, New York, USA, he is also sometimes credited under the names Noel McNeal or Edward Noel MacNeal.
Throughout his career, MacNeal has brought several prominent television puppet characters to life. He served as the voice and puppeteer of Bear on Bear in the Big Blue House. In addition to that role, he starred as Magellan on Eureeka's Castle, Leon MacNeal on The Puzzle Place, and Kako on Oobi.
In addition to his work in children's television, MacNeal is the resident puppeteer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, where he has portrayed puppet characters including Mr. Nutterbutter. His extensive television work encompasses acting credits within the industry.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
52 titles- Live Long (2025) as Ivy
- Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023) as Dr. Madness (voice)
- The Muppets Take The O2 (2018) as Additional Muppet Performer (voice)
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015) as Puppeteer #1
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Totes McGoats
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Unicorn Puppeteer
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Puppeteer
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Puppeteer / Voice Over (voice)
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Jeff
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Dog Paws Puppeteer
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Polar Bear, Cat Puppeteer
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Funky Monkey
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Mascot
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Mr. Nutterbutter
- Sesame Street: Singing with the Stars (2012)
- Old Dogs (2009) as Muppet
- Studio DC: Almost Live (2008) as Sweetums, Bear
- A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008) as Sweetums / Additional Muppets (voice)
- Elmo's Christmas Countdown (2007) as Additional Muppet Performer (voice)
- 30 Rock (2006) as Puppeteer
- A Sesame Street Christmas Carol (2006) as Additional Muppet Performer (voice) (archive footage)
- Blue's Room (2004)
- Sesame Street: What's the Name of That Song? (2004) as Additional Muppet Performer
- Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time With Bear (2004) as Bear
- Cyberchase (2002) Story
- Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade (2002) as Self - Bear
- Bear in the Big Blue House LIVE! - Surprise Party (2002) as Bear
- Bear in the Big Blue House: Everybody's Special (2002) as Bear (voice)
- Sesame Street: Elmo's Musical Adventure: The Story of Peter and the Wolf (2001) as The Wolf (voice)
- Bear in the Big Blue House - Party Time with Bear (2001) as Bear (voice)
- Bear in the Big Blue House Heroes of Woodland Valley (2001) as Bear
- Oobi (2000) as Kako (voice)
- Bear in the Big Blue House: A Berry Bear Christmas (2000) as Bear
- Sesame Street: Elmopalooza! (1998) as Additional Muppet (voice)
- Bear in the Big Blue House (1997) as Bear
- Bear in the Big Blue House (1997) Writer
- Bear in the Big Blue House (1997) Director
- Cosby (1996)
- Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas (1996) as Elf (voice)
- Kids for Character (1996) as Leon MacNeal
- The Puzzle Place (1995) as Leon MacNeal (voice)
- The Magic School Bus (1994) Writer
- Gullah Gullah Island (1994) Writer
- Sesame Street's 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration (1993) as Muppet Performer (voice)
- Sesame Street Stays Up Late! (1993) as Additional Muppet Performer(voice)
- Sesame Street: Sing Yourself Silly! (1990) as (voice)
- Eureeka's Castle (1989) as Magellan, Webster
- Jim Henson: Sing-Along, Dance-Along, Do-Along (1988) as Additional Muppet Performer (voice)
- Follow That Bird (1985) as Board of Birds (voice)
- Jim Henson's Little Muppet Monsters (1985)
- The Cosby Show (1984) as Cheese (voice)
- The Great Space Coaster (1981)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Noel MacNeal best known for?
Noel MacNeal is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015), Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014), Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014).
When and where was Noel MacNeal born?
Noel MacNeal was born on September 15, 1961 in Harlem, New York, USA.
How many credits does Noel MacNeal have?
Noel MacNeal has accumulated over 52 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1981 to 2025.
What is Noel MacNeal's background in cinema and television?
Noel MacNeal was born on September 15, 1961, in Harlem, New York, USA. He is an American puppeteer, actor, director, and writer specializing in children's television who has performed since the early 1980s. He is sometimes credited as Noel McNeal or Edward Noel MacNeal. MacNeal is known for providing the voice and pupp...
Noel MacNeal by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Jim Henson's Little Muppet Monsters (1985) — aged about 23
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Totes McGoats — aged about 52
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Unicorn Puppeteer — aged about 52
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Puppeteer — aged about 52
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Puppeteer / Voice Over (voice) — aged about 52
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2014) as Jeff — aged about 52
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