Ildebrando Zacchini
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ildebrando Zacchini (July 31, 1868 – July 17, 1948) was an Italian-born painter, inventor, and travelling circus owner.[1]
Ildebrando Zacchini | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 31, 1868 Pieve di Cento, Italy |
| Died | July 17, 1948 (aged 79–80) |
Resting place | Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, Tampa |
| Other name | Altebrando |
| Known for | human cannonball act |
| Spouse | Madelina Dal Paos (1872 – 1963) |
| Children | Hugo Zacchini, Edmondo Zacchini |
Inspired by the works of Jules Verne, Zacchini came up with an idea for a human cannonball act.[2] Instead of explosives, Zacchini's human-firing cannon used compressed air, and he first tested it on his son Hugo Zacchini.
The idea for the cannonball act was initially proposed to the Italian government as a military maneuver to be used in conjunction with parachutes; when the proposal was rejected Zacchini looked to use the technique as part of an entertainment act.[3]
Zacchini died in Tampa, Florida in 1948. Members of the Zacchini family were later inducted into the Ringling Brothers Circus Hall of Fame.[4]
