Ivan Marion Henry

Ivan M. Henry entered God's Kingdom on August 13, 2025. He was the cherished patriarch of one of America's more storied circus families. He passed away peacefully in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy as colorful and enduring as the sawdust rings where he spent his remarkable life. Born in Los Angeles, California to Mary Ann Piggot and Clifford Henry, Ivan was the fifth in a circus family spanning six generations. From the humble Mud Shows of the 1800s through the golden age of Vaudeville to modern television, Ivan carried forward the family legacy by operating the Henry Bros. Circus, ensuring that the magic of the big top continued to delight new generations. It was Ivan's extraordinary comedy chimp act that truly set him apart in entertainment circles. Working alongside his talented primate performers, he shared stages and screens with legendary entertainers including Jimmy Durante, Charlton Heston, Red Skelton, Jack Benny, and Johnny Carson. He and/or the chimps appeared in iconic films such as Planet of the Apes, Ben Hur, Jumbo, and T he World's Greatest Sinner. Audiences saw Henry's Chimps through regular TV appearances on The Steve Allen Show, The Joey Bishop Show, and The Merv Griffin Show, as well as through live shows at Circus Circus in Las Vegas. Ivan's versatility as an entertainer extended beyond the circus ring, as he showcased his acting talents in television dramas including Combat, Rat Patrol, and The FBI. His entrepreneurial spirit led him far beyond performing. As manager of Phoenix's beloved Legend City from 1976 to 1980, Ivan helped create magical memories for countless families at the Western-themed amusement park. Later, his management of Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania, demonstrated his commitment to bringing joy to local communities. During his time in Pennsylvania, Ivan founded "Take One Productions," a successful advertising firm with over 40 clients, showcasing his business acumen alongside his entertainment expertise. Throughout his career, Ivan remained dedicated to preserving circus history for future generations. Through his extensive documentation efforts at TheCircusBlog.com, he shared precious family stories and photographs, ensuring that the rich tradition of American circus arts would never be forgotten. He was also the past President of the Arizona Showmen's Association. Ivan is survived by the love of his life, Marjorie Boyer Henry of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sons Solon Henry, Gabriel Henry, and Robert Wallace; and his grandchildren Jack Henry, Katie Henry, and Isabel Wallace. He is a member of Mountainview Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. His favorite quote about the circus was, "Once seen, never forgotten, and once it's over, all that's left are wagon tracks and peanut shells." But while the wagon tracks may fade and the peanut shells may blow away, the memories of Ivan's extraordinary life never will. Services for Ivan will be held at Mountainview Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary, with a reception in Meredith Hall. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Joseph's Foundation Lung Transplant Fund. You can donate directly through the St. Joseph's Foundation website, selecting the Lung Transplant Program Fund as the designation for your donation.