Name Clown Have Entertained for Centuries. They bring laughter, emotion, and creativity to audiences. Joseph Grimaldi pioneered modern clowning. Emmett Kelly’s Weary Willie added depth and sadness.
Bozo the Clown became a TV icon. Ronald McDonald symbolized fun and fast food. Grock mixed music with comedy.
Lou Jacobs was amazed with his tiny car act. Slava Polunin’s Snowshow redefined theatrical clowning. Charlie Cairoli entertained British audiences for decades. Pogo the Clown gained infamy for dark reasons. Dodo Delwyn brought elegance to the craft.
Top 15 Names Clown
1. Joseph Grimaldi
Joseph Grimaldi was an English actor and clown who revolutionized the role of clowns in theatrical performances. Born in London in 1778, he became famous for his vibrant stage presence, elaborate costumes, and physical comedy.
Grimaldi popularized the “whiteface” clown makeup style, which remains a staple of clown performances today. His performances at Sadler’s Wells and Drury Lane Theatre brought laughter to audiences, but behind the scenes, his life was filled with hardship.
His physically demanding routines took a toll on his health, leading to an early retirement. Despite his struggles, Grimaldi’s legacy lives on, with the term “Joey” still used to refer to clowns in his honor.
2. Emmett Kelly
Emmett Kelly was one of the most famous clowns in history, best known for his sad-faced character, Weary Willie. Born in 1898 in Sedan, Kansas, Kelly initially aspired to be a cartoonist but found his true calling in the circus.
He developed Weary Willie during the Great Depression, portraying a down-on-his-luck tramp struggling through life. Unlike traditional cheerful clowns, Kelly’s portrayal was deeply emotional, often tugging at the audience’s heartstrings while delivering subtle humor.
He performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and even appeared in movies and television. One of his most famous moments was during a 1944 circus fire, where he was seen trying to put out the flames—an image that became iconic.
3. Bozo the Clown
Bozo the Clown was one of the most recognizable and beloved clowns in television history. Created by Alan W. Livingston in 1946 for a children’s storytelling record series, Bozo soon evolved into a TV character played by various actors across different local stations.
The most famous Bozo, portrayed by Larry Harmon, turned the character into a franchise, expanding Bozo’s presence nationwide. Bozo was known for his red hair, big shoes, white face paint, and infectious laugh.
The character entertained children with slapstick comedy, games, and educational messages. His show, Bozo’s Circus, ran for decades, becoming a staple of American pop culture.
4. Ronald McDonald
Ronald McDonald is one of the most famous advertising mascots in history, serving as the face of McDonald’s fast food since the 1960s.
The character was first portrayed by Willard Scott, who introduced Ronald as a cheerful and friendly clown who loved hamburgers. Over the decades, Ronald McDonald became a symbol of happiness and fun, appearing in commercials, McDonald’s restaurants, and charitable events worldwide.
His bright red hair, yellow jumpsuit, and oversized shoes became instantly recognizable. Beyond advertising, Ronald McDonald has been associated with the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which provides housing and support for families with sick children.
5. Grock
Grock, born Charles Adrien Wettach in Switzerland in 1880, was one of the greatest clowns of the 20th century. Known for his exceptional musical and comedic talent.
He combined slapstick humor with masterful musical performances, playing multiple instruments, including the violin, piano, and concertina. Grock’s act was characterized by his oversized clothing, clumsy antics, and brilliant comedic timing.
He toured across Europe, captivating audiences with his unique blend of humor and artistry. Unlike many traditional circus clowns, Grock brought clowning to theaters, elevating it as a sophisticated form of entertainment.
6. Pennywise
Pennywise, the terrifying entity from Stephen King’s It, is a shape-shifting cosmic being that preys on the deepest fears of its victims. Often appearing as a sinister clown, Pennywise lures children with a playful demeanor before revealing its horrifying true nature.
It feeds on fear, believing that terrified prey tastes better. Residing in the sewers of Derry, Maine, Pennywise emerges every 27 years to feast on the town’s unsuspecting youth.
Its signature red balloon and eerie catchphrase, “We all float down here,” have cemented it as one of the most infamous horror icons. With razor-sharp teeth, glowing eyes, and an unsettling smile, Pennywise embodies childhood nightmares.
7. Joker
The Joker, Batman’s most infamous nemesis, is a chaotic force of nature known for his sadistic humor and unpredictable violence. With his eerie white face, green hair, and maniacal grin, he thrives on anarchy and destruction.
Unlike other villains, the Joker has no clear motive beyond causing chaos. His origins vary—sometimes he is a failed comedian who fell into a vat of chemicals, while other versions depict him as a cunning mastermind.
His twisted psychology makes him a terrifying opponent; he finds humor in pain and tragedy, making him nearly impossible to reason with. He challenges Batman’s morality, often proving that even the most noble can be corrupted under the right circumstances.
8. Krusty the Clown
Krusty the Clown, from The Simpsons, is a cynical, washed-up entertainer who embodies the dark side of show business. Born Herschel Krustofsky, he was raised in a strict Jewish household but rebelled to pursue comedy.
While beloved by Springfield’s children, Krusty is a miserable, chain-smoking, hard-drinking wreck behind the scenes. He often phones in his performances, reading cue cards with little enthusiasm.
Despite his failures, he has an undeniable charm, and his self-destructive lifestyle makes him a tragic yet comedic figure. His troubled past includes tax fraud, failed marriages, and gambling addiction, but he always manages to land on his feet.
