When you ask a boy what he wants to be when he grows up, he probably won't say, "I want to run a circus." Even if a kid really wants to step into the centre ring, most of them don't know how to start a career like that.
This path can be pretty winding, like it was for Tyron Stucks McFarlan Jr., who grew up as a "military brat" and joined the Army National Guard at age 16. He got advanced training while he was in college, and he got a degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina. But, as McFarlan says, "Whatever is really inside you will come out sooner or later." For him, that "whatever" was music. In high school, he discovered he was good at singing and performing.
McFarlan tried out musical theatre, modelling, and commercial work after he graduated from college. But it was his unique mix of talent, work ethic, and physical presence that made him perfect for his biggest role: Ringmaster for The Greatest Show on Earth.
McFarlan says that being chosen as Ringmaster is a reason to "celebrate life," and he can't wait to share his happiness with his daughter Nymah, who will visit him on the road while the show travels.
McFarlan is known as the voice of Ringling Bros. as the Ringmaster, and he loves to "vibe" with the audience and talk to people from many different countries and backgrounds. Some of the acts he's proud to show people at the circus are:
Brian and Tina Miser, also known as "Mr. and Mrs. Human Cannonball," are a married couple who take love and explosions to a whole new level.
Taba Maluenda is an amazing cat trainer and a great tumbler. His seven beautiful Bengal tigers will amaze and shock you.
Clown Alley: Serving up trouble at the local pizza place. Plus, they will play basketball against the Windy City Acrobats.
Elephants are both strong and playful. What would the circus be like without elephants? The amazing Asia, a diva who weighs 10 tonnes, stuns everyone as she carefully walks over six production women.
Tyron McFarlan is a real American hero and a dedicated member of the military. He also has a strong stage presence and a strong voice. McFarlan is in charge of the 135th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. He takes his talented troops and sends them out to defeat the evil forces of Mundane Monday, Tedious Tuesday, and Weary Wednesday. In other words, he and the other people who work for Ringling Bros. are Saving The Day From The EverydaySM!
