High-Flying Facts About Lillian Leitzel, Queen Of The Air
Before pop stars and influencers, the world had Lillian Leitzel, the most famous woman at the turn of the 20th century. The tiny acrobat was the biggest star—and diva—of the biggest circus. But the higher the Queen of the Air rose, the harder she fell. Literally and figuratively. Leitzel’s life, including her tragic love story and dark end, seemed written in the stars.
1. She Was Destined For The Stage
On January 2, 1892, in Germany, Leopoldina Alitza Pelikan came into the world—with showbiz running through her veins. Performers filled every branch of her family tree, including a trapeze star mom and theater performer father.
But Nellie and Edward handed Leitzel off to her grandparents, who provided an incredible education. Everyone expected—and wanted—her to become a concert pianist. Leitzel had other plans.
2. She Joined The Family Trade
Like a siren, the circus called to Leitzel. The 11-year-old joined the Leamy Ladies, her mother Nellie’s aerobatic circus troupe. Leitzel and Nellie were both optimistic. You see, they were more like strangers than mother and daughter.
They had high hopes that the common ground (or air) would bring them closer. It only tore them apart.
3. She Was A Prodigy
Leitzel wasn’t supposed “to do anything up there but sit pretty”. Nellie was supposed to be the star. Keyword: supposed to. But they were in for a surprise. Leitzel astonished the crew—and angered Nellie—the moment her prepubescent hands grasped the bars.
Terrified onlookers watched as Leitzel rose until she was five stories in the air. They shrieked when Leitzel slipped and plummeted towards the ground.
4. She Outstaged Her Mom
Leitzel was falling backward, but somehow caught the bar as it swung back to her, hung upside down, and got back onto her perch. While onlookers panicked, she remained cool as a cucumber. Leitzel amazed everyone but her mom. Nellie berated her “Peacock!...I’ll be the star a while longer if you don’t mind”. Turns out, Leitzel did mind: she wanted to be a star. No one—not even her mom—could stop her.
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