SNAPSHOTS FROM THE PAST: JOHNNY LADDIE
Once in while you see a performer playing a part in the ring who absolutely fits the part, in my eyes Johnny Laddie was one of those performers. I found the above composite of the Johnny Zoppe's Rhesus Monkeys when it was presented by David, his sister Sonja, with his father doing the comedy. To me it was & even though Johnny is gone, still is one of the "Classic" Animal Acts of all times.
As we all know, this act, along with Susan Sheryll's Royal Afghan Champions, is still being presented by David Zoppe & his lovely wife Susan.
posted by 24-HOUR-MAN | 11:57 AM
2 Comments:
IT...WAS...ONE...OF...A....KINE...
GREAT...GREAT...ACT....
THERE...WAS...NO...COPY...NO...ONE...COULD...
Johnny always did an act with cute little terriors that would follow him, no strings and do the act , then back to the dressing room, etc. He always used a dog for the top mounter in his unseported ladder act. Hence the name "Johnny Laddie" The monkeys came later, but he was a great showman and had been a bareback rider with his family Zoppe-Zavatta troupe and I am sure nephew Jimmy Hall can tell us more about that. Incideentally I am quite aware that Jimmys father Mel was the all time great high unicycle rider. Pretty impressive credentials.
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