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Philippe Petit

Biography

1:44

Philippe Petit Walks a Tightrope Between the Twin Towers in 1974

 

2:48

Famed Wire-Walker Philippe Petit Remembers 9/11 and the Day the Twin Towers Fell

 

2:06

Philippe Petit Talks 'The Walk'

 

0:56

69-year-old tightrope walker Philippe Petit performs at 'Glass House' | AFP

 

3:18

The Walk (2015) and Man on Wire (2008) - scene comparisons

Philippe Petit is a French high-wire artist who gained fame for his high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, on the morning of August 7, 1974 as well as his high wire walk between the towers of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, 1971. For his unauthorized feat 400 metres above the ground – which he referred to as "le coup" – he rigged a 200-kilogram (440-pound) cable and used a custom-made 8-metre (30-foot) long, 25-kilogram (55-pound) balancing pole. He performed for 45 minutes, making eight passes along the wire. The following week, he celebrated his 25th birthday. All charges were dismissed in exchange for him doing a performance in Central Park for children.
  • Personal 

  • World Trade Center walk 

  • Planning 

  • Event 

  • Aftermath 

  • Representation in other media 

  • Later life 

  • Legacy and honors 

  • Bibliography 

  • In culture