The clown on the right is Chuck Sidlow. I'm not positive about the ID of the other three. Maybe Greg can ID them before I embarrass myself with a guess based on program pictures.
The gentleman in the center is Dick Van Dyke. After reading his less-than-flattering assesment of the art of circus clowning in Diane Keaton's recent book CLOWN PAINTINGS I set aside my feelings about his television and film work in the 1960s and now feel that Mr. Van Dyke has become nothing less than a complete and total Dick.
I'm amazed that someone could insult the work that professional circus clowns do after turning in the putrid performances he did in the CBS Television CLOWN COLLEGE 20TH ANNIVERSARY Special.
Yes sir, quite the Dick.
7 comments:
The clown on the top is Willie Youmans, Clown College Class of 1982 and Blue Unit Alley of 1983 and 1984. He was also on the Gold Unit in Japan in 1988.
I believe the clown to Dick's left is Levoie Hipps but I am probably wrong.
The clown below Dick I recognize but I do not know the name of. I don't believe he made it on the road, maybe it is a Class of 1987 Grad? The only one I am sure of is Willie.
What did he say about circus clowns in Keaton's book?
Kenny
Without having the book in front of me, I believe it was something to the effect of: "Clowns aren't funny. Clowns never were funny. They don't EVER make me laugh. Clowns stink."
This from the host of the 20th Anniversary TV special.
Carol Burnett claimed to be terrified of clowns and runs shrieking from them whenever she sees them.
Weird thing about old 60s/70s Ringling photos from Los Angeles? Carol is in them, backstage gladhanding. Carol and Bobby Kay. Carol and Mike Coco.
Carol had Emmett Kelly on her show.
Carol is a lying bag of...well, she's Carol. Like with Dick Van Dyke, I enjoy the work, don't think much of the person.
Several other celebs dump on the profession in Keaton's book, very few have anything kind to say. Chief amongst those that do: Paul "Pee-Wee Herman" Reubens, who grew up in Sarasota.
Whenever anyone (snarkily) tells me they are afraid of clowns, I always tell them that there are some clowns they SHOULD be afraid of. It's worth it to see the look on their face. (And besides, I was on the Blue Show, and so I know that's true:)
As for Jerry Lewis; 1966 is when he had his big pratfall accident, where he chipped his spinal cord, and he struggled with pain and painkillers after that. That explains the change in his work. But I know for a fact that he LOVES clowns, and actually collects them. About 15 years ago when I published a calendar of my clown photos, someone gave him a copy, and he sent me a lovely note.
-Debbie
Thank you, Mandy. Well said. I am a Red Cross Clown, and get to deal with the whole "I'm afraid of Clowns" thing far too often. I usually diffuse it by saying "I understand. I'm kinda afraid of people. How do you smell anything with such a small nose?" I agree it has become the hip new phobia that It's "Cool" to have. I sometime want to ask "So, do you still sleep with the light on?" I have spent a lot of time learning to be a gentle clown and letting kids come to me at there own pace. It's just sooo much fun when a parent says "See the scary clown.He might eat you!" I turn around and say "WHERE!?"eople like that can make you want to scream....
Scruffy
www.clown-forum.com
There ARE, in fact, people who just cannot bear clowns. Perhaps it has to do with the notion that the clown's face is concealed, or perhaps it is the unwillingness to break character, rather like the aversion that most folks have for mimes, or for renaissance faire people. If Diane Keaton dislikes clowns it is her right, is it not? Do you honestly think her book has turned any fresh-faced young kids away from the circus or from clowns? Those that find clowning amusing will continue to do so, while those who do not will remain unmoved.
I should think that clowns might have a better sense of humor about things like that. Perhaps it is time to take ourselves less seriously, no? After all, almost no one who takes him-or-herself (or his-or-her profession) completely seriously rates serious consideration. Lighten up, clowns.
If you dislike clowns you do not automatically lack a sense of history or perspective; you simply are aesthetically displeased with a particular craft. And appreciation of craft is always, ultimately, a matter of aesthetics. You like things or you don't. You are creeped out by clowns or you are not. 'Nuff said.
LOL. I agree with 'anonymous'. If someone doesn't think you're funny, you can't debate them and convince them that you are. And the fact is, there ARE a lot of seriously unfunny clowns out there who ARE scary. Slapping on the greasepaint doesn't make a person funny (or noble either).
If someone doesn't like clowns, just shrug your shoulders, have a giggle, and move on. It's not that big a deal.
-Debbie
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