Mario Wallenda (in fond memory of)

In meeting Mario, the first thing that you would notice, beyond the obvious wheelchair, was Mario's honest, ballsy, sense of humor.  And the conversational winking, with - "Please don't print that".

In 2005, my sister Caren had called from Maine and was coming back down to Florida for a visit. Being a big supporter of my documentary field work, she had asked if there was anyone that we could work with together on.  I'd mentioned Mario Wallenda, a survivor of the "Great Wallendas" high-wire act,  which turned tragic when their seven man pyramid collapsed and most fell while performing in Detroit in 1962.  Two died, and Mario survived - bound for life in a wheelchair.

Caren and I sat with him, outside in the carport for a better part of a day, while his wife Linda would appear on the occasion with refreshments - where we talked, tape-recorded the conversation - and finally set-up some equipment for a portrait of Mario in his garage.

Mario, that day, was so excited about a new prospect - his returning to the "wire".  He wanted to make another stab at it in front of the public. So, with the help of his nephew Tino, and the encouragement from his sister Jenny, a motorized "Sky Cycle" was built.  In 2006, Mario Wallenda, now 44 years later, and sittin' a-top the high wire once again, crossed the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, high above a crowd of gawkers and well-wishing fans.  Mario's after comment - "It was more fun than a barrel of monkey-women".

Mario died yesterday - only nine days after his loving sister, Jenny Wallenda, had passed.

Mario with his home-built "Sky Cycle".