Noel J. Mickelson broke social norms in 1965 when she, a Danish-Jewish artist and equestrian, married rising actor John Amos during an era when interracial marriages faced legal barriers across America.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Full Name | Noel Jean Mickelson |
| Birth | August 22, 1943, in Jackson County, Minnesota, USA |
| Ethnicity | Danish and Ashkenazi Jewish descent |
| Education | Studied fine arts at Colorado State University |
| Marriage | Married actor John Amos in 1965; they divorced in 1975 |
| Children | Two: Shannon Amos (born 1966) and K.C. Amos (born 1970) |
| Professions | Artist, carpenter, and equestrian |
| Later Life | Remarried a Disney special-effects engineer; faced severe health issues leading to blindness and quadriplegia; passed away in 2016 |
From Minnesota Farm to Art Studio
Noel J. Mickelson’s journey from Jackson County, Minnesota shaped her unique blend of artistry and grit, defining her path as both an artist and equestrian.
Growing up with Danish and Ashkenazi Jewish roots in 1943 Minnesota, she developed a strong connection to both rural life and creative expression. The farm setting sparked her dual passions – working with horses and exploring visual arts.
The pull toward artistic expression led her to make a bold move to Colorado State University’s fine arts program, where her talents would shape her future path. Her natural ability to work with both canvas and horses made Mickelson stand out in the creative community, setting the stage for bigger challenges ahead.
The Horse Whisperer: Her Equestrian Journey
Noel Mickelson’s connection with horses went beyond simple riding – it reflected her deep understanding of these majestic animals in ways few others mastered.
While pursuing her artistic endeavors, she maintained a strong presence in the equestrian world, developing a reputation for handling even the most challenging horses with remarkable skill and patience.
Her unique approach to horsemanship caught attention in both Minnesota and Colorado’s equestrian circles, where Mickelson combined her artistic sensitivity with natural horse-handling abilities, making her a sought-after figure in the riding community.
Sparks at Colorado State
At Colorado State University, Noel Mickelson’s path crossed with John Amos, a young man whose charisma and determination would later make him a household name in Hollywood.
The fine arts program brought them together – she focused on visual arts while he pursued theater studies. Their shared creative spirit formed an immediate connection that transcended the social boundaries of 1960s America.
The university campus became the backdrop for a relationship that challenged societal norms, as Mickelson and Amos found common ground in their artistic pursuits and shared vision for breaking barriers in both their personal and professional lives.
A Bold “I Do” in 1965
When Noel Mickelson and John Amos exchanged vows in 1965, they faced a country where interracial marriage remained illegal in many states.
Their decision to marry came at a time when such unions could result in criminal charges across multiple states, two years before the landmark Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court decision would strike down anti-miscegenation laws.
The couple’s commitment to each other, despite societal pressure and legal barriers, mirrored broader changes happening across America – though Mickelson and Amos weren’t seeking to make history, their marriage stood as a quiet testament to love’s ability to challenge racial barriers in mid-1960s America.
Building Life in Hollywood
Noel Mickelson adapted to Los Angeles life as John Amos’s acting career gained momentum in the entertainment industry.
Between 1966 and 1970, she balanced raising their two children, Shannon and K.C., while maintaining her artistic pursuits in a city known more for its film industry than its fine arts scene.
The couple’s ten-year marriage ended in 1975, but Mickelson remained in Hollywood, where she later found love again with a Disney special-effects engineer who shared her appreciation for the creative arts scene that had become her home.
