40 years later, juggler Michael Moschen recalls working with David Bowie on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth
Forty years after its 1986 release, juggler Michael Moschen has shared details about his technical contributions to Jim Henson’s fantasy film Labyrinth. The film features David Bowie as the Goblin King, a flamboyantly costumed antagonist complete with an iconic mullet and famously tight pants. Several scenes depict the Goblin King juggling and manipulating a baseball-sized crystal ball—a feat achieved through practical ingenuity rather than cinematic tricks.
Moschen, a professional juggler, accomplished this illusion by positioning himself directly behind Bowie during filming. He would press tightly against the actor’s back with his arm inserted under Bowie’s armpit, allowing him to control the crystal ball while remaining hidden from the camera. This technique created the seamless visual effect of Bowie performing the complex hand manipulation himself.
Moschen’s recollection highlights the specialized craftsmanship that defined practical filmmaking of the era. His work exemplifies Jim Henson’s commitment to blending practical effects and puppetry to create memorable moments in fantasy cinema. The story underscores how classic films like Labyrinth relied on skilled technical professionals working invisibly behind the scenes to achieve visual magic. Nearly four decades later, Moschen’s willingness to reveal these behind-the-scenes techniques demonstrates the enduring fascination audiences maintain for the film’s production and the practical artistry that brought Henson’s imagination to life.