The Cast of Circus Golden Star
SAMIR LINDFORS
Ringmaster, Musician & Magician
From: Finland. Founder and director of Circus Golden Star, a multi-talented performer blending music, magic, and classic circus tradition.
Samir Lindfors, originally from Finland, is the Director and Founder of Circus Golden Star, where he also performs as a musician, ringmaster, and magician—bringing a unique and personal presence to every show.
His journey into circus began at just two years old, when he discovered his grandfather’s old circus suitcase—an early moment that sparked a lifelong passion for performance. He first trained as a magician and musician, quickly becoming a well-known young performer in Finland. In 2008, he won first prize at Finland’s National Circus Festival, followed by reaching the semifinals of Finland’s Got Talent in 2009.
At only 19 years old, he made history by founding his first circus, becoming one of the youngest circus directors in the world. From the very beginning, he took full creative control—performing, directing, producing, and touring full-scale tented productions.
Over the years, his company, Sirkus Tähti, has grown into one of the leading traditional touring circuses in Northern Europe, presenting world-class international artists and performing thousands of shows across hundreds of cities.
In addition to his circus career, he is also an accomplished accordionist. He studied on the youth program in folk music at the prestigious Sibelius Academy—Finland’s premier music university, comparable to top conservatories in the United States—and reached the semifinals of the Golden Accordion competition. His musical artistry continues to shape the atmosphere and identity of his productions.
He has been officially recognized by the Finnish government for his achievements as an entrepreneur and cultural contributor. Known for personally directing every production he creates, he ensures a strong and consistent artistic vision in every show.
Now based in the United States, Samir Lindfors is once again breaking new ground as the first Finnish circus director to establish a traditional touring circus in America. Circus Golden Star represents the realization of that vision—blending the rich heritage of European classical circus with the scale and excitement of American entertainment.
FRIDA LINDFORS
Production manager
As Production Manager, Frida works closely with performers, crew, and management to support daily operations.
Frida Lindfors is a dedicated production professional responsible for helping bring every aspect of the show together behind the scenes. With a passion for organization, teamwork, and live entertainment, she plays an essential role in coordinating the many moving parts required to create a seamless circus experience.
As Production Manager, Frida works closely with performers, crew, and management to support daily operations, ensure smooth production flow, and help maintain the highest standards of excellence both on and off the stage.
FERNANDO VENTURA
Trapeze artists
From Chile, A fifth-generation circus artist.
Behind the iconic clown is Fernando Ventura, a fifth-generation circus artist from the legendary Ventura family of Chile. Renowned for producing generations of acclaimed clowns and trapeze artists who toured throughout South America, Europe, and the United States.
At just 22 years old, Fernando became one of the first Chilean artists to join Cirque du Soleil, where he performed for 15 years. During his international career, he appeared at the prestigious Monte Carlo International Circus Festival, earning the Gold Medal presented by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco in 2016. He has also been honored with the Diamond Ring, the highest distinction awarded by the Chilean Circus Artists’ Union, recognizing him as one of South America’s most distinguished circus performers.
Beyond the stage, Fernando continues to shape the future of the circus arts. In September 2025, he served as a judge at South America’s premier circus festival, sharing his decades of experience and artistic excellence with the next generation of performers.
PEPE GRILLO
The Clown
Fifth-generation clown and internationally acclaimed performer, recognized with top honors for excellence in circus artistry.
Pepe Grillo is the beloved clown character created and performed by fifth-generation circus artist Fernando Ventura. Combining timeless slapstick, expressive physical comedy, and heartfelt audience interaction, Pepe Grillo has delighted families around the world with a style that honors the traditions of classic circus clowning while bringing a fresh, contemporary energy to every performance. Whether performing under the big top or on the world’s most prestigious stages, Pepe Grillo creates unforgettable moments of laughter, wonder, and connection for audiences of all ages.
IRINA QUINTANILLA
Aerial Artist
From: Argentina. Fourth-generation aerialist combining high-speed acrobatics, powerful strength, and commanding elegance.
Irina Quintanilla is a fourth-generation circus artist from Argentina whose breathtaking aerial performances have captivated audiences across three continents.
Beginning her circus journey at just 10 years old, Irina has cultivated a distinctive style that blends speed, elegance, strength, and dynamic acrobatics. Specializing in the aerial hoop, she combines technical precision with graceful artistry to create performances that are both powerful and mesmerizing.
