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Bello Nock


Bello Nock (born April 13, 1968), usually known simply as "Bello", is referred to as the World's Greatest Daredevil. He has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for a Highwire walk over a cruise ship, and has performed several stunts in New York City including at Madison Square Garden and the Statue of Liberty. Nock performs without the traditional clown makeup. His signature appearance is his foot-tall natural red hair, flashy tuxedo or zoot suit with bow tie, white gloves and saddle shoes. He was named by Time as "America's Best Clown." Nock's theater show, "Bello Mania" was nominated for a Drama Desk Award.

Born in Sarasota, Florida, Demetrius Nock is a seventh-generation circus performer, an American of Swiss and Italian ancestry. A descendant of the family that founded Switzerland's Circus Nock in the 18th century, Nock began performing at age three, playing the baby on the burning house in Disney on Parade's "Dumbo's Circus". At six, Nock played Michael Darling in the touring version of Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby. Bello first performed his family's trademark sway pole act at the age of 15. He performed with his family all around the world with the troupe known as the Nerveless Nocks.

Bello was the featured artist in Mexico's Circo Atayde before joining New York's Big Apple Circus, where he became the star attraction in 2000. Bello completed three tours with the Big Apple Circus; the last being Bello and Friends. While with the Big Apple Circus, Bello also attended the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, where he won five awards, including the Silver Clown (presented by Princess Stephanie of Monaco) and the Walt Disney Award for Creative Entertainment. In 2011, Bello won the Gold Clown.

In 2001, Nock joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus as their headliner. Bello completed four tours with Ringling Bros, the last being Bellobration. Nock was the first person in Ringling's 140-year history to have a production named after him. Ringling Bros. producer Kenneth Feld said of Bello: "[He is] unlike anyone in the history of circus, a once in a lifetime performer..." In 2001, Time Magazine included Bello in their list of "America's Best Artists and Entertainers", calling him "America's Best Clown". Nock calls himself a comic daredevil. He is known for his foot-tall, natural red hair and his unique ability to make his audience laugh while performing daring and dangerous stunts. He is an athletic and acrobatic performer. In 2004, the Daily News said that Nock "might be the greatest athlete ever to set foot in the World's Most Famous Arena" (Madison Square Garden).


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