About John Ringling North
Lived 1903 – 1985 (aged 81). John Ringling North was an American military officer.
John Ringling North (August 14, 1903 – June 4, 1985) was the president and director of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1937 to 1943 and again from 1947 to 1967.
Life and career North was born on August 14, 1903, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the son of Ida Loraina Wihelmina (Ringling) and Harry Whitestone North. His mother was the sister of the Ringling brothers. As a boy, he hawked balloons and novelties at his uncles' circus. He learned to dance and play the saxophone from circus performers and formed his own dance band while at college. Balanchine, in turn, brought Igor Stravinsky on board to compose the Circus Polka for the elephant dance.
Personal life After the sale of the circus, he moved to Europe, where he lived in Switzerland and Belgium.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Ringling North?
Circus czar
When was John Ringling North born?
John Ringling North was born on 14 August 1903 in Baraboo.
When did John Ringling North die?
John Ringling North died on 4 June 1985 in Brussels-Capital Region.
What was John Ringling North's occupation?
John Ringling North was a military officer.
What nationality was John Ringling North?
John Ringling North was American.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: John Ringling North
· DBpedia: John Ringling North
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Ringling North. https://biography.guide/john-ringling-north/
MLA: "John Ringling North." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-ringling-north/.
Chicago: "John Ringling North." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-ringling-north/.
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