Johnathan Lee Iverson facts for kids

Johnathan Lee Iverson was born on January 30, 1976. He is an American ringmaster, which is like the host of a circus show! He is famous for being the very first African-American ringmaster of a big U.S. circus, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Growing Up and School

Johnathan Iverson grew up in New York City, near a famous park called Central Park West. He went to a special school for music and performing arts called the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School.

After high school, he studied at the Hartt School, which is part of the University of Hartford. There, he trained to become an opera singer. Before joining the circus, he also sang with the Boys Choir of Harlem.

His Amazing Career

Becoming a Ringmaster

In 1998, when he was just 22 years old, Johnathan Iverson joined the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. This was a huge deal because he became the first African-American ringmaster for the circus! He was also the youngest ringmaster they had ever had.

People were really impressed by him. Ebony magazine said that as soon as he appeared in the spotlight, the audience was completely amazed. The San Francisco Examiner wrote that he could "mesmerize" the crowd with his powerful voice. He was described as tall, confident, and great at connecting with the audience.

In 1999, Johnathan Iverson was even named one of Barbara Walters’ 10 Most Fascinating People. His time with the circus, often called "The Greatest Show On Earth," was featured in several books about important historical events and successful African-Americans.

He performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1998 until the circus closed in 2017. After that, he continued his work in the circus world. He became a ringmaster for Circus Vargas and also helped lead a new circus called Omnium: A Bold New Circus. He also helped start the American Circus Alliance. In 2021, he was the ringmaster for Omnium Circus's first big show.

Performing in Theater

In 2022, Johnathan Iverson showed off his talents in a different way. He starred in a musical play called "Trav’lin: A 1930s Harlem Musical Romance." This show took place in Winter Park, Florida.

His Family Life

While working with the Barnum & Bailey Circus, Johnathan Iverson met and married a fellow performer named Priscilla. They have two children, Matthew and Lila, who also performed with the Ringling circus!