Stage illusionist Franz Alexander Hodis, better known as Ferry Forst was born in Austria on December 27, 1912.
Before arriving in the United States Forst performed throughout Europe, Africa and South America at the best known casinos, night clubs, theaters, and circuses. He has appeared at the Savoy Hotel in London, Theater Hollandbuehne in Denmark, Civic Opera Company in Marseille and on circuses Schumann, Bertram Mills, Olympia, Pinder, Cirque D'Hiver and Circo Atayde. He has appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, The Mike Douglas Show and at Radio City Music Hall.
While working in Europe Forst was spotted by circus magnate John Ringling North, who brought Ferry to the United States to perform on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. After years with RBBB, Forst performed with Circo Atayde in Mexico and then spent many years with the Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. Circus.
The very dapper Ferry Forst presented a very classy and elegant performance, his signature trick was the Hindu Basket and shooting a girl from a cannon.
An illusionist dream come true. Ferry and his lovely wife Liselotte (Lillian), had two beautiful twin daughters Jutta and Bridgette. Ferry used the advantage of having twins to the fullest. For many years the twins would never be seen together to protect the secret of many of Ferry's illusions.
Franz Alexander Hodis AKA Ferry Forst died on January 21, 1993 in Sarasota Florida. |
