Lillian Leitzel facts for kids

Lillian Leitzel (born Leopoldina Alitza Pelikan on January 2, 1892) was a world-famous acrobat and aerialist. She was known for her amazing acts on the Roman Rings. Lillian performed with the famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. She was the first person to be honored in the International Circus Hall of Fame after her death. Lillian sadly passed away in 1931 after a fall during a live performance.

Early Life and Circus Start

Lillian Leitzel was born into a family of circus performers. Her mother, Nellie Pelikan, was a talented Czech circus acrobat. Lillian spent her childhood in Germany with her grandparents. She was very smart and even planned to become a concert pianist.

However, Lillian decided to join her mother's acrobatic group. This group was called the Leamy Ladies. Her aunts, Tina and Toni, and Lily Simpson were also part of the troupe. They traveled all over Europe in 1905, showing off their amazing skills.

"The Leamy Ladies (Lillian Leitzel at left) in 1905.

In 1910, Lillian came to the United States with the circus group. They performed with Barnum and Bailey. Later, the group broke up, and most members went back to Europe. But Lillian decided to stay in America. She wanted to perform on the vaudeville circuit.

A talent agent from the Ringling Brothers saw her perform. He offered her a contract. When Ringling and Barnum and Bailey circuses joined together, Lillian became a huge star. She was one of the main performers for the circus.

Lillian's Amazing Act

Lillian Leitzel's act was truly special. She performed on the Roman Rings. Her most famous move was the one-armed plange. In this move, she would flip her body over her shoulder many times. She would do this hundreds of times in a row! The audience would often count along with her. This showed her incredible strength and endurance.

Leitzel performing in 1925

Lillian was only four feet, nine inches tall. But she had a very strong personality. She was known for being demanding and having a quick temper. If her equipment wasn't set up just right, she would let people know! She was also the first performer to have her own private train car. It even had her own baby grand piano inside!

Despite her demanding side, Lillian was also very kind to children. The kids on the show called her "Auntie Leitzel." She would even host birthday parties for other performers in her dressing tent.

Personal Life and Honors

Lillian Leitzel was married a few times during her life. Her third husband was a fellow circus performer named Alfredo Codona. They were married in 1928.

Lillian Leitzel was greatly admired for her circus skills. In 1958, she was the first person chosen for the International Circus Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor in the circus world.

A vintage circus poster showing Lillian was even used on a United States postage stamp. This stamp was released in 2014.

In Media

Lillian Leitzel's life story is told in a book. It is called Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus. Dean N. Jensen wrote the book, and it was published in 2013.

See also

In Spanish: Lillian Leitzel para niños