Micheal "Omar Gosh" Ridenour

 

Ringmaster, Brian LaPalme and Michael "Omar Gosh" Ridenour on Great American Circus. 

Mooky the Clown Receives British Empire Medal

From the BBC: 

Laci Endresz - who performs as Mooky the Clown - has been given a British Empire Medal (BEM) for circus entertainment. 

He described his life as a clown at Blackpool Tower's circus as being his "calling in life" and "better than any job in the world".

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "There is no feeling in the world like that when you have some people come up to you after the show and say, 'We have been going through a tough time and for two hours we have forgotten about everything in our lives'."

Endresz was born into a circus family, first performing as a clown in his family's show at the age of four.

He joined Blackpool Tower Circus began in 1992, taking on the role of Mooky the Clown in 1999.

A spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism said that since then he had starred as the headline act in every season for an astonishing 27 consecutive years, never missing a single show.

In addition to performing in more than 350 shows each year, he writes and directs the entire circus production.

Endresz said he was "humbled" to receive the BEM, which was "so special for me and my family".

Kate Shane, managing director of Blackpool Tourism Ltd, said: "This award shines a spotlight on a rarely recognised art form and I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this honour."

Congratulations, Greg DeSanto

During the culmination of Circus Week this past weekend in Baraboo, WI, Greg DeSanto was surprised with an induction into the International Clown Hall of Fame by the board of directors. 

As always, Greg had the perfect words for the occasion, so why should I write something that will pale in comparison when I can just copy and paste what he said:

I knew this was going to be a hectic, busy weekend of clown business. But as I went from day to day, event to event, clown family began showing up here in Baraboo.

From New York, California, Ohio, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, Tennessee, Minnesota, Connecticut, Texas and parts unknown they kept arriving. I know clowns like circus parades, but this was puzzling.

The Clown Hall of Fame was being a part of the Circus Historical Society’s yearly convention, inducting a most wonderful & deserving clown named Jerry Bangs. Must be for him.

The induction was beautiful, heartfelt and long overdue for Mr. Bangs. We were able to play a role in adding significant history, previously unknown, to future generations to learn from. Fulfill our mission.

Our part of the program was finished and our Board President took the dais and microphone in an unrehearsed moment. He then proceeded to show a video of me in performance over the past four decades. There were lovely speeches made. Letters and notes from friends were read. A most incredible plaque was presented to me.

Now, I’m not fooled easy. Nor do surprises catch me often. But to be honored by this organization, with so many dearly loved friends in attendence is a gift I will never forget. As a said during my blubbering, tearful thank you, I love my work. I love you all. Thank you for giving me this honor. I will spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of it.

To everyone, I leave this quote…

“If life ever moved too fast and left things unsaid, I would still want you to know this with my whole heart: thank you.

Thank you for the love, comfort, laughter and beautiful friendship you gave me so freely. Knowing you has been one of the softest gifts of my life.

No matter what this world does, I will always carry gratitude for you and for the way your friendship made my life better.”

Congratulations, Greg. Thank you for all that you do to preserve clown history. 

Circus Smirkus: Safecracker

Ryan Combs (converse), Sam Brown (short curly hair), John Stokvis (glasses), and Josh Shack (deputy) performing a safecracking gag on the Smirkus 2002 Wild West tour. Even though I prefer his more recent partner, I guess these guys are pretty good as well.... 😜😜

Just in case the embedded video isn't working: https://youtu.be/ijJTsQgiDEA?si=9B8x5_MDycIpBn_O

Michael Lane Trautman: Ping Pong Balls

Michael Lane Trautman is an accomplished mime, an inventive juggler, and physical comedian/clown that has been performing since 1976. He has appeared at such venues as The New York International Festival of Clown Theatre, the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, to name a few.

Michael trained under the tutelage of French mime Jacques Lecoq, and American mime Tony Montanaro. He has been an artist in residence at Mabou Mines Theater Company in NY, a director and teacher at Catholic University in Washington, DC, and a staple of the International Children’s Theatre Festival circuit. In 1999-2000, Michael headlined the Big Apple Circus Stage Show that toured throughout the country.

David Williams: Hoxie Bros.

An article on David Williams during his First of May season on Hoxie Bros. Great American Combined Shows in 1984. "Little Dave" as he later became known was a staple on the Clyde Beatty Alley in the late 80s and early 90s. 

Thank you to John "Eggroll" Kane for lending me the article to share. 

New Exhibits at ICHOF!

The Clown Hall of Fame has been busy! New walls, brand new exhibits, welcoming Bello Nock into the ICHOF, getting ready for the Circus Historical Convention and the 2026 Induction of Jerry Bangs!

This is a summer you don’t want to miss! To attend the induction banquet & ceremony please register at the CHS convention website!

https://circushistory.org/next-convention/

2002 Kinoshita Clown Alley

 

Sean Hartman, Kelly VanCleave, Adam Kuchler, and Peter Bufano on Circus Kinoshita in 2002. 

All were Clown College grads (Sean 94, Kelly 85, Adam 95 and Peter 86) and former Ringling clowns (Sean Red 2002, Kelly Red 1986-1989, Adam Blue 96-99, and Peter Red 87-88). 

Peter also came back in 2006 and the first half of 2007 as a keyboard player on the Blue Unit band. He was my next door neighbor on the train and we had lots of fun conversations. 

Kelly stayed on Kinoshita for many, many years. She started sometime in the 90s and was there into the 2010s.