Michael Jeter was an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in film, television, and theater.
He gained fame for playing Herman Stiles on Evening Shade and Mr. Noodle on Elmo’s World segments of Sesame Street.
Jeter won a Tony Award for his role in Grand Hotel and an Emmy Award for his performance in Evening Shade.
He was openly gay and lived with his partner Sean Blue until his death from complications related to epilepsy at age 50.
Siblings
Michael had one brother, William Jeter, and four sisters, Virginia, Amanda, Emily, and Larie.
Being part of a large family may have influenced Michael’s personality and his later work as an actor.
Career
Jeter began his acting career in the 1970s after earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Memphis.
He initially worked in regional theater, gaining valuable experience on stage that laid the groundwork for his future success in both theater and screen acting.
Jeter’s theatrical career was marked by several notable performances.
One of his most significant achievements was winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Otto in Grand Hotel on Broadway in 1990.
This recognition showcased his exceptional talent and ability to captivate audiences.
He also performed in various other productions, including The Royal Family and The Glass Menagerie.
His background in theater contributed to his strong character work and emotional depth in his later screen roles.
Jeter became a household name through his work on television.
From 1990 to 1994, he starred as Herman Stiles, the quirky and lovable friend of Burt Reynolds’ character, in the CBS sitcom Evening Shade.
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His performance earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1991.
The show was well-received and helped solidify Jeter’s status as a talented comedic actor.
In the late 1990s, he became widely recognized for his role as Mr. Noodle on the beloved children’s program Elmo’s World, part of Sesame Street.
His playful and engaging portrayal endeared him to young audiences and their families, further broadening his appeal.
Jeter’s film career included a variety of roles that showcased his versatility.
In The Fisher King, he played the role of Jack Lucas’ (Robin Williams) friend, highlighting his ability to balance humor with poignant moments.
In The Green Mile, directed by Frank Darabont, Jeter portrayed Eduard Delacroix, a death row inmate with a deep emotional arc.
His performance was both touching and memorable, contributing significantly to the film’s overall impact. He also appeared in Waterworld as The Deacon, adding depth to this post-apocalyptic action film starring Kevin Costner, despite its mixed reviews.
In Jurassic Park III, Jeter portrayed Udesky, a mercenary, adding tension and excitement to the film’s narrative.
Cause of death
Jeter passed away on March 30, 2003, at the age of 50.
He was found dead in his Hollywood home, and while he was HIV-positive, he had been in good health prior to his death.
According to his life partner, Sean Blue, Jeter died as a result of an epileptic seizure.
An autopsy was planned to confirm the cause of death, but it was suggested that he died of natural causes related to his health condition.
Jeter’s passing occurred while he was involved in filming The Polar Express, and the film was later dedicated to his memory.
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