Throughout her career, Irina has mastered multiple aerial disciplines and has appeared in numerous circus productions around the world. As a proud Latin American performer, she continues to honor her family’s rich circus heritage while inspiring audiences with every performance.
Today, Irina is a featured artist with the renowned Golden Star Circus, proudly carrying forward a fourth-generation legacy dedicated to the timeless art of circus entertainment.
AMAURI DA SILVA
Juggling
From: Mexico. Award-winning juggler known for his dynamic style, international festival appearances, and captivating stage presence.
Amauri Da Silva, from Mexico began his juggling career in 2010 in the United States, quickly developing a unique and captivating style that set him apart in the circus world. In 2018, he made his international debut at Circuba, one of Latin America’s most prestigious circus festivals, where he was honored with the Audience Choice Award for his outstanding performance.
His talent and charisma earned him invitations to perform at several world-renowned events, including the International Circus Festival of Latina in Italy in 2019—one of the most respected festivals in the circus community—as well as the Izhevsk Circus Festival in Russia. Since then, Amauri has performed in numerous productions across the United States and Mexico, thrilling audiences with his dynamic stage presence and high-level technique.
He is currently a featured artist and creative force in his own family-run show, Splash Circus, continuing to share his passion and artistry with audiences nationwide.
REGINA ALMAZOVA
Aerial Hammock, Silks & Lyra
From: Ukraine. Aerial specialist blending contortion, ballet, and strength to create emotionally driven and visually striking performances.
Regina is an aerial artist specializing in aerial hammock,silks, lyra, known for combining contortion, ballet, and expressive movement with strong technical precision. She began her training in gymnastics at the age of 16 and quickly developed exceptional flexibility, strength, and body control.
Prior to that, she trained in canoe slalom, earning the title of Candidate for Master of Sport in Ukraine, which contributed to her powerful upper-body strength and dynamic aerial style. Regina started her professional circus career in the United States, performing in a variety of productions, including water circus shows. Her experience also includes Spanish Web rope as part of a group act, as well as performances at large-scale seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas productions.
She actively participates in festivals and competitions, using professional feedback to continuously refine her technique and artistic expression. Her work is inspired by theatrical imagery and emotional storytelling, often exploring themes of transformation and femininity.
DUO INFINITY
Dance & Circus Fusion
From: Ukraine. Multidisciplinary performer blending breakdance, contemporary movement, and circus artistry into powerful, expressive work.
Duo Infinity are multidisciplinary dance and circus artists whose style blends urban energy, academic sports science, and contemporary choreography. Their work is a unique fusion of breakdance athleticism, the emotional depth of contemporary movement, and classical precision.
Their artistic journey began in the breakdance scene at a young age, where they developed exceptional resilience, strength, and technical precision. With backgrounds rooted in both athletic training and performance, they have continually expanded their craft through contemporary dance, ballet, and circus arts.
Inspired by a vibrant international creative community, Duo Infinity have evolved into professional performers whose work seamlessly combines athleticism with expressive storytelling. Regular participants in festivals, competitions, and stage productions, they view their performances as a celebration of transformation-where every movement is infused with strength, mindfulness, connection, and artistic sincerity.
EDWIN YOVANY MÉNDEZ
Globe of Death
From: Colombian national and a second-generation circus artist.
Edwin Yovany Méndez is a Colombian-born, second-generation circus artist whose lifelong passion for performance has taken him around the world. Skilled in a variety of disciplines—including juggling, the Globe of Death, and aerial arts—he is currently specializing in the captivating Aerial Rolla Bolla act.
Grateful to have grown up in the circus, Edwin considers it more than a profession—it is a way of life that has given him the opportunity to travel, perform, and connect with audiences across many countries. Throughout his career, he has appeared with renowned productions including Circo Hermanos Roca, Waterland Park, Circo Hermanos Valentinos, Cole Bros. Circus, Circo Hermanos Vázquez, Carden Circus, Cindy Mickey Circus Spectacular, Circus Wonderland (Sarasota, Florida), Cirque Italia, Cirque Flip, and Circus Golden Star.
Driven by a commitment to excellence, Edwin continues to refine his craft with the goal of becoming a stronger performer every day, bringing skill, dedication, and passion to every performance.