Yuval Shem Tov, best known as Yuval Hamebulbal, is marking his 54th birthday after more than two decades as one of Israel’s most popular children’s performers. The article highlights 10 lesser-known facts about his life, career, and personal journey.
He did not set out to become a children’s star. Shem Tov began as a clown at birthday parties and small events, but once he realized the makeup frightened some children, he dropped it and created the Yuval Hamebulbal character. That role eventually became one of the most successful in Israeli children’s entertainment, though his breakthrough did not come quickly. For nearly 10 years he worked party after party, in malls and private events, carrying his own equipment, until his major rise in 2004.
Before fame, he served in the Nahal infantry as a combat soldier and officer, and he says he witnessed traumatic events that affected him for years. Among his signature figures is Mr. Tomato, a character meant to convey that even in difficult moments, people should not lose hope and things can still work out.
Shem Tov is also a father of seven and says family is the most important thing in his life. In 2018, he was caught up in a drug case that shook his career, and later revealed that he also went through a severe mental-health crisis and had suicidal thoughts. He says that period pushed him to stop and reassess his life.
In recent years, he has become more religious, stopped performing on Shabbat, and says faith gives him strength and stability. He has also helped create other successful children’s characters, including Meni Mamtera and Sheri Pop, and appeared in adult reality shows such as Dancing with the Stars, Wipeout Israel, 6 Fathers and Survivor VIP. Even after decades on stage, he says he sees the work as a mission, especially during visits to hospitals and encounters with sick and struggling children.
