Michael Davis (juggler) facts for kids

Michael Bruce Davis, born on August 23, 1953, is a funny American juggler. He became famous across the United States in the early 1980s. He was the only professional juggler to perform on the TV show Saturday Night Live, appearing six times! Michael is also an actor, comedian, and singer.

Early Life and Education

Michael Davis was born in San Francisco, California. His dad, James Davis, was an English teacher. His mom, Donna Davis, was a homemaker. Michael spent his early childhood in San Francisco. Later, his family moved to Susanville, and then to Danville. He went to Monte Vista High School and finished in 1971.

Learning to Be a Clown

On October 1, 1973, Michael started a special six-week course. This was at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. Over 3,500 people wanted to join, but only 45 were chosen. Michael was one of them!

After the course, successful students could join the circus. Michael was picked to be a Ringling clown. He was known for his unique, serious style of humor. He traveled with the circus for a year. The next year, he worked with the Gatti Charles Circus.

From Broadway to TV Fame

In 1979, Michael Davis made his first big TV appearance. He was on HBO's The Young Comedian's Show.

Broadway Success

On March 15, 1981, he performed in a Broadway musical called Broadway Follies. Even though that show didn't last long, he quickly got another job. He joined the Broadway musical Sugar Babies. For his work in Sugar Babies, he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. He also won a Theatre World Award for Best Featured Actor in a musical.

After his time on Broadway, Michael went back to San Francisco. He became a street performer. He also performed at charity events, company parties, schools, and night clubs.

Juggling on Saturday Night Live

On October 3, 1981, Michael Davis performed for the first time on Saturday Night Live. Famous comedian Eddie Murphy introduced him. Michael performed on the show six times in total. His last performance was on May 7, 1983. He was the only professional juggler ever to perform on Saturday Night Live.

Michael also appeared on an NBC summer TV series called The News Is the News. In this show, the cast made fun of real news stories. It started on June 15, 1983, but only four episodes aired.

Performing for Presidents

On September 25, 1982, Michael performed at Ford's Theatre. This was for a TV special called A Festival at Ford's. He was the main act alongside many other famous people. These included David Copperfield and Liza Minnelli.

During this show, he entertained President Ronald Reagan and Mrs. Reagan. They were sitting with important leaders like House Speaker Tip O'Neill. Videos of this performance are still very popular online. President Reagan clearly enjoyed Michael's act.

Career Highlights: 1983 to Today

Because President Reagan liked his performance so much, Michael was invited back. On January 20, 1985, he performed at the party after President Reagan's second inauguration.

More TV Appearances

In the mid-to-late 1980s, Michael appeared on many popular TV shows. He was on the BBC's The Bob Monkhouse Show five times. He also appeared on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He was on Late Night with David Letterman and even Sesame Street. On the Tonight Show, he famously joked, "I started out with nothing. I still have most of it."

Helping Others and Royal Performances

On March 29, 1986, Michael performed on the first American TV show for Comic Relief. This show, hosted by Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg, raised money for people experiencing homelessness.

On May 21, 1986, he appeared on NBC's Today show. He juggled for passengers on a cruise ship called the SS Norway. On November 24, 1986, he entertained Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother. This was at the Royal Variety Performance in London.

On January 20, 1989, he returned to the White House. He performed at the party after President George H. W. Bush's inauguration.

Continuing to Entertain Leaders

On July 10, 1990, Michael Davis entertained President George Bush and other world leaders. This was at a big meeting called the 16th G7 summit.

On October 30, 1993, Michael performed at Ford's Theatre again. This time, it was for President Clinton. Other performers included Whoopi Goldberg and Jay Leno. In December 1994, he performed in a Broadway show called Comedy Tonight. On November 5, 1997, he entertained former President Bush again. This was for the opening of the George Bush Presidential Library.

In 2008, Michael was featured in a movie called Buskers; For Love or Money. For seven years in the early 2000s, he was the head writer and performed every night at Teatro ZinZanni in San Francisco.