Identified by The Los Angeles Times as “classy, edgy, jaw-dropping and hilarious,” The Passing Zone has been leaving its audiences speechless since its first appearance on national television’s The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1990. After leaving such a positive impression on Carson and his viewers, The Passing Zone returned to the show less than a year later, followed by their first feature film appearance as acting doubles for Gomez and Uncle Fester Addams in the 1991 hit film The Addams Family. Take a look and see if you can spot The Passing Zone swapping daggers!
Meeting in 1986 at a juggling convention, The Passing Zone’s Owen Morse and Jon Wee knew they were meant to share the joy of juggling with the world. Only two weeks after meeting and collaborating, they won the Silver Medal at the International Jugglers’ Association Teams Competition and the Gold Medal the following year. When Johnny Carson approached them after their performance at the renowned Comedy and Magic Club in Los Angeles, the duo launched to stardom.
Well known for their time on the hit television show, America’s Got Talent, The Passing Zone were finalists on both seasons one and 11. Other television appearances have included Comic Strip Live, CNN’s Road Warriors, Hell’s Kitchen, MADtv, Penn & Teller’s Sin City Spectacular, Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge, and NBC’s Today. In addition to performing, Morse and Wee have been commentators for ESPN’s World Juggling Federation competitions and the Moxie Games at SkillCon, and have earned five Guinness World Records and 18 Gold Medals from the International Juggler’s Association.
Performing for a range of well-known actors, politicians, and comedians, The Passing Zone made a lasting impression on the infamously hard-to-impress chef, Gordon Ramsey. Check out Ramsey himself giving The Passing Zone his “complete trust” and stamp of approval.
Not only has the duo performed around the United States, but abroad as well. The Passing Zone’s first appearance in London was in the Royal Variety Performance, with notable audience member Prince Charles and other performers such as Tony Bennett and Riverdance. The Passing Zone has also performed alongside stars including Penn & Teller, George Carlin, Bob Hope, Bob Newhart, Weird Al Yankovic, Jay Leno, David Spade, and Bono.
Appealing to all ages and cultures, The Passing Zone prides itself on their “zany and sometimes terrifying acts.”
Catch The Passing Zone at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University as part of the Family Series on Sunday, April 23 at 4 p.m. Purchase your tickets now and see what spectacular feats The Passing Zone can toss your way!