Famous Clowns Over Time

By: Kara Gilmour
05/20/2011 08:18 AM ET

Famous Clowns is serious business and making people laugh is total skill.

We have put together a list of clowns that made a franchise out of their talent. Not only did they do so well in business, but they hit it big in show business. We all remember these names, don’t we?

Bozo – Who can’t remember Bozo? He is often billed as the most famous of them all. In fact, he has been portrayed by numerous performers around the world because of franchising deals.

Weary Willie Emmett Kelly – Known as the sad one. Weary Willie, aka Emmett Kelly, was a sad-faced, hobo-like character who was always trying to clean up after others, but he is somewhat messy. His most well-known bit was to try to sweep the light out of the spotlight in the center ring of the circus.

Lou Jacobs – He is known for entertaining U.S. Presidents. Lou Jacobs has been credited with introducing the clown car into circus acts. Most entertainers credit him for the famous “nose” that so many use to make people laugh.

Otto Griebling – He was a master clown. His signature act was walking around the circus arena asking for Miss Jones while carrying a block of melting ice. After this happened, he became known as the silent tramp.

Red Skelton – A member of the International Clown Hall of Fame. He was a pantomime clown and well known for his portrayal of Freddie the Freeloader. It was a very funny play on stage.