W. Carter Merbreier

W. Carter Merbreier (August 2, 1926 – August 9, 2016) was an American television personality, ordained Lutheran minister and former police chaplain for the Philadelphia Police Department.[1] Merbreier created and co-hosted the long-running syndicated children's television series, Captain Noah and His Magical Ark, in 1967.[1] The show aired until 1994.

W. Carter Merbreier
Born(1926-08-02)August 2, 1926
Prospect Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedAugust 9, 2016(2016-08-09) (aged 90)
Audubon, Pennsylvania, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
TelevisionCaptain Noah and His Magical Ark (1967 - 1994)
Spouse(s)Patricia Merbreier
Children1 daughter
Parents
  • Adolphe Merbreier (father)
  • Retta Carter (mother)

Born to Adolphe and Retta (née Carter) Merbreier, Carter Merbreier (he apparently later added the initial "W.") co-hosted Captain Noah and His Magical Ark with his real-life wife, Patricia.[1] He played Captain Noah while Patricia Merbreier played Mrs. Noah and acted as the show's puppeteer, beginning with its 13th week on the air. Merbreier originally created the series as a Sunday morning religious program, but switched the format to a children's show in 1970. The Philadelphia Council of Churches produced the show, which was filmed at the studios on WPVI (Channel 6).[1] At its peak in the early 1970s, Merbreier's Captain Noah and His Magical Ark aired in syndication on twenty-two television stations throughout the United States and attracted a larger local Philadelphia audience than both Captain Kangaroo and Sesame Street combined.[1]

Carter and Patricia Merbreier jointly decided to retire and end the show in 1994 after co-hosting approximately 3,600 episodes since 1967.[2][3] They resided at their home in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, following their retirement from the show.[2]

In 2001, Carter and Patricia Merbreier were jointly named "Persons of the Year" by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.[2] Both insisted that their names be listed as Captain Noah and Mrs. Noah on the award.[2] Carter Merbreier also served on the board of directors for the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.[3] Patricia Merbreier died on June 23, 2011, aged 86, following a long illness. Merbreier died at the age of 90, on August 9, 2016,[4] he was survived by his daughter and two grandchildren.

References
  1. Wood, Sam (2011-06-24). "TV's Mrs. Noah, 86, of 'Captain Noah and His Magical Ark' dies". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  2. Eichel, Molly (2011-06-25). "Patricia Merbreier, 'Mrs. Noah', dies at 86". Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  3. "Pat Merbreier has died". WPVI. 2011-06-27. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  4. 6ABC. "Philadelphia TV Pioneer Captain Noah dies at age 90". www.6abc.com. Retrieved 2016-08-08.
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