Remembering Pat Cashin

Nine years ago Pat Cashin left us way too soon. Not a week goes by that I don't think about him or some ridiculous hilarious thing he said, and I am constantly wishing I could get his take on something, or ask for clarification on some clown story or fact. I miss you, "kunklehead".

His contribution to clown history with this blog is immeasurable, and I have no idea how he kept it so active. I will do my best to be more frequent with my contributions to his legacy. 

Here are some rare 1997 Clown College photos of Pat from the collection of Elliot Witherspoon.

Gary Cooper

Gary Cooper, aka "Oscar", who graduated from the Ringling Clown College in 1978 and then performed in the Clyde Beatty Clown Alley for a couple of seasons.

Not to be confused with the Hollywood actor. He wasn't a clown. Loser....

Gary "Patches" Ray

 

Gary Ray, better known as "Patches" is a graduate of the 1972 class of the Ringling Clown College. He had a long circus career with Shrine circuses along with his partner Steve "Checkers" Baker. 

Prince Paul

Prince Paul Alpert, photographed by Bill Ballantine on the Ringling Blue Unit sometime in the 1970s. 

Denis Lacombe Ice Capades 1989

If I am not mistaken, this would have been after his appearance in Cirque Du Soliel's We Reinvent The Circus, which was the first time I saw him perform this act.

My personal favorite is the other act he performed in that show involving a robotic "American" clown, mouth wash, and pies. Sounds like a recipe for comedy to me!

Dick O'Connor

 

Anyone have any info on Mr. O'Connor, aside from the fact that he looks like 99% of the other clowns of that era?

Amel and Andres Zachai

Mother and son clown duo Amel and seven year old Andres, who performed with the Blue Unit's 1976 Clown Alley. I believe Amel performed at Circus World in Florida before going on the road. 

I am going to be asking for recollections of the two of them from their Alley mates, so stay tuned for an updated post.