Bear in the Big Blue House is an American children’s television series created by Mitchell Kriegman and was produced by Jim Henson Television for the Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney series. The program debuted on October 20, 1997, and ended on April 28, 2006.

Bear looks as good as ever in this talking and dancing plush version, although I think he could use a good brushing:

Bear was performed by Noel MacNeal. He was designed by Paul Andrejco. I always found the big furry bear to be charming and funny, but I have known some children who found him terrifying! I guess that may come from Bear’s tendency to stick his nose right up close to the screen and sniff. Seeing a massive animal ‘lunging’ at them could be the problem!

This anamorphic character is best known for his signature song ‘The Bear Cha Cha Cha!’ This talking and dancing plush is designed to emulate that performance. You can see it for yourself in this video from our YouTube Channel:

The laugh at the end gets me every time!

I also saw Bear in a parade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2007:

This was the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade. For more information about it and to see a cool die cast collectible featuring Buzz and Woody, check out this link.

The Bear in the Big Blue House was absorbed by the Walt Disney Company along with the Muppets in 2004. This piece of merchandise was produced in 1999 and so is still under the Jim Henson Company copyright.

Today you can watch the entire Big Blue House series on Disney+.