Career Overview		Career Timeline

	Gunther's Greatness: A Timeline
	1934-1945		1946-1954		1955-1969		1970-1979		1980-1989		1990-2001

1960: Gunther hears of an act combining an elephant and a tiger. He determines to better this feat, purchasing his first Bengal tiger for $1,000, and proceeds to create a stunning act featuring two elephants and two tigers. Under Gunther's patient guidance, natural enemies in the animal world become cooperative co-stars in the circus ring. His mixed animal acts, featuring horses, elephants and tigers, are the talk of Europe. 1964: For his outstanding horsemanship, Gunther Gebel-Williams is awarded the European circus world's highest honor-the Ernst Renke-Plaskett award. He will win this honor an unprecedented two more times, for his renowned elephant act, and as an outstanding all-around circus performer. In America, word of Gunther Gebel-Williams' success reaches producer Irvin Feld. 1968: Berlin. Gunther introduces himself to an attractive young fashion model named Sigrid Neubauer. Salerno. With the aid of a translator, Irvin Feld-now Producer of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus-introduces himself to Gunther Gebel-Williams. On April 10, Gunther and Sigrid are married. Gunther Gebel-Williams is invited to come to America to perform with The Greatest Show On Earth®. When loyalty to Carola Williams causes Gunther to hesitate, Irvin Feld buys the entire Circus Williams for two million dollars. The Swedish liner Atlantic Song sets sail for America. On board are Gunther, Sigrid, 30 performers from the Circus Williams, and a floating menagerie of nine tigers, thirty-eight horses and twelve elephants. 1969: Gunther makes his American debut on January 6, 1969 in the 99th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus premiering at the circus' Winter Quarters in Venice, Florida. He performs an unparalleled four times, eliciting a chorus of critical raves from the press and public alike. Gunther stars in the nationally-televised NBC-TV special, Highlights of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS, hosted by Arthur Godfrey.

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