Johnathan Lee Iverson

Johnathan Lee Iverson (born January 30, 1976) is an American ringmaster who is the first African-American ringmaster of a major U.S. circus, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Early life and education Iverson grew up in the Central Park West neighborhood of New York City. He attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. He was the first African American ringmaster, as well as the youngest ringmaster at the company. The San Francisco Examiner stated, "Now imagine mesmerizing the crowd with a powerful voice and the bearing of a superstar." Theater In 2022, Iverson starred in a production of Trav’lin: A 1930s Harlem Musical Romance in Winter Park, Florida.

Personal life While working with Barnum & Bailey Circus, Iverson married a fellow performer, Priscilla, and the couple had two children, Matthew and Lila, who also performed at Ringling.