Career Overview		Career Timeline

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

1980: A rare beauty named Maharanee becomes the first white tiger to be trained and presented by Gunther Gebel-Williams. 1981: NBC-TV presents two network television specials starring Gunther Gebel-Williams: My father, the Circus King, a behind-the-scenes look at the relationship between Gunther and his eleven-year-old son, Mark Oliver, and Highlights of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS, hosted by Dick Van Dyke. On April 9, Irvin Feld and Kenneth Feld are present as Gunther donates several prized items of Circus memorabilia to the American Entertainment collection of the Smithsonian Institution. 1982: Gunther Gebel-Williams once again makes Circus history when he presents Dickie, the first trained giraffe in America. Gunther appears as co-host of the CBS-TV special, Highlights of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS, with Richard Thomas. 1983: Gunther's performance packs a punch when he appears with Sugar Ray Leonard and son in the annual CBS-TV special Highlights of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS. Gunther's revolutionary training techniques and unique relationships with his animals earn him a cover photograph and the focus of a profile in Psychology Today. 1985: Gunther kicks up his heels in the CBS-TV special, Highlights of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS, hosted by Ben Vereen. 1987: For the 117th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth, Gunther playfully teaches his performing pachyderms the art of breakdancing. The elephants make their network dancing debut and Gunther makes his singing debut in Highlights of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS, a CBS-TV special hosted by Barbara Mandrell. Gunther makes an appearance as a celebrity presenter at the International Emmy Awards. 1988: On December 27, in Venice, Florida, The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time begins his Farewell Tour with The Greatest Show On Earth. 1989: Gunther Gebel-Williams stars in Highlights of RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS, a CBS-TV special hosted by Michelle Lee. New York celebrities of stage and screen join Mayor Edward I. Koch in celebrating Gunther Gebel-Williams Day in Central Park on April 10. The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time is immortalized in wax when Gunther's likeness becomes the latest addition to the Los Angeles Wax Museum. Hollywood salutes Gunther with an unprecedented fundraiser for Variety Children's Club of Southern California. Henry Winkler, Tony Danza, Robert Urich, and Lou Gossett, Jr. join fellow celebrities for a star-studded evening at The Greatest Show On Earth. On September 2 Gunther Gebel-Williams is welcomed on the Assembly floor of the California State Capitol in Sacramento where he is honored with a Special resolution commending his 20 year career with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. ABC's 20/20 treats viewers to an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at Gunther Gebel-Williams' life and career.

Gunther Home Career Highlights Photo Galleries Gunther in Depth Remembrances Ringling.com Feldinc.com