President Reagan's Inaugural Gala in January included a comedy juggling performance by Michael Davis. Davis was picked for the show by Nancy Reagan, Frank Sinatra (MC for the show) arid the television producers who carried the acts to the public for the first time ever this year. Davis accompanied his jokes with ping-pong ball juggling and manipulation of a bowling ball, apple, and egg that ended, quite literally, with egg on his face. Most, but not all viewers applauded the clowning. In her nationally syndicated newspaper column, Nickie McWhirter called Davis' act "an exhibition of grossness." 

Asked about the appropriateness of such a messy display in the high-brow setting, Davis pointed out that the act had been previewed and approved by producers. They certainly were aware of his capabilities because this was not the first time Davis has juggled for the Reagans. "Anyway," Davis asserted, "I'm all for flaunting decorum. It's one of the funniest things you can do. Charlie Chaplin's comedy included pushing well dressed fat ladies into fountains!" 

Davis said the Secret Service did not ask to check his props before the show, but didn't allow him to toss his apple to the president at the end of the bit as he had hoped to do. Evidence in a 1947 edition of "Movie Life" magazine proves that Reagan, the former actor, is at least a former juggler. He is pictured on a set juggling three plates. Sinatra was obviously pleased with what he saw of Davis' talent. The old pro offered, and the young comedy juggler accepted, a lucrative contract to open for the Sinatra show in Las Vegas during January and February! "Secret Service to Davis - No Apple Toss to Reagan!" (Juggler's World, Spring 1985)

More than 1,000 member colleges of the National Association of Campus Activities have voted juggler Edward Jackman of San Diego, Calif., their "Comedy Campus Entertainer of the Year." Jackman performed at more than 120 colleges nationwide in 1984, and will do that many again this year. "NACA Members Vote Jackman Top Award" (Juggler's World, Spring 1985)