5 Surprising Facts About Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Secret Role In The Bluey Episode 'Stories'
The world of the beloved Australian children’s show, Bluey, continues to surprise and delight its massive global fanbase, and as of this date, December 19, 2025, one of the most exciting recent developments is the quiet, yet significant, cameo by Broadway and Disney icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The creator of cultural phenomena like Hamilton and In The Heights lent his voice to a character in a Season Three episode, proving that the show’s appeal transcends age and industry, drawing in some of the biggest names in entertainment who are often just dedicated fans themselves.
This high-profile guest appearance, which followed other subtle celebrity cameos, quickly became a topic of discussion among parents and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Miranda's involvement wasn't a huge, song-and-dance affair; instead, it was a perfectly pitched, heartwarming performance that encapsulated the gentle, profound spirit of the show, making his character a memorable addition to the Heeler family's world.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: A Brief Biography and Career Highlights
Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American songwriter, actor, singer, rapper, and filmmaker, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern musical theater and film. His career is marked by groundbreaking work that has earned him a rare collection of prestigious awards. His commitment to diverse storytelling and innovative musical composition has cemented his legacy in contemporary arts.
- Born: January 16, 1980 (New York City, New York)
- Alma Mater: Wesleyan University (2002)
- Key Musicals Created/Starred In: In The Heights (2005) and Hamilton: An American Musical (2015).
- Notable Film/TV Work: Composed songs for Disney's Moana and Encanto, starred in Mary Poppins Returns, and directed *Tick, Tick... Boom!*.
- Major Awards (Selected):
- Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1) - for Hamilton
- Tony Awards (3)
- Grammy Awards (5)
- Emmy Awards (2)
- Laurence Olivier Awards (2)
- MacArthur Foundation Award (2015)
- Status: He is one of the few artists in contention for EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), currently missing only the competitive Oscar.
The Character: Who is Major Tom and Why He Matters
The character voiced by Lin-Manuel Miranda is a friendly, encouraging horse named Major Tom. This character appears in the Season Three episode titled "Stories", which first aired in Australia on the ABC.
Major Tom's appearance is brief but impactful. The plot of the six-minute episode centers on Indy, one of Bluey's school friends, who is devastated when a horse she made out of beeswax doesn't look like a horse at all—it looks more like a cow. Major Tom, the imaginary horse, steps in to offer a moment of gentle wisdom and encouragement, a classic example of the kind of parenting and life lessons the *Bluey* series is famous for.
The David Bowie Connection
The name Major Tom is a clear and deliberate nod to the iconic British musician David Bowie and his famous songs "Space Oddity," "Ashes to Ashes," and "Hallo Spaceboy." Miranda is known to be a David Bowie fan, with some sources even suggesting he based the song "Shiny" from the Disney film *Moana* on Bowie's music. This subtle pop culture reference is a signature move by the show’s creator, Joe Brumm, and the team at Ludo Studio in Queensland, Australia, making the show equally enjoyable for adults and children.
The episode also features another familiar voice: Australian singer Megan Washington returns to her recurring role as Calypso, Bluey's kind and insightful teacher.
The Growing List of Bluey’s A-List Celebrity Cameos
While Lin-Manuel Miranda's involvement is perhaps the most high-profile international cameo, the *Bluey* series has a history of quietly featuring major stars, often without fanfare, which contributes to the show's authentic and unassuming charm. These cameos are often discovered by sharp-eared fans after the episode has aired internationally on platforms like Disney+.
Miranda joins a growing roster of celebrities who have lent their voices to the show, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon and a must-watch for families. The show's ability to attract such talent speaks volumes about its quality and the deep affection it inspires in the entertainment industry.
Other Notable Celebrity Guest Stars in Bluey:
- Natalie Portman: The Oscar-winning actress voiced the narrator of a nature documentary that Chilli was watching in the episode "Whale Watching."
- Rose Byrne: The Australian actress, known for *Bridesmaids* and *Damages*, voiced Chilli's sister, Brandy, in the special episode "The Sign," one of the show’s longer, more ambitious projects.
- Robert Irwin: The son of the late Steve Irwin, Robert, voiced a character named Alfie.
- Eva Mendes: The actress voiced a Yoga Instructor in a cameo role.
- Australian Personalities: The show frequently features well-known Australian voices, including Myf Warhurst as Trixie and comedian Mick Molloy.
These celebrity appearances are not used as a promotional gimmick; rather, they are subtle Easter eggs for the parents watching, maintaining the show's focus on the simple, relatable adventures of the Heeler family: Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli.
Why Lin-Manuel Miranda Took the Role
For many celebrities who guest star on *Bluey*, the motivation is personal: they are simply enormous fans of the show, and their children are often the biggest fans of all. Lin-Manuel Miranda confirmed this sentiment, noting that his own children are avid viewers of the show. When the opportunity arose to voice a character, it was a chance to be part of a show that is a fixture in his own household, making him a hero to his kids.
The show's success on Disney+ has made it a massive hit in the United States, cementing its global appeal. Miranda's willingness to take a small, non-singing role as Major Tom highlights the genuine respect the creative community has for the series. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to deliver high-quality, emotionally intelligent content that resonates with audiences from Brisbane to Broadway.
The episode "Stories" and the character Major Tom serve as a perfect example of *Bluey's* subtle genius: a short, simple narrative that uses a celebrity voice to deliver a profound message about self-acceptance and perseverance to a young character, all while dropping a clever David Bowie reference for the adults. It’s this multi-layered approach that keeps the conversation—and the viewing—going.
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