Anecdotes

Often cast in films where most of the action takes place in the ocean.

Originally cast as King David in the Biblical epic Salomon et la reine de Saba (1959), 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.

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.

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.

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 Dublin's Gaiety Theatre. Subsequently worked as a carpenter on stage design, which led to further interest in the acting profession.

Lost the tip of his right index finger while making cigarette vending machines -- a feature that was used as element of a sailor's physicality in his role in Les Révoltés du Bounty (1962).

Buried Deansgrange Cemetery, Deans Grange, County Dublin, Ireland. Plot St. Oliver, E. 85.