Circus Ring of Fame Foundation to honor four new members of Circus Ring of Fame

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read

The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation recently announced that three performers and the national "Circus Champlain" will be inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame Class of 2023 during a ceremony on Feb. 4 at the Circus Sarasota Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park Regatta Center.

The Circus Ring of Fame honors lifetime achievement and significant contributions to global circus arts and culture.

“After a worldwide positive response to the 2022 awards ceremony, the Foundation received a large influx of candidate submissions for the upcoming year,” foundation chair Bill Powell said. "The nominating committee reviewed all candidate submissions before choosing 10 nominees.  A global audience of artists, industry professionals and support organizations then voted to select the inductees."

The new Circus Ring of Famers:

Peggy Williams in 1970 became the first female graduate of Clown College to perform in "The Greatest Show On Earth."
Peggy Williams in 1970 became the first female graduate of Clown College to perform in "The Greatest Show On Earth."

Peggy Williams' contributions to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and the circus industry made history. In 1970, Williams became the first female graduate of Clown College to perform in "The Greatest Show On Earth." In 1980, she was the company’s first female performance director. Williams also worked to create Ringling’s Department of Educational Services.

The Alexis Brothers have performed their hand balancing act for millions of fans worldwide, including Queen Elizabeth II.
The Alexis Brothers have performed their hand balancing act for millions of fans worldwide, including Queen Elizabeth II.

The Alexis Brothers ‒Marco and Paulo Lorador ‒ have performed their artistic hand balancing act for millions of fans worldwide, including Queen Elizabeth II. The Alexis Brothers have been featured in "The Greatest Show On Earth" and Cirque du Soleil,where they headlined the "Mystere" show at Treasure Island Resort for 25 years.

Jeanette Williams, whose performance heritage originated with Germany’s famous Circus Williams family, performed with liberty horses and multiple animals in Europe and in the U.S. with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Williams also became a prominent agent for circus arts talent.

Father Jerry Hogan ministered frequently to circus troupes and performers, including baptisms, weddings, and memorial services.
Father Jerry Hogan ministered frequently to circus troupes and performers, including baptisms, weddings, and memorial services.

Father Jerry Hogan, a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston for 46 years, served for three decades as the national “Circus Chaplain” under the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Jerry, who also served seasonally at St. Martha Parish in Sarasota, traveled frequently to minister to circus troupes and performers, presiding over weddings, baptisms and memorial services.

The new inductees will join 150 Circus Ring of Famers who have been honored since 1988.

The induction ceremony will include acts by Generation NeXtperformers and the announcement of the winners of the Circus Talk website Members Voice Award, which recognizes a circus artist whose work demonstrates courageous expression, social relevance, and artistic and technical acumen. Tickets are available at bit.ly/3Yu7UUV.

For more information, visit facebook.com/circusringoffame and circusringoffame.org.

Submitted by Melinda Hartline

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Four new Circus Ring of Famers to be honored at the Sarasota Big Top