The Texas Renaissance Festival announces the death of a longtime carnival performer

Hilton Jackson, known to many well wishers as Sholo the Nubian, died over the weekend.

Tributes were poured out on social media. One person said on Facebook today: “One of the greatest people on this planet passed away today. A fierce but gentle warrior. A Shakespearean Master. As Sholo the Nubian, he was an icon at both the Scarborough Renaissance Festival and the Texas Renaissance Festival. A friend of so many.”

Officials on the Texas Renaissance Festival Facebook page confirmed his death and offered their condolences to the family.

“We express our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for your pain and loss. The Texas Renaissance Festival will deeply feel his loss, not only was he an incredible artist who supported those he worked with, but more importantly he was a selfless and tireless friend that his colleagues and collaborators looked to could leave. His presence was a beacon of safety.”

The video shown above is from a previous report.

Fair officials say Jackson has performed at both TRF and other fairs for more than three decades.

He is said to have been a stage actor, dazzling audiences with his Shakespearean performances and bringing his powerful, thoughtful sholo to the stage.