RealNoelMacNeal

First there are no stupid questions. Bear world the same way as Big Bird; my right arm was up thru his neck into his head. My four fingers on the to of the mouth palette and my thumb under it to make him talk (called li sync). So I would just extend my arm forward into the camera for him to "sniff."

Getting to go on other shows such as Hollywood Squares and talk shows such as Wayne Brady and Donny & Marie. But the best were the hospital visits I would do. Whenever we traveled I always asked to go to a childrens hospital, including Give Kids the World in Orlando Florida.

Thanks for coming and asking me this. I've gotten fan email from parents of kids with autism who grew up watching Bear, thanking me and saying how they still watch it. I realized that there isn't a show like that (or Mr Rogers) on network TV. Sincere, genuine and not in your face. SO that is why I'm creating THE SHOW ME SHOW. I'll be the human host and will interact with the puppets Fynnias, his sister Taylor, and Nona the Yak (and many other puppets that will be in the show). Dealing with issues such as social cues, change in plans, and recognizing emotion in other and in yourself, will be key.

That was from the beginning from creator Mitchell Kriegman. It was always the intent the Bear would "sniff" and find the viewer. What I did at the audition was JAM the nose right into the camera and then pull it back; and that's what stuck ;-)

Hi Erik! So sorry about your hand. I have not had problems with my hand. Puppetry and lip sync are a little different from holding a computer mouse; you are flexing and moving the hand muscle and not locked in one position. That doesn't mean you don't eventually get tired. But I've done exercises to strengthen my hand for endurance for puppetry.