Clown-ministry’s list of Famous Clowns of the circus, stage, screen and television | clown ministry

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Famous Clowns in history

Much of the information presented herein is borrowed shamelessly from the Clown Hall of Fame. Much thanks to them. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, drop by - you won’t be disappointed.

A listing of some of the famous clowns of history. If you don't see someone listed that you think is deserving, please email

Bud Abbott (October 2, 1895 - April 24, 1974)
Felix Adler (1895-1960)
Paul "Prince Paul" Alpert (1913 - 1987)
Mark Anthony
Lucille Ball (1911-1989)
Bob Bell (WGN-TV's Bozo (1922-1997)
Bev Bergeron "Rebo"
Roy "Cooky" Brown (1932 - 2001)
Ernie "Blinko" Burch (1929-1997)
Don Burda "Homer" (1935 - )
Art Carney (1918-2003)
Francesco Caroli (1992 - )
Charlie Chaplin
Pinto Colvig
Lou Costello
Bob Denver (Gilligan)
Avner "Avner the Eccentric" Eisenberg (1948 - ) NEW!
George Fox
Albert Fratellini (1886-1961)
Annie Fratellini
Francois Fratellini
Paul Fratellini
Otto Griebling (1896-1972)
Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837)
Poodles Hanneford
Oliver Hardy
Jim Howle (1939 - )
Lou Jacobs (1903 - 1992)
Paul Jung (1901 - 1965)
Bobby Kaye (1908-1983)
Danny Kaye
Bob Keeshan "Captain Kangaroo", "Clarabell" (1927-2004)
Emmett Kelly, Sr. (1898-1979)
Don Knotts (1924-2006)
Stan Laurel (1890-1965)
Gene "Cousin Otto" Lee (1920 - )
Glenn "Frosty" Little
The Marx Brothers
- Chico Marx
- Groucho Marx
- Harpo Marx
Leon "Buttons" McBryde (1943 - )
Arthur Pedlar (1932 - )
Oleg Popov (1930 - )
Nola Rae
Dan Rice (1823 - 1901)
Al Ross (1907 - 1981)
Frankie Saluto
Red Skelton (1913-1997)
Steve Smith "T. J. Tatters"
Richard Snowberg "Snowflake"
The Three Stooges
- Moe Howard
- Larry Fine
- Curly Howard
- Shemp Howard
- Joe Besser
- Curly Joe DeRita
Duane "Uncle Soapy" Thorpe (1924 - 1995)
Karl Adrien "Grock" Wettach (1880 - 1959)
Peggy Williams
Ed Wynn (1886-1966)

Unlike the rest of this list, Pierrot is not an individual, but a character. One of the main characters of the Commedia del Arté, Pierrot (along with Clown and Pantaloon) form the basis for what in later centuries became the white-faced clown.

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