Anyone who knows me knows that one of the things I look forward to each year is the #MarylandRenaissanceFestival. 19 years ago, an ex-girlfriend of mine took me there and I was amazed. ‘Excalibur’ is one of my all-time fave movies & it was like stepping into a local version of that world.
At the end of that day, I went to see a show of this sword-swallower & magician. I was impressed with how he related to the crowd, the laughter lines, the standing ovations from his fans, but mainly 2 things stuck out to me about him: a) his uncompromising sense of professionalism to his craft, and b) his ability to truly connect with people & always bring smiles to their faces.
His name: Johnny Fox.
I always go to the ‘Fest every last Saturday of the season, without fail, 19 years straight so far. In 19 years, I think I’ve only missed one show, and that was because the Jousts ran too long. For 19 years, every last Saturday of the season at the 4:30 show, I’ve watched thousands of people young and old, kids and adults, be entertained by this man. People have laughed, sometimes to tears, at his magic show. I remember one year I was sitting in the crowd, he was doing his routine & he saw me & paused for a second; I smiled & gave him a thumbs-up, he smiled & did the same – that’s one thing I can say about Johnny Fox, he ALWAYS remembered his fans. After his shows, people waited to talk with him and take pictures; Johnny & I would always get one every year I’d see him. He always had time for people, without fail; he never took his work, his craft or his supporters for granted, and I never saw him without a smile on his face.
Last year, Johnny Fox got a diagnosis of liver cancer and he began treatment. He worked to entertain people, even with this illness. This past season, I went to the Fest on Saturday, October 21st. You never would have known that he was ill; he was energy and light personified, just as dynamic as he’d always been. Johnny got a standing ovation by a full house at the Royal Fox Theater that 4:30 show, and after the show there was a line long as Texas to greet him. I got our annual pictures with him as seen in this post. After a short conversation, we hugged and I told him I was looking forward to him being here to entertain people’s grandkids 30 years from now and to keep up the good work with his treatment; he said ‘absolutely’………….
That wasn’t even two months ago.
Sadly, Johnny Fox lost his battle with liver cancer early Sunday morning (12/17/17) at 2:24 a.m. I’m not only sorry to lose a friend, but also sorry for the people who will never get to see his show or be around him again. I, like many others, am sad but also honored that on Saturday, October 21st, 2017, I got to witness one of the final shows, if not THE final show of this amazing entertainer’s career. Johnny Fox went out on top: with standing ovations and the love from his fans.
Farewell and we’ll remember the “Magic Water from India” as you rest with the Angels. You will be sorely missed.
Huzzah, my friend.
Rest In Peace, Johnny Fox (1953 – 2017).
