Charles Landkas

Charles Landkas Coronas died peacefully at his home on February 15, 2016. Born in 1912 and raised in Czechoslovakia, the son of Mathias Landkas and Jozefa Berouskova. In his early years, Charles learned to perform in the family’s high wire act. Charles had a love for motorcycles and unicycles and he used them in the act. For a time, Charles left the high wire and performing. He married Rose Kilian and started a family. Charles owned a movie theater just outside the city of Brno, Czechoslovakia and was a proud businessman. Then during World War 2 and the occupation of Czechoslovakia, the movie theater was lost. Charles was forced to gather his family and put the high wire act back together again. Charles and his family escaped war-ravaged Czechoslovakia and successfully made it to France. The family toured and performed in France for several years.

In 1952, the family boarded the French ocean liner the SS Ile de France. They arrived in New York City and began performing in every major circus across the United States. They performed at the legendary Steel Pier in Atlantic City, in major theme parks as well as many television shows, including “Circus of the Stars.” Charles then began producing circuses and thrill shows. Again a proud businessman, he produced one of the largest nine-ring circuses ever at Busch Stadium, in St Louis. He went on to produce large circuses all over the U.S. Charles retired to Bradenton. He remained very active and had a passion for restoring old Airstream trailers. In 2012 Charles was inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, Indiana. The following year, 2013 he was inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame in Sarasota, Florida. He was extremely honored to receive both awards.

Charles leaves behind his second wife and companion Berry (Whitehorn) Landkas; His five children, Eva Williams, Jana Schlichte, Charles Landkas Jr, Serge Landkas, George Coronas: ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He will be missed by his family and the circus world to which he is considered a circus legend.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Charles Landkas Coronas.