[NOTE: The following article was originally presented in 1974, in the program book for the 103rd Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth. Gunther had been touring with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey since the 99th Edition, and was a well-established national celebrity.]
“No other Circus headliner has ever duplicated the ability of Gunther Gebel-Williams ... His billing as ‘the greatest animal trainer in the world’ fails to do him justice.”
That dazzling quote, direct from Reader’s Digest, is typical of the countless critical accolades that have been heaped upon the sensational Gunther Gebel-Williams, the astonishing animal master of the 103rd Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Esquire Magazine called him, “The best animal trainer alive.” “Absolutely incredible!” echoed the Los Angeles Times. “Over and over again we are astounded!”
Gunther Gebel-Williams is one of the handful of authentic legends in Circus annals, a masterful performer who has trained his incredible animals to perform feats that are unique in all the world. Gunther is equally at home within a cageful of snarling tigers, with massive performing elephants and prancing liberty horses. This year, he premiers an absolutely astonishing animal training masterpiece that must be seen to be truly appreciated.
For the first time in circus history and after three years of intensive training, Gebel-Williams brings into the giant arena six deadly enemies -- three tigers, two horses and an African elephant, causing them to perform an unforgettable, totally mind-boggling presentation!
Unlike many world-famous circus artists who inherited their craft from their families, Gunther Gebel-Williams is not a child of the circus. He was born in a small German town, got his early schooling there and showed no signs of circus ambitions.
Soon after World War II, Gunther’s mother found work as a seamstress with Germany’s celebrated Circus Williams and young Gunther went along. He immediately became fascinated with the show’s colorful menagerie. Soon the boy learned some acrobatics and other skills. After a few months he was taught to ride bareback, a prelude to the “Circus Oscar” he was to win years later as the world’s outstanding circus horseman.
Gunther got to know all of the circus animals and began learning to train them. Old hands around the show were amazed by the young man’s steel nerves and his almost uncanny instinct for communicating with wild animals.
Finally Gunther was entrusted with a herd of performing elephants. This magnificent elephant group, featured with him in this super-spectacular edition of The Greatest Show On Earth, won for Gunther a second “Circus Oscar,” an unprecedented accomplishment in the circus world.
Word about Gunther Gebel-Williams spread around the world. For years, the handsome young animal training genius turned down lucrative offers from almost every country on Earth. It was only when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey President and Producer Irvin Feld acquired the famous Circus Williams and merged it into The Greatest Show On Earth that Gunther agreed to embark on his initial American tour.
In the short years that he has been touring America, Gunther has stunned press and public alike with his fantastic accomplishments. He has been called, again and again, “the most exciting figure in show business today.”
Earlier this year he won another prestigious, and for Gunther, perhaps the most personally satisfying award. He was chosen “Outstanding Circus Performer of the Year” by his fellow members of the American Guild of Variety Artists. Gunther received the AGVA Award on a nationally televised special hosted by Ed Sullivan. Gunther modestly considers recognition by one’s colleagues the highest compliment.
It is with great pride that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus once again presents the unique, unbelievable and totally incredible Gunther Gebel-Williams!
