Con and Winnie Colleano, c. 1930s
Con and Winnie Colleano, c. 1930s
- WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following program may contain images and/or audio of deceased persons
The Australian-born and world-famous Con Colleano (1899–1973) was considered in his prime to be the greatest tightrope circus artist who ever lived.
Born in Lismore, NSW, with an Aboriginal, Irish and West Indian background, Colleano adopted a Spanish toreador persona as part of his act, which proved highly successful. From 1925 until the late 1930s Colleano toured with the largest circus in America, Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus, promoted as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. Colleano was billed as ‘The Wizard of the Wire’ and was their principal star.
Colleano's wife was vaudeville soubrette Winnie (née Trevail). She is believed to have shot some of the 16mm home movies of her husband rehearsing and performing his famed tightwire act.
Learn more about Con Colleano and watch excerpts from his home movies
- WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following program may contain images and/or audio of deceased persons
The Australian-born and world-famous Con Colleano (1899–1973) was considered in his prime to be the greatest tightrope circus artist who ever lived.
Born in Lismore, NSW, with an Aboriginal, Irish and West Indian background, Colleano adopted a Spanish toreador persona as part of his act, which proved highly successful. From 1925 until the late 1930s Colleano toured with the largest circus in America, Ringling Bros & Barnum and Bailey Circus, promoted as ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. Colleano was billed as ‘The Wizard of the Wire’ and was their principal star.
Colleano's wife was vaudeville soubrette Winnie (née Trevail). She is believed to have shot some of the 16mm home movies of her husband rehearsing and performing his famed tightwire act.
Learn more about Con Colleano and watch excerpts from his home movies
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