Al Shea

Who is Al Shea?

Al Shea was an actor and theatre critic particularly well known in New Orleans.

He spent his early childhood in Paducah, Kentucky, where his father obtained employment. While still a boy, his parents divorced. His father remained in Kentucky, where he re-married. His mother returned with her son to her family in New Orleans. Al's name was then officially changed to Alvin John Shea, Shea being his mother's maiden name. At the age of ten, Shea was heard on WWL radio as Jackey, in the serial, "The Life of Peggy Hill." His stage debut was as Tip in The Land of Oz, in 1941, at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré.

Shea served in the United States Navy, and matriculated at Tulane University. In 1955, he joined the staff of WDSU-TV, replacing Ed Nelson on "Tip-Top Space Ship," as Sparky. He then had success as Deputy Oops in "Adventures in Fun," in 1960. A bigger success followed when he was the voice of Pete the Penguin, to the Christmas marionette, Mr. Bingle. At WDSU, he was also Producer of the "Second Cup" show, with Bob & Jan Carr. He was also entertainment critic on the popular program, "Midday", with Terry Flettrich, where he interviewed many stars of the theatre and cinema. Throughout his career, Shea wrote on various facets of the Fine Arts and of entertainment, for varying media, and was often heard on radio, as well.