Yesterday also marked the 14th anniversary of the passing of beloved Master Clown,Duane "Uncle Soapy" Thorpe
The 29th anniversary of the death of John Lennon
And, on a happier note, yesterday also marked the 79th birthday of brilliant satirist, Buck Henry.
And the 111th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Emmett Kelly.
7 comments:
I was privileged to be a friend and co-worker with Dwyane for a few years and do not, even as a performance director in regard to personnel , PR, etc. ever recall this name "Uncle Soapy" and at his memorial I asked his very best friend Joey Hodgini about that and he said he had never heard of it until his funeral-memorial. Iwonder. Would some one aware enlighten me. Thanks. Johnny
I never met Duane but I have been told by many that worked in the Alley with him in his final years that "Soapy" was a childhood nickname.
It wasn't an official "clown name" like "Frosty" was for Glenn Little but "Uncle Soapy" became Duane's affectionate nickname among the other clowns.
For some people, once the nickname sticks , it sticks...
Ron Johnson will always be "Toto", Terry Parsons will always be "Spike" and Duane Thorpe will always be "Uncle Soapy".
It was also the 111th birthday of Emmett Kelly, Sr.
Thanks for clearing (cleaning?) up the "Uncle Soapy" reference... i worked with Duane and never heard him refered to as anything but "Duane"...
I think it is true that the younger clowns that came aboard in the 70s and beyond opened up some of the older guys considerably...
Maybe even to recalling a childhood nickname, which stuck again!
-- Michael Karp
I knew Duane very well and for many years -- he was always most cooperative in doing publicity pictures and interviews.
Like Col. Herriott, I NEVER heard him referred to as Uncle Soapy.
Have been puzzled by the reference for the past few years. Glad to hear your take on this, Pat.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dwyane when RBBB was playing Chicago. His truck was just across from Otto's. That was in 1964 or 65'. I'll try to find the photos and ask you to post them.
John Peters
I wanted to say "trunk" not "truck"
John Peters
Post a Comment