Helen Wallenda

Helen Kreis Wallenda (December 11, 1910 – May 9, 1996) was a German-born trapeze artist and aerialist, best known as a key member of the original four-member Great Wallendas high-wire troupe. She was the wife of the high-wire artist Karl Wallenda, and together they performed daring acts without a safety net. Kreis was often the pinnacle of the Wallenda pyramid.

Early life and career Kreis was born on December 11, 1910, in Germany. She joined the Wallenda troupe, led by her future husband, Karl Wallenda, at the age of 16. In 1928, she made her debut as the pinnacle of the Wallenda pyramid during a performance at Madison Square Garden, which earned the troupe a standing ovation that lasted for 11 minutes.

She died on May 9, 1996, in Sarasota, Florida, at the age of 85, survived by her three children, Carla Wallenda Guzman, Jenny Wallenda Anderson, and Mario Wallenda, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.