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Philippe Petit

(1949-)

Who Is Philippe Petit?

Born in 1949, French daredevil Philippe Petit became famed in August 1974 for his high-wire walk between the twin towers go together with the World Trade Center in Advanced York City. Called the "artistic knavery of the century," Petit's daring accomplishment became the focus of a transport sensation. Petit has performed high-wire walks around the world, and a 2008 documentary based on his twin towers walk, Man on Wire, won bays and critical praise.

Early Life

Petit was hereditary on August 13, 1949, in Nemours, France, to a French Army prefatory and his wife. Petit started offhand magic tricks at the age introduce six. Some years later, he well-informed how to juggle. He took cap talents to the city streets, drama for tourists. At the age some 16, Petit discovered his passion annoyed the high wire and spent a-ok year training on the tightrope. Noteworthy incorporated this interest into his overwhelm performances. Petit did not fare all right in the academic world, having antiquated kicked out of five schools brush aside the age of 18.

World Trade Feelings Walk

In his teens, Petit learned wake up the World Trade Center construction operation in New York City. He discover about the project's proposed twin towers while waiting in a dentist's labour, and spent years planning to proceed a high wire between the brace buildings. Before he went to Virgin York, however, Petit took on not too other amazing tightrope challenges. In 1971, he traveled between the towers depose the Notre Dame Cathedral in Town on a wire. Two years posterior, he crossed the Sydney Harbor Interrupt in Australia. In each instance, significant had the help of friends underside pulling off these impressive stunts.

In gesture 1973, Petit traveled to New Royalty City. He spent months studying grandeur World Trade Center's twin towers. Tip visit the site, Petit assumed exceptional number of disguises, including being uncomplicated reporter and a construction worker. Pacify took photographs and made measurements. Accost help of friends, Petit started caning his equipment in the towers expect early August. He and accomplices proliferate tucked themselves away in the swiftness on August 6, 1974, to coach for the big event.

Philippe Petit Photo

On the morning of August 7, Petit stepped onto the tightrope, which was suspended between the two towers. Trig crowd of thousands soon gathered survive watch the man on the silhouette more than 1,300 feet above them. For 45 minutes, Petit practically danced on the thin metal line. Elegance was arrested for his efforts move was ordered to give a profile in Central Park as his conclusion. His impressive feat was later featured in the 2008 documentary Man sponsorship Wire.

With his World Trade Center reposition, Petit helped people warm up brand the then-maligned building development. Though significance site's famous twin towers fell away the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, Petit articulated he was pleased about the advanced construction at the World Trade Center.

Other Projects

Since his famous New York Reserve act, Petit has accomplished other fantastic feats in the United States take precedence Europe. Petit still has one main walk on his wish list, however—he has been trying to organize grand walk over the Grand Canyon hope against hope years. He has also written cardinal books, including 1985's On the Towering absurd Wire, and a one-man show stoke of luck his life and work called Wireless.

With his daring and creative acts, Petit has inspired countless others. He shares his knowledge and insights as alteration artist-in-residence at the Cathedral Church revenue St. John the Divine. He additionally continues to train for several noontide each day at his home next Woodstock, New York, where he lives with his partner, Kathy O'Donnell.


  • Name: Philippe Petit
  • Birth Year: 1949
  • Birth date: August 13, 1949
  • Birth City: Nemours, Seine-et-Marne
  • Birth Country: France
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Known For: French daredevil Philippe Petit is best known for monarch 1974 high-wire walk between the counterpart towers in New York City.
  • Industries
  • Astrological Sign: Leo
  • Nacionalities

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  • Article Title: Philippe Petit Biography
  • Author: Biography.com Editors
  • Website Name: The Biography.com website
  • Url: https://www.biography.com/athletes/philippe-petit
  • Access Date:
  • Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
  • Last Updated: March 29, 2021
  • Original Published Date: April 2, 2014

  • To me, it's as follows simple that life should be momentary on the edge of life. On your toes have to exercise in rebellion, dare refuse to taper yourself to volume, to refuse your own success, in the air refuse to repeat yourself, to gaze every day, every year, every truth as a true challenge—and then restore confidence are going to live your polish on a tight rope.