Circus legend Marion Fossett dies at 71

Marion Fossett, a celebrated figure in circus entertainment and a former singer, has died at the age of 71. Her family announced her passing, stating she died in a Dublin hospital after a period of illness. Fossett was widely recognized as "one of the best" ringmistresses in the business and was considered the "face of Fossett's Circus."

“

She loved what she did... we are so proud of her.

Her brother, Eddie Fossett, expressed immense pride in her legacy, saying, "She loved what she did... we are so proud of her." Her niece, Sonya Fossett, remembered her as a vibrant "showgirl" who "loved her feathers and sequins," adding, "She was a singer, an actress... she was a star to be shared."

Fossett's Circus, a family-run enterprise tracing its roots back to the late 1880s, was founded by her great-grandfather. Marion herself began her circus career at an astonishing 18 months old, making her debut on an elephant's back. Over the years, she developed a wide range of skills, excelling as an aerialist, contortionist, and sword balancer. She famously said, "You can shake the sawdust from your feet, but you never shake it from your blood."

“

She was a singer, an actress... she was a star to be shared.

Beyond the circus ring, Fossett transitioned into mainstream entertainment in the 1970s. She performed in London's cabaret venues and appeared on television shows like "Seaside Special." Her musical career included representing Ireland at the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest as part of the girl group Sheeba, a group her niece noted predated the Spice Girls and were "the number one."

“

You can shake the sawdust from your feet, but you never shake it from your blood.

After her father fell ill, Fossett returned to Ireland to help manage the family business. She also co-presented a circus show called "The Big Top" on RTÉ. Her family described her as "meticulous" in her performances and dedicated to ensuring everyone "presented well." Her close bond with her mother, Herta, who passed away two years prior, was evident in their shared life and work. Friends and family recall her warmth and dedication, with Charles O'Brien noting her awareness of the joy she brought to audiences, stating, "She was very much aware of the fact she brought a smile to people's faces around the country."

“

She was very much aware of the fact she brought a smile to people's faces around the country.