10 Facts About Craig Noel

Craig Noel was the founding director of the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California, and led it for more than 60 years.

Craig Noel soon began directing, and he was named the Globe's general director in 1939.

Craig Noel never left, personally directing more than 200 productions, producing 270 more, and building the Globe into a theatrical powerhouse which won the Tony Award for best regional theater in 1984.

In 1981 Craig Noel hired Jack O'Brien to replace him as artistic director, but he remained active in the leadership of the Old Globe right up until his death.

Craig Noel created the San Diego National Shakespeare Festival in 1949, making the Globe the first professional Actors Equity theater on the West Coast.

Craig Noel led rebuilding efforts after the original Globe and later the Festival Stage were destroyed by arson.

Craig Noel was instrumental in creating the Master of Fine Arts in Acting program at the University of San Diego in 1987.

Craig Noel fostered the careers of numerous actors and directors who later achieved fame, including Jack O'Brien, Marion Ross, David Ogden Stiers, Kelsey Grammer, Kandis Chappell and Jonathan McMurtry.

In 2005 Craig Noel celebrated his 90th birthday coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Old Globe Theatre.

Craig Noel died April 3,2010, at the age of 94 at his home in San Diego.