The Most Famous Clown, Ranked

Choose the clown you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 07:04
In the colorful world of circus and entertainment, clowns have always held a special place in the hearts of audiences. Their unique ability to bring laughter and joy, bridging gaps across ages and cultures, makes them significant. Yet, across their broad spectrum, some have danced their way more profoundly into our collective joy than others. Identifying the most beloved among them is not only fun but a celebration of their timeless appeal. This interactive list allows you to participate in celebrating the artistry and humor of these iconic figures. By casting your vote, you help determine who stands out in the world of comedic artistry. Your votes contribute to a dynamic tally where the most admired clowns rise to the top, appreciated by a community of fans and enthusiasts. Join in to share your favorites and see how others have voted in this engaging homage to laughter and delight.

Who Is the Most Famous Clown?

  1. 1
    96
    votes
    Ronald McDonald
    A1C Brooke Beers · Public domain
    Ronald McDonald - he is the official mascot of McDonald's and has been around since the 1960s. He is one of the most recognizable clowns worldwide.
    Ronald McDonald is one of the most iconic balloons in the Macy's Parade. It is based on the popular fast-food mascot, Ronald McDonald, who is known for his red and yellow clown outfit and red curly hair. The balloon depicts Ronald McDonald in his signature pose, with a big smile and his arms outstretched as if welcoming everyone.
    • Height: approx. 53 feet
    • Width: approx. 28 feet
    • Length: approx. 78 feet
    • Weight: approx. 700 pounds
    • Number of Handlers: approx. 90
    Ronald McDonald in other rankings
  2. 2
    39
    votes
    Bozo the Clown
    WGN-TV/Tribune Corporation Uploaded by We hope at en.wikipedia · Public domain
    Bozo the Clown is he was a popular children's TV show host from the 1950s to the 1970s. He had his own TV show, "Bozo's Circus," and was known for his red hair and nose.
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    Krusty the Clown is he is a fictional character from the TV show "The Simpsons." He is the host of a popular children's TV show within the show and is known for his catchphrase, "Hey hey!"
    Krusty the Clown in other rankings
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Emmett Kelly
    Pan American Coffee Bureau · Public domain
    Emmett Kelly is he was a famous circus clown in the mid-20th century. He was known for his sad clown persona, "Weary Willie," and his signature look of wearing oversized shoes and a raggedy suit.
    Emmett Kelly in other rankings
  5. 5
    15
    votes
    Coco the Clown
    Theroadislong · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Coco the Clown is he was a British clown who was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. He was known for his white face and red nose, and his catchphrase, "Hello, my darlings!"
    Coco the Clown in other rankings
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    Pagliacci is he is a fictional clown from the opera of the same name. He is known for his tragic story and famous aria, "Vesti la giubba."
  7. 7
    2
    votes
    Puddles Pity Party
    Mvuijlst · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Puddles Pity Party is he is a modern-day clown who is known for his melancholic performances and viral YouTube videos. He has performed on "America's Got Talent" and "The Voice."
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    Bello Nock
    Rtphokie (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Bello Nock is he is a modern-day circus clown who is known for his signature hairdo, which stands 24 inches tall. He has performed with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
    Bello Nock in other rankings
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Lou Jacobs
    Florida Memory · Public domain
    Lou Jacobs is he was a famous circus clown in the mid-20th century. He was known for his painted-on mustache and his performances with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
    Lou Jacobs in other rankings
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    Patch Adams is he is a real-life clown who is known for his work as a physician and his efforts to bring joy to patients in hospitals. His life story was the basis for the 1998 movie "Patch Adams," starring Robin Williams.
    Patch Adams in other rankings

Missing your favorite clown?

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Ranking factors for famous clown

  1. Popularity
    The level of recognition and fame the clown has achieved over time and across different countries and cultures.
  2. Performance skills
    The clown's ability to create an entertaining and engaging performance that captures the attention and admiration of audiences.
  3. Innovation
    The extent to which the clown has introduced new techniques, styles, or approaches to clowning that have had an impact on the art form.
  4. Legacy
    The influence the clown has had on future generations of clowns, and how their work has contributed to the evolution and development of clowning as an art form.
  5. Overall contribution to the industry
    The clown's overall impact on the clowning industry, including their artistic, social, or cultural contributions.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 3107 views
  • 212 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous clown

The art of clowning has been around for centuries, with evidence of clown-like characters appearing in ancient Egyptian artwork. However, the modern concept of a clown as a comical performer wearing a colorful costume and exaggerated makeup really took off in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most famous and enduring clown characters is the beloved circus clown, with colorful clothing, oversized shoes, and a red nose. In popular culture, clowns have appeared in movies, TV shows, and even horror stories. When it comes to the most famous clowns of all time, there are several contenders. Some may argue that Bozo the Clown, who appeared on TV in the 1950s and 60s, is the most famous. Others may point to Ronald McDonald, the mascot of the fast-food chain, as the most recognizable clown in the world. However, one clown who consistently tops lists of the most famous clowns is none other than the iconic character created by American actor and comedian, Emmett Kelly - Weary Willie. With his sad eyes and downtrodden expression, Weary Willie captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and became a symbol of the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. Whether you love or fear clowns, there's no denying the enduring popularity and cultural significance of these colorful characters.

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