The Most Famous Circus Clown, Ranked

Choose the circus clown you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 07:04
In the colorful and dynamic world of the circus, clowns have always held a special place in the hearts of audiences, captivating both young and old with their whimsical antics and heartfelt performances. However, amid the array of talented performers, it can often be a challenge to determine which clown has made the most significant impact on the circus culture and brought the most joy to audiences around the world. By casting your votes on this list, you contribute to a community-driven ranking that reflects which circus clowns are most cherished and remembered by fans. This not only helps new enthusiasts identify the stars of the clown world but also serves as a celebration of their artistic contributions. Your participation ensures that the legacy of these entertainers continues to be honored and appreciated.

Who Is the Most Famous Circus Clown?

  1. 1
    68
    votes
    Emmett Kelly
    Pan American Coffee Bureau · Public domain
    Emmett Kelly is considered one of the most famous circus clowns of all time. He is best known for his character "Weary Willie," a hobo clown that he played for over 50 years. Kelly's performance style was characterized by his ability to evoke deep emotions from his audience, often making them laugh and cry at the same time.
    Emmett Kelly in other rankings
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    Lou Jacobs
    Florida Memory · Public domain
    Lou Jacobs was a clown who performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for over 60 years. He is best known for his signature act, "The World's Funniest Clown," which included a series of elaborate gags and tricks that left audiences in stitches. Jacobs' influence on the circus world is still felt today, as many modern clowns continue to draw inspiration from his work.
    Lou Jacobs in other rankings
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    Charlie Rivel
    Unknown photographer · Public domain
    Charlie Rivel was a Spanish clown who became famous for his comic timing and acrobatic skills. He performed all over the world, and was known for his ability to connect with audiences of all ages and nationalities. Rivel's legacy continues to inspire new generations of clowns today.
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    Coco the Clown
    Theroadislong · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Coco the Clown was a British clown who became famous for his role in the children's television show "The Magic Circle Club." He was known for his brightly colored costumes and high-energy performances, which often included magic tricks and juggling. Coco's popularity helped to bring clowning into the mainstream, making it more accessible to audiences around the world.
    Coco the Clown in other rankings
  5. 5
    20
    votes
    Grock was a Swiss clown who performed in circuses throughout the early 20th century. He was known for his unique style of physical comedy, which included acrobatic feats and elaborate stunts. Grock's influence on the circus world can still be seen today, as many modern clowns continue to draw inspiration from his work.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Red Skelton
    Adam Cuerden · Public domain
    While Red Skelton was not a circus clown by trade, he is famous for his portrayal of the lovable clown "Freddy the Freeloader" on his television show "The Red Skelton Show." Skelton's character was known for his heartfelt performances and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
    Red Skelton in other rankings
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Oleg Popov
    Patrick Glanz · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Oleg Popov was a Russian clown who became famous for his performances with the Moscow Circus. He was known for his acrobatic skills and his ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Popov's legacy continues to inspire new generations of clowns today.
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Bill Irwin is an American actor and clown who has performed in circuses and on Broadway. He is known for his unique blend of physical comedy and dramatic acting, which has earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years. Irwin's work has helped to elevate the art of clowning to new heights, making it more respected and appreciated by audiences around the world.
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Bello Nock
    Rtphokie (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Bello Nock is an American circus performer and clown who has performed with numerous circuses around the world. He is known for his signature hairstyle (a tall, spiky red and yellow hairdo) and his high-energy performances, which often include daring stunts and acrobatics. Nock's work has helped to bring a new generation of fans to the circus, making it more relevant and exciting than ever before.
    Bello Nock in other rankings
  10. 10
    8
    votes
    David Larible
    Bettina Reinisch · Public domain
    David Larible is an Italian clown who has performed with numerous circuses throughout the world. He is known for his unique blend of physical comedy and audience interaction, which has earned him a legion of devoted fans over the years. Larible's work has helped to keep the art of clowning alive and well, inspiring new generations of performers to take up the mantle and carry on the tradition.

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Ranking factors for famous circus clown

  1. Popularity
    How well-known the clown is among the public and how many people recognize them.
  2. Legacy
    The impact the clown has had on popular culture and the circus industry. This includes the clown's influence on other performers, styles, and acts.
  3. Innovation
    The ability of the clown to bring new and exciting elements to their performances and push the boundaries of the genre.
  4. Skill
    The technical abilities of the clown, including their physical agility, comedic timing, and improvisation skills.
  5. Longevity
    The length of time the clown has been performing and their consistency in maintaining their popularity and relevance over the years.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous circus clown. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or circus clown is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2929 views
  • 183 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each circus clown once every 24 hours. The rank of each circus clown is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous circus clown

Circus clowns have been entertaining audiences for centuries, and their unique style of physical comedy has earned them a special place in popular culture. From the classic white face of the traditional clown to the more contemporary, colorful designs, circus clowns have captured the imaginations of both young and old alike. But who is the most famous circus clown of all time? That's a tough question to answer, as there have been so many talented performers throughout history. However, there are a few clowns who stand out as true icons of the art form. One of the most famous circus clowns is Emmett Kelly, who created the character of Weary Willie. With his sad face and tattered clothes, Kelly's character embodied the struggles of everyday life and resonated with audiences during the Great Depression. Another legendary clown is Lou Jacobs, who performed with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for over six decades. Jacobs' signature act involved squirting water from a flower on his lapel, and his cheerful demeanor and playful antics made him a beloved figure in the world of circus clowning. Of course, there are many other famous circus clowns to choose from, each with their own unique style and personality. So who do you think deserves the title of the most famous circus clown? Cast your vote on StrawPoll and join the debate!

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