Johnny Fox (performer)

Johnny Fox, performing as a sword swallower at the Maryland Renaissance Festival in 2007

Johnny Fox (November 13, 1953 – December 17, 2017) was an American professional sword swallower and sleight of hand expert.[1][2] He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was raised in Hartford, Connecticut.[3]

Fox began performing magic and comedy while working as a waiter in Saint Petersburg, Florida.[4] He was inspired by Harry Houdini. Fox could swallow up to 22 inches of steel.[4] Fox was the resident sword-swallower at the annual Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, and performed there from 1981 through 2017.[4]

Fox was diagnosed with liver cancer in October 2016.[5] He died on December 17, 2017 in Hartford from the disease at the age of 64.

References

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  1. ↑ "Remembering Ren Fest's Sword Swallower Johnny Fox - Capital Gazette". Archived from the original on 2017-12-21. Retrieved 2017-12-18.
  2. ↑ Feuer, Alan. "Pickled Piglets and Other Curiosities, in Exile." The New York Times, 2005-06-04, p. B1.
  3. ↑ Louie, Elaine (1999-06-06). "NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: LOWER EAST SIDE; A Man Who Lives by the Sword". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Montgomery, David. "Strange Attraction: As Sideshows Vanish from the Midway, a Film Recalls Their Glory Days." The Washington Post, 2003-10-24, p. C1.
  5. ↑ Boyle, Tara (October 14, 2017). "Sword Swallower Makes Triumphant Return As He Battles Severe Health Issues". National Public Radio All Things Considered. Retrieved October 17, 2017.

Other websites

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