Irish film, television actor
Often cast in films where most of the action takes place in the ocean.
Originally cast as King David in the Biblical epic Solomon and Sheba , opposite Tyrone Power and George Sanders. After Power died in mid-production and was replaced by Yul Brynner , Purcell was not available to re-shoot his scenes and was replaced in the role of David by Finlay Currie.
Lost the tip of his right index finger while making cigarette vending machines -- a feature that was exploited for dramatic effect in the Marlon Brando film Mutiny on the Bounty .
Purcell was conferred with the Freedom of the City of Dublin in June 1984. To-date (April 2010) only seventy four people have received this award.
Noel Purcell Walk, a road built near to his birthplace in the City of Dublin, was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and Eileen Purcell, widow of the actor, in 1991.
Father of Patrick, Michael Purcell and Glynn Purcell.
Got his first job at the age of 12, when he was hired as a stage hand by Dublins Gaiety Theatre. Subsequently worked as a carpenter on stage design, which led to further interest in the acting profession.
