Cape natives discuss their careers in TV, film and stage

To have one member of a family achieve success in a career as competitive as stage, television or film is unusual enough, but to have three is almost unthinkable. Yet siblings and Cape Girardeau natives Don, Jerry and Jane McNeely Bruns done just that.

Older brother Don McNeely is a well-known among locals as KFVS12's former chief weatherman. When he retired in 1993, Don McNeely had spent 50 years in broadcasting. Jerry McNeely had a career as a television writer, producer and director. And the youngest, Jane McNeely Bruns, went on to success as a stage actress.

On Friday, the McNeelys discussed their careers and answered questions at Southeast Missouri State University event held by the department of theater and dance.

Bruns only attended the university for a year before transferring to the University of Wisconsin at Madison, but said her time here had a big impact on her life.

She appeared in her first leading role that year in George Gershwin's "Lady Be Good," for which she won an award.

Marriage and children sidelined McNeely Bruns' acting career for 12 years, during which time she was busy working in politics, but after her first marriage ended, she returned to the stage for six years in Washington, D.C., before moving to St. Louis, where she was the host of several television programs and specials.

McNeely Bruns now lives in Frederick, Md., where she is still involved in the theater.

Her older brother, Don, is the only sibling remaining in Cape Girardeau.

"I'm just the local guy who stayed home a made a living in radio and television," he said.

He graduated from the university in 1948, a few years ahead of Jerry McNeely. Although they did not pursue acting like their sister, the brothers appeared in plays while they were in school.

In 1974, Don McNeely played Benjamin Franklin in the university's production of "1776," for which he received an acting award and what he said was an enjoyable experience.

Jerry McNeely gave his first college acting performance at the university as Androcles in George Bernard Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion."

Although he pursued and was successful in writing for television, directing and producing, Jerry McNeely said he "wanted to be an actor but told very few people that because I knew it was ridiculous."

Once he became a producer, however, he said it was easy to make small acting parts for himself.

"He's like Alfred Hitchcock," his sister interjected. The British director made nonspeaking appearances in most of his films.

Bruns is one of six people receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the university at today's alumni breakfast.

The McNeelys will be honored by the department of theater and dance by having photos and biographies of them appear on the wall of distinguished alumni in the Rose Theatre. A tradition that started last year with the induction of Michael Landrum, Rodney Hudson, Bill Black and Helen Harrelson.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

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