One of England's and America's best
and most beloved Water Show Comedians and one of the most innovative
acrobatic equipment men in the business. John's wonderful water show
career spanned from the early 1940s and into the 1990s. He worked the
Miami Beach hotel show circuit and had his own special gig as a
photographer and performer at the elite Jockey Club in Miami.
Click to visit John's Photo Collection page: Bower Photos
Parasailing Story January 2009 He
tells the hilarious story of his introduction to parasailing at the
Jockey Club in Miami Beach and that was long before anyone had begun to
perfect the concept. When the boat stalls, he settles softly into the
water only to be launched into the air when the wind connects with his
parachute. The force against the water rips the clothes from his body
and he sails NAKED into the sky for Miami's most elite spectators to
see.
A Diver...That's What I Want To Be January 2009 How the experience of seeing a film of the Olympic Games in London inspired
him to become a professional diver. He watch the diving greats of that 1940s era like Whitey Heart,
Bruce Harlan, Charlie Diehl and Sammy Lee who later performed in a show
in England.
Procuring The Necessary Equipment January 2009 John prepares for his career by convincing the parents of his students
to set him up with top of the line equipment at a local club in England
where he was teaching diving lessons. In the 1940s this was the best
equipment available!
With Jimmy Goodhead The Finest Comedy Act In The World January 2009 John revisits the time in 1948 when he and partner of 30 years, Jimmy Goodhead, met
the 'American boys' at a show in Blackball England. Johnny Weismuller,
Whitey Heart, Bruce Harlan & others, which inspired his decision to
take his diving to the next level. He'd later defeat them in a professional diving competition sponsored by Coppertone.
John Teaches The Great Micky Barnett The 3 1/2 January 2009 A comical story about Micky Barnett (no longer with us but certainly not
forgotten). Micky met John and wanted to learn how to perform a 3 1/2,
but Micky didn't even know how to dive at the time.
Johnny's Famous Tarzan Yell January 2009 John
gave us one last sample of "Tarzan of the Apes". The yell he learned
from the original Tarzan, Johnny Weismuller himself.
