Dan Castello was the first ringmaster for the circus from 1871-78. During this time, the show was called P.T. Barnum's Great Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan and Hippodrome. The first stop on the tour was Brooklyn, New York and the show was named "The Greatest Show on Earth" in 1872. Castello was an animal trainer, clown, acrobat, leaper, vaulter and performer for the circus acts. Castello performed with many circus acts prior to becoming ringmaster.
R. H. Dockrill was the third ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1882-89, again from 1892-94 and in 1905. From 1882-89, Dockrill was ringmaster of Barnum & London circus which was during arrival of Jumbo. Jumbo, the largest African pachyderm in captivity, arrived in New York City from the London Zoo on Easter Sunday of 1882.
William Ducrow was the fifth ringmaster of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1890-91, 1896-1902 and 1906-07. Ducrow was the Ringmaster during a European tour in 1898. Born as WIlliam Johnson, Ducrow took his stage name prior to becoming a circus performer. He was a well-known equestrian director, training a zebra during his years prior to becoming ringmaster.
Fred Bradna was the tenth ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1913-18 and again from 1919-46. He was ringmaster when the circuses combined and the first performance occurred in New York City at Madison Square Garden.
Preston Lambert was the 16th ringmaster of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1956. Bradna helped create the traditional, iconic image of the circus Ringmaster with his mustache, black boots, bright red coat and silk top hat. He presided over the last performance under the canvas of "The Greatest Show On Earth" in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 16, 1956.
Harold Ronk was the 17th ringmaster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1957, from 1960-68, 1969-72, 1974-76, and 1978-80. Ronk was ringmaster when the circus began touring with two separate units in 1969, when he joined the Blue unit.
Tim Holst was the 21st ringmaster of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1973 and from 1974-76. Holst was a Clown College graduate and he joined the Blue unit during the second year of its 102nd Edition in 1972. He then joined the Red Unit, serving as ringmaster for the second year of the 103rd Edition in 1974. He became the Vice President of Talent and Production, responsible for recruiting all the stars of The Greatest Show On Earth.