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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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