By David Cain
The juggling community has lost a very important and influential member. Her accolades were numerous. Judy Finelli was born in Jackson Heights, New York in 1948. She taught herself to juggle at the age of six. Judy graduated from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 1970, studying under circus teacher Hovey Burgess, whom she later married.
Judy as a juggling nun in 1967 at the Electric Circus nightclub
juggling 5 balls in 1969
Judy Finelli was the first woman to compete in the competitions of the International Jugglers’ Association, doing so in 1973.
Judy and Hovey Burgess
1971
Jay Green, Judy Finelli, and Hovey Burgess – 1971
In 1977, Judy and Hovey became the first American duo to pass ten clubs.
Hovey Burgess and Judy Finelli passing ten clubs
Judy was a member of the famed Osmani Sisters juggling troupe for a short time. She was also the first female President of the IJA, leading the organization from 1973-1974. She was also a frequent writer for the IJA Newsletter.
Judy appeared in the movie Popeye, starring Robin Williams, in addition to many other media appearances. She was the co-founder of the San Francisco School for Circus Arts (now the Circus Center of San Francisco) and was the artistic director of the Pickle Family Circus from 1987 through 1990.
Peggy Snider, Larry Pisoni, and Judy Finelli with the Pickle Family Circus – 1980
Judy and Wendy Parkman with The Pickle Family Circus
Judy was a well-known juggler throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Judy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1989 and retired from performing that year. She then became a much sought after juggling teacher and coach.
In 2023, Judy was awarded the IJA’s Bobby May Award, which honors the world’s top juggling mentors and coaches. A documentary about her life and struggle with MS titled Still Judy is in post-production. Judy passed away on September 16th, 2026. Judy leaves behind her husband of many years, Gary Thomsen, and her daughter, Allegra Burke. Our condolences go out to her many friends and family.
Judy and Gary’s wedding
Gary, Judy, and Allegra
You can watch Judy passing clubs with Hovey Burgess in the first part of the following video. It incorrectly identifies her as Ann Burgess.
The documentary TRAILBLAZERS: Women Who Juggle includes a wonderful section on Judy that shows a lot of her work with the Pickle Family Circus. You can see this below at the 57:52 mark.
I asked a few of the many jugglers who were close to Judy to contribute some thoughts about her.
Dan Holzman had the following to say. “Judy Finelli was a juggler at heart, and even after MS took away her ability to perform, it never touched her love for the art form. She faced a long, difficult battle with grace, turning what many would see as an ending into a different kind of beginning—as a teacher, a mentor, and a generous champion for so many other performers. Those of us who knew her knew that spark never dimmed. She kept the joy of juggling alive for everyone around her, and her spirit will stay with us in every pattern we throw.”
Here’s what Cindy Marvell wrote regarding Judy. “I met Judy at the IJA where she passed clubs with me and talked about the idea of my joining the Pickle Family Circus. Some years later I did! It was like a dream. Larry Pisoni and the late Lu Yi co-directed. The work and dedication of the Pickles helped me in future after our season in San Francisco at the Palace of Fine Arts, the Guthrie Theater and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Judy Finelli was generous with her time advising many about circus arts before and after her illness with multiple sclerosis. She took on the tragedy in ways inspiring to us all. She was an excellent writer reviewing many shows.”
Jessica Hentoff wrote the following about Judy. “Judy Finelli was one of the most wonderful women I know (and I know a number of them). I am beyond grateful to have just seen her in July and that when I did so, she had come to see some of my students performing. She was the only person I’ve ever passed eight clubs with —in 1976 at the International Jugglers’ Assn. Festival in L.A. Judy was also one of the few people in the world who remembered the name of my all-women juggling troupe, Triplopy. She was a gracious and talented performer as well as being a truly phenomenal and insightful teacher. Judy visited circus training programs in Moscow and was instrumental in bringing circus schools and pedagogy to the United States when she co-founded the San Francisco School for Circus Arts– now known as Circus Arts Center. Judy served as artistic director of the legendary Pickle Family Circus from 1987-1990. She was responsible for bringing Master Teacher, Lu Yi, to teach at the school and to work with members of Pickle Family Circus. This introduction of Chinese acrobatics to American performers literally launched a dynasty that transformed contemporary circus in North America and can be seen in the world renowned 7 Fingers circus company. Judy also changed lives and the course of American circus history through her casting of female clowns, jugglers, aerialists, and acrobats like Karen Quest, Diane Wasnak, Shana Carrol, and Joan Mankin. When Judy Finelli was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989, it barely slowed her down. Her keen eye, tremendous experience, astute observation, and clear communication allowed her to continue teaching first for the San Francisco Clown Conservatory and as recently as this June Prescott Circus Theater even when prone in a wheelchair. She had an incredible memory for circus history. Judy never stopped learning, sharing, or helping. Thank you, Judy Finelli, for inspiring a multitude of people in a myriad of ways. Your effect on the circus world is immeasurable!”
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).