9. Pagliacci
Pagliacci, the tragic clown from Ruggero Leoncavallo’s opera I Pagliacci, is one of the most sorrowful figures in theater. His real name is Canio, and he leads a traveling commedia dell’arte troupe.
Despite making audiences laugh, his own life is filled with heartbreak. When he discovers that his wife, Nedda, is unfaithful, his world shatters. As he prepares to perform, the line between reality and fiction blurs, leading to a devastating climax.
His famous aria, Vesti la giubba, captures his inner torment—he must put on his clown makeup and entertain while dying inside. Pagliacci embodies the idea of a performer hiding pain behind laughter, a theme that resonates beyond opera.
10. Twisty the Clown
Twisty the Clown, from American Horror Story: Freak Show, is a grotesque and tragic figure. Once a beloved children’s entertainer, Twisty’s life spiraled into horror after false accusations ruined his career.
Heartbroken and mentally unstable, he attempted suicide, but the failed attempt left him disfigured. Now, he hides his mangled face behind a chilling, oversized grin mask, turning into a deranged killer.
Despite his terrifying actions, Twisty believes he is protecting children, unaware of the fear he instills. His childlike mind and tragic past make him a uniquely complex horror villain—both monstrous and pitiable.
11. Lou Jacobs
Lou Jacobs was a legendary clown who performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for over 60 years. Born in Germany in 1903, Jacobs immigrated to the United States and became one of the most recognizable clowns in circus history.
He popularized the image of the classic American clown with his oversized red nose, exaggerated face paint, and tiny car routine—where he hilariously emerged from a ridiculously small vehicle.
Jacobs also trained many future clowns at the Ringling Bros. Clown College, leaving a lasting impact on the art of clowning. In 1966, he became the first living clown to have his image appear on a U.S. postage stamp.
12. Slava Polunin
Slava Polunin is a Russian clown and performance artist known for his unique blend of comedy, emotion, and theatrical spectacle.
Born in 1950, he founded the Licedei clown troupe in the Soviet Union, which redefined clowning by incorporating elements of pantomime, surrealism, and poetic storytelling.
His most famous work, Slava’s Snowshow, has toured globally, mesmerizing audiences with its dreamlike atmosphere, whimsical characters, and breathtaking snowstorm finale.
13. Charlie Cairoli
Charlie Cairoli was an Italian-born British clown and entertainer who became one of the most famous clowns in the UK. Born in Milan in 1910, Cairoli came from a family of circus performers and started his career as a musician before transitioning into clowning.
He became a household name in Britain, performing at the Blackpool Tower Circus for nearly 40 years. His act combined music, slapstick, and traditional clowning, with his signature oversized hat and expressive face.
Unlike many clowns who relied solely on physical humor, Cairoli incorporated sophisticated comedic timing and audience interaction, making his performances unique and engaging. He was admired by fellow entertainers and beloved by audiences of all ages.
14. Pogo the Clown
Pogo the Clown was the persona of John Wayne Gacy, a notorious American serial killer who performed as a clown at charity events and children’s parties.
Born in 1942, Gacy lived a double life—on the surface, he was a well-respected community member in Chicago, but behind closed doors, he committed horrific crimes.
Dressed as Pogo the Clown, he entertained children and appeared at local events, making his case even more chilling when his crimes were uncovered in 1978.
15. Dodo Delwyn
Dodo Delwyn was a celebrated European clown known for his refined and artistic approach to clowning. Unlike traditional slapstick-based performers, Delwyn’s act focused on elegance, musicality, and subtle humor, making him a favorite in circus and cabaret performances across Europe.
His carefully crafted routines combined pantomime with physical comedy, creating an enchanting experience for audiences.
Delwyn’s signature style was his expressive facial movements, which allowed him to connect deeply with spectators without relying on excessive makeup or props.
Frequently Asked Questions About Name Clown
Who was the first famous clown?
Joseph Grimaldi (1778–1837) is considered the first famous clown. He revolutionized clowning by introducing exaggerated makeup, physical comedy, and storytelling elements to performances. His influence is so great that clowns are sometimes called “Joeys” in his honor.
Why is Emmett Kelly’s Weary Willie character so famous?
Emmett Kelly’s Weary Willie was unique because he portrayed a sad, down-on-his-luck tramp clown during the Great Depression. Unlike traditional happy clowns, his character evoked sympathy and deeper emotions, making him one of the most beloved clowns in history.
What made Bozo the Clown popular?
Bozo the Clown became famous through television. He was created in 1946 and later turned into a franchise, with different actors playing him across various local TV stations. His colorful appearance, comedic antics, and child-friendly entertainment made him an icon.
Is Ronald McDonald a real person?
No, Ronald McDonald is a fictional character created by McDonald’s in the 1960s as their mascot. The first person to portray him was Willard Scott. Over the years, various actors have played him in commercials, live events, and McDonald’s promotions.
Why is Grock considered one of the greatest clowns?
Grock, born Charles Adrien Wettach, was a Swiss clown known for his musical talent and sophisticated comedic style. He combined slapstick humor with expert piano and violin performances, elevating clowning into an art form.
Conclusion about the Name Clown
Clowns have entertained audiences for centuries. From Joseph Grimaldi to Slava Polunin, each clown has left a unique mark. Some, like Emmett Kelly and Charlie Cairoli, used emotion and music in their acts.
Others, like Bozo and Ronald McDonald, became pop culture icons. Lou Jacobs’ tiny car routine and Grock’s musical comedy showed creativity in clowning.
Dodo Delwyn brought elegance, while Pogo the Clown became infamous for dark reasons. Clowns are not just about humor; they evoke emotions, tell stories, and connect with people.
