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Canadian Children’s TV Icon Noreen Young Passes Away at 85
Noreen Young, the acclaimed creator and star of the beloved 1990s Disney children’s program Under the Umbrella Tree, has died at the age of 85 following a stroke. Her passing was confirmed by family members to CBC News. Young, who brought joy to generations through her puppetry, produced Under the Umbrella Tree from 1987 to 1993, captivating audiences as Gloria Gopher, one of the show’s central characters.
Remembering Noreen Young and Gloria Gopher
Stephen Brathwaite, Noreen’s brother and fellow Under the Umbrella Tree cast member who played Jacob Bluejay, fondly remembered her as a “wonderful sister.” He emphasized that her work was a genuine “act of love” for children and the community. Speaking to CBC, Brathwaite noted the close connection between Noreen and her character: “Her character was her. Gloria Gopher was Noreen Young. She was a sweet, creative problem-solving bulldozer.”
He recounted her lifelong passion for puppetry, mentioning her initial exploration of other art forms after art school before returning to her true calling. “I think she thought, ‘Oh, puppets aren’t cool. I’ll do drawing and painting and sculpture.’ Which she did. And then as soon as she’s graduated, she was back at, at puppets,” Brathwaite explained.
Tributes from the Puppetry Community
Jane Torrance, Chair and executive director of the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival, shared her reflections on the impactful television figure. “I don’t think that there’s a kid who was born in the 80s or 90s who…watched CBC as a kid who doesn’t know Noreen’s work,” she told CBC, highlighting Young’s widespread recognition and influence on a generation of viewers.
Torrance added, “I think once she started with puppets and saw where they could take her and where they could take her artistic career, it just became something she was going to do.”
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Fan and Colleague Remembrances
Fellow Canadian puppeteer Ronnie Burkett expressed his sorrow on Instagram, sharing a personal anecdote: “I wrote her a fan letter when I was ten years old. Foolish woman replied and was stuck with me for life. I am incredibly sad as I mourn her, but so very grateful for knowing Noreen Young.”
Online tributes poured in, with one Facebook post stating, “She was a pioneer in her field, and her imaginative spirit and artistry left an indelible mark on generations of Canadians.” Another admirer wrote, “RIP. Condolences to family and friends,” reflecting the widespread sense of loss.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Puppetry
Born in Ottawa, Canada, Noreen Young’s career in puppetry spanned over 50 years. She had stated her interest in puppets began at the age of 12, leading her to stage puppet shows at local stores and coffee shops. Early in her career, she contributed to another CBC puppet show, Hi Diddle Day, which aired from 1968 to 1976. She also worked on Sesame Park, the Canadian adaptation of Sesame Street. Her extensive portfolio includes involvement in over one hundred television productions.
Legacy and Achievements
Young’s contributions extend beyond television. She was the founding artistic director of the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival, inaugurated in 2005. After a brief hiatus between 2017 and 2022, the festival continues to celebrate puppetry arts. In recognition of her significant contributions to Canadian culture and the arts, Noreen Young was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 1995, solidifying her status as a national icon.