Our Arklahoma Heritage: Legendary circus performer settled his family and circus in a small Faulkner County town

Alberto Zoppé

Alberto Zoppé, born Giovanni Alberto Zoppé on January 4, 1922, in Italy to Luigi and Emma Zoppé, was a celebrated equestrian and circus performer from a lineage of entertainers dating back to 1842.

Raised in the family’s Circo Zoppé, a traditional Italian circus that toured in horse-drawn wagons, Alberto mastered groundbreaking equestrian feats, including the first layout somersault between galloping horses and a double somersault on horseback with a longe.

Renowned as Italy’s premier equestrian artist, he performed for European royalty and met Pope Pius XII.In 1947, Orson Welles persuaded Alberto to appear in a London circus film, where he met John Ringling North of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

North offered him a U.S. contract and a role in Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth (1952).

To support his family’s circus, Alberto secured an elephant loan for Circo Zoppé in Italy.

Arriving in the U.S. in 1948, he dazzled audiences as part of the “Riding Zoeppes” with his horse Pascha the Wonder Horse, who answered questions with head shakes or hoof stomps.

His career included films like Toby Tyler (1960) and Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), and TV appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Bob Hope Show, The Red Skelton Show, and Circus of the Stars.

With his wife Sandra, Alberto raised performers--children Giovanni, Tosca, Carla, Delilah, and Tino--who continued the Zoppé Family Circus, known for its intimate one-ring tent and authentic Italian style.

Seeking a stable base, Alberto chose Greenbrier in Faulkner County around 1988, as the circus’s winter quarters and family home. The rural setting, with ample space for housing and training horses and maintaining equipment, was ideal for the circus’s off-season preparations.

Greenbrier’s quiet community supported the family’s unique lifestyle, and the Zoppés, after touring nationwide, focused on Arkansas performances to share their art locally, especially during the winter holidays. The Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus, launched in Greenbrier, became a beloved local tradition, with additional shows in North Little Rock and Springdale.

The family also ran a circus camp in Greenbrier, teaching children skills like trapeze and horseback riding. Circus Winter Quarters Context Winter quarters have been a cornerstone of American circus history, providing a place for performers, animals, and equipment to rest and prepare during the off-season.

In the U.S., circuses like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey used permanent bases, such as Baraboo, Wisconsin, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, while others, like the Al G. Barnes Circus, wintered in California locations like Venice and Baldwin Park until 1938.

Wisconsin, a major circus hub, hosted over 100 circuses between 1847 and 1998, starting with the Mabie brothers’ Grand Olympic Arena in Delavan. The Zoppés’ choice of Greenbrier aligned with this tradition, offering a practical and community-oriented base for their touring operations.Other U.S. Circus Families

The U.S. circus landscape featured prominent families like the Ringling brothers, who built the world’s largest railroad circus from Baraboo, Wisconsin, merging with Barnum & Bailey in 1919.

The Zacchini family, often confused with the Zoppés, pioneered the human cannonball act.

The Mabie brothers established early circus roots in Wisconsin, while P.T. Barnum, with James A. Bailey, revolutionized the industry with multi-ring shows and exotic animal displays.

Smaller family circuses, like the Zoppés, persisted into the modern era, emphasizing traditional, intimate performances over the spectacle of larger operations.

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Unlike the high-tech spectacles of modern circus troupes, Crico Zoppé remains grounded in tradition--featuring classic acts like acrobats, equestrian feats, clowns, and aerial artistry, all performed under a nostalgic big top. The show is more than entertainment; it’s a celebration of family, heritage, and the enduring magic of live performance. With each stop, the Zoppé family invites audiences to become part of their legacy, creating an intimate and joyful experience that transcends generations.

As of summer 2025, Circo Zoppé is captivating audiences along the West Coast. Their tour includes stops in Truckee, California (Aug. 29–Sep. 8) and Elk Grove, California (Sep. 12–22), with additional California dates in Ukiah and Napa to be announced soon.

Each location transforms into a whimsical world of sawdust rings and soaring trapeze, where the past meets the present in a swirl of color and emotion. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the current West Coast run offers a rare chance to witness this living piece of circus history in action.

Alberto died on March 5, 2009, at age 87 in Greenbrier, Arkansas, after entering hospice care. A Mass was held on March 10, 2009, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Conway, Arkansas, reflecting his deep community ties.

Another Mass occurred on May 5, 2009, at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida, with a reception at Showfolks of Sarasota.

He was interred at a church in San Fior, Italy, honoring his roots. The Zoppé Family Circus, now led by Giovanni and Tosca, continues to thrive from its Arkansas base, a testament to Alberto’s enduring legacy.