October 29, 2025
From Circus Clown to Community Leader: Banks Helfrich’s Journey from ‘Jiggleman’ to Public Service
By Akers Editorial
From Circus Clown to Community Leader: Banks Helfrich’s Journey from ‘Jiggleman’ to Public Service
Banks Helfrich
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Banks Helfrich is a gifted performer. Growing up with seven siblings, performing was a guaranteed way to draw attention.
Nobody predicted he’d eventually gain the attention of a legendary talk show host who welcomed Banks to “The Late Show with David Letterman” eight times.
To reach the big time, Banks created “Jiggleman,” a quirky acrobatic character who performed hilarious tricks with oversized inflatable balls at schools, libraries and family events for nearly 30 years.
“I turned that character into an entertainment show for kids. I don’t know if there’s any better sound than children laughing,” Banks says.
He sought cheers, not laughs growing up on a small farm in New Port Richey. Believe it or not, he was a studious athlete; not the class clown.
Banks, who chose to be known by his middle name (which is his mother’s maiden name) described his persona as “quiet and serious” through grade school, high school and into college.
He was studying clinical nutrition at Georgia State University when he happened upon an audition for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, a circus school that trained hundreds of clowns from 1968 to 1997.
That audition changed everything.
Banks dropped out of school and literally ran off to join the circus seven months before earning his master’s degree.
“I ended up on the Ringling Brothers show for two years in the late ’80s, spending one year touring in the U.S and one year in Japan,” Banks says.
Following his circus adventure, Banks worked at Universal Studios for nine years as a Harpo Marx lookalike performer.
That inspired him to create Jiggleman, a one-of-a-kind performer who entertained from coast to coast.
In 2022, the divorced dad of two adult sons opened his seven-acre Clermont farm for “Here on the Farm” tours and harvest events. For an entry fee of $10, guests are inspired to develop their own green thumbs and take home something to grow.
“I love teaching farming and sustainability,” says the 62-year-old Banks.
In 2018, he won a seat on the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District and was chairman for several years. He’s currently running for representative for State House District 25 and will be on the ballot in South Lake County in 2026.
“I’ve been a performer the majority of my life. Now it’s more about the people and showing up for the community. That’s what drives me every day. I like the feeling of leaving ripples in people’s lives in a good way,” says Banks, vowing that if he’s elected, Jiggleman will head to Tallahassee.
