Michael Davis

Michael Davis (born August 23, 1953) is a comedic American juggler. He came to nationwide attention in the United States in the early 1980s, appearing on NBC's Saturday Night Live six times, the only professional juggler to perform on the show. Early life Born Michael Bruce Davis on August 23, 1953, to James Davis, an English teacher, and Donna, a homemaker, Davis spent his early childhood growing up in San Francisco, California. After moving to Susanville, California, they moved again a few years later to Danville, California, just outside San Francisco. Davis attended Monte Vista High School, graduating in 1971. Clown College On October 1, 1973, Davis started a six-week course at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. Over 3,500 applicants were whittled down to a group of 38 men and 7 women ranging in age from 17 to 35. Upon completion, successful candidates were offered a contract with the circus. Davis was chosen to be a Ringling clown based on his distinctive deadpan style. He travelled with the red unit for a year. The following year, Davis signed on with the Gatti Charles Circus. TV to Ford's Theatre In 1979, Davis performed on HBO's "The Young Comedian's Show," his first major television appearance. On March 15, 1981, Davis performed in the opening (and also closing) night of the Broadway musical, Broadway Follies. Although that musical was a flop, Davis was hired and immediately performed in the Broadway musical, Sugar Babies, for which he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and won a Theatre World Award for Best Featured Actor in a musical. He returned to San Francisco, established himself as a street performer, and performed at charity events, corporate events, schools and night clubs.