By David Cain
The juggling world has lost a bright star and storyteller. Connie “Paprika” Leaverton, a celebrated filmmaker and professional juggler, passed away on April 1st, 2025 after a year-long illness. She was born on September 6th, 1959 in Amarillo, Texas (USA) and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Television and Film Production from Texas Tech University in 1982. Connie’s passion for storytelling and performance led her to establish Walkabout Productions in 1987 after working with industry giants such as Steven Spielberg, Disney Studios, and Universal Studios.
Connie started juggling in 1995 and toured the world during her 30-year career as a performer. Seven years ago, she started performing magic as well and found immediate success. She was honored with a gold medal and a trophy in the Stage Magic Competition by the Texas Association of Magicians and a gold medal for Innovation and a silver medal for Stage Performance by the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada.
As Connie traveled the globe, she combined her love for filmmaking and juggling. In 2006, she directed Trailblazers: Women Who Juggle, which was produced by Connie and Cindy Marvell. It features a very large array of top women jugglers.
Her journeys also introduced her to the unique matriarchal culture of women jugglers in Tonga. Determined to document and preserve this vanishing art form known as Hiko, she directed and produced the award-winning documentary The Queen’s Influence – The Vanishing Culture of Hiko in Tonga in 2022.
Connie’s dedication to her craft earned her numerous accolades for The Queen’s Influence – The Vanishing Culture of Hiko in Tonga, including Best Travel Documentary at the Golden Gate International Film Festival and Best Director at the Picasso Einstein Buddha International Film Festival.
Connie lived in Austin, Texas and Denver, Colorado. Beyond her professional achievements, Connie was known for her vibrant spirit, inspiring countless individuals through her performances and storytelling. Connie “Paprika” Leaverton’s legacy will continue to resonate through her films and the lives she touched. Her commitment to preserving cultural traditions and her passion for the arts have left an indelible mark on the world. Our condolences go out to all of her many friends around the world.
David Cain
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).