Avner Eisenberg

Avner Eisenberg, widely recognized as "Avner the Eccentric," was born on August 26, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a multifaceted entertainer, excelling as a vaudeville performer, clown, mime, juggler, and sleight-of-hand magician. In 1984, critic John Simon hailed him as "A clown for the thinking man and the most exacting child," underscoring his unique blend of intellect and whimsy.

Eisenberg's journey into the performing arts began with a diverse academic path, attending four different universities before earning a theater degree from the University of Washington in 1971. He further honed his craft by studying mime in Paris under the renowned Jacques Lecoq, taking a brief detour into puppeteering during his time there. Upon returning to the United States, he shared his expertise by teaching at Carlo Clementi's Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre in California.

Avner's career includes performances at various Renaissance fairs and esteemed stages, but he gained significant recognition for his role in the 1985 film *The Jewel of the Nile*, where he starred alongside fellow vaudevillian troupe, The Flying Karamazov Brothers. Critics praised his performance, with Janet Maslin noting that "Avner Eisenberg very nearly steals the film," and Roger Ebert calling him "a true comic discovery." Avner Eisenberg continues to captivate audiences with his inventive artistry and charm.