GUY LALIBERTÉ

Guy Laliberté was born in Québec City. An accordionist, stilt-walker, and fire-eater, he founded Cirque du Soleil, Québec's first internationally renowned circus, with the support of a small group of colleagues. A bold visionary, Laliberté recognized and cultivated the talents of the street performers from the Fête foraine de Baie-Saint-Paul. He was the first to orchestrate the marriage of cultures and artistic and acrobatic disciplines that is the hallmark of Cirque du Soleil. Since 1984, he has guided the creative team through the creation of every show. Today, Cirque du Soleil is a sprawling international operation, as much in terms of its makeup as in the scope of its activities and influence. Laliberté now heads an organization with activities on five continents.