Bobby Jule: Still Juggling at 100 Years Old

Bobby Jule is the only surviving original IJA member and recently turned 100 years old on July 27th, 2024. He was the first juggler to juggle 5 clubs on television, and was the headliner at the first IJA Convention in 1948.

Bobby Jule

Bobby Jule was born Joe Pegnato in 1924 in New Castle, Pennsylvania (USA). He was one of the breakout juggling stars from the USA in the 1940s and enjoyed a forty year performing career. A trick that he invented in 1943, the gag of tossing up a ping pong ball and catching it balanced on the tip of the nose with the aid of rubber cement, is still performed by jugglers, magicians, and comedians today. Bobby Jule was a versatile and successful juggler who traveled around the world entertaining audiences.

Bobby Jule

IJA Board member and well-known performer Niels Duinker visited with Bobby a few days before his birthday.

Bobby Jule and Niels Duinker

After the visit, he wondered if Bobby could possibly still juggle three balls. Bobby had told me ten years ago that he no longer could, but Niels was still curious. Knowing that there would be a party for him on Bobby’s 100th birthday, Niels arranged for Howard Mincone to challenge Bobby to juggle three balls.

Bobby Jule celebrating his 100th birthday (Courtesy of Howard Mincone)

Niels and I provided Howard with a certificate from the Museum of Juggling History to give to Bobby in case he was successful. When the time came to try, Bobby warmed up a little and then achieved 8 catches of 3 balls, making him the oldest known person to juggle. You can see video of Bobby doing this and the certificate below.

(Courtesy of Howard Mincone)

This is quite remarkable and is the first time that we know of a centenarian who could still juggle. If you would like to learn more about Bobby Jule, click here to read my previous interview with him. Happy 100th Birthday, Bobby!

David Cain is a professional juggler, juggling historian, and the owner of the world's only juggling museum, the Museum of Juggling History. He is a Guinness world record holder and 16 time IJA gold medalist. In addition to his juggling pursuits, David is a successful composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and singer as well as the author of twenty-six books. He and his children live in Middletown, OH (USA).

Leave a Reply