'AGT’ Season 19: Who is Jo De Rijck? Professional clown trades thriving career for god
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jo de Rijck is a Belgian performer who discovered his passion for entertaining at the tender age of three. From a young age, Jo was determined to be a performer. By the age of eight, he was already performing at kids' parties, where he trained his cat to jump through a hoop of fire. This early passion for performance led him to pursue a career as a full-time artist by the time he was 18.
His performances often included trained animals, aiming to showcase their intelligence and promote better care for them. Despite his successful career, Jo felt a strong calling to become a Christian missionary at the age of 21. He temporarily left his life as a performer to pursue this path. However, after a period of missionary work and trying out various jobs, Jo's passion for the stage resurfaced.
He returned to performing, where he quickly regained momentum, winning comedy festivals and securing numerous bookings. Now, Jo turns towards 'AGT' Season 19 to gain more recognition as the artist aims to showcase his talents now on a broader platform.
Jo De Rijck appears on 'Penn and Teller' show
Jo de Rijck gained significant recognition when he appeared on the popular TV show 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us'. This show, which is one of the most prestigious platforms for magicians and performers, features contestants attempting to fool the famous magician duo, Penn & Teller, with their tricks.
Jo's act on the show was particularly memorable because it involved a mind-reading chicken. His performance was not only entertaining but also showcased his ability to train animals in a way that captivates the audience.
Appearing on 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us' was a significant milestone in Jo's career, as it provided him with international exposure and cemented his reputation as a talented and innovative performer.
Jo De Rijck has two daughters
Jo de Rijck's family is an integral part of his life and career. He is married to Ruth Roman, and together they have two daughters, Eva and Febe. Jo’s journey as a performer and animal trainer has been closely intertwined with his family’s support.
Jo balances his professional commitments with his family responsibilities, often incorporating the values and experiences of family life into his work. Despite his busy schedule, with hundreds of shows each year, Jo makes it a priority to maintain a close and loving relationship with his wife and children by travelling with them together to most of his shows.
