Richard Nixon Proclaimed National Clown Week in 1971, Plus the Best Not So Scary Clowns in Pop Culture
Clowns are neato, clowns are fun, and clowns are loved by everyone says the Vandals, but did you know that in 1971, President Nixon signed into official proclamation National Clown Week to run the first week of August? Over 50 years ago, National Clown Week began from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7 each year. Nixon stated, “Whoever has heard the laughter of a child or seen sudden delight on the face of a lonely old man has understood in those brief moments mysteries deeper than love.” He continued, “All men are indebted to those who bring such moments of quiet splendor — who redeem sickness and pain with joy. All across America, good men in putty noses and baggy trousers, following a tradition as old as man’s need to touch gently the lives of his fellowman, go into orphanages and children’s hospitals, homes for the elderly and for the retarded, and give a part of themselves. Today, as always, clowns and the spirit they represent are as vital to the maintenance of our humanity as the builders and the growers and the governors.”
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However, Clown Week began on a smaller basis in the 1950s and ’60s until the Clown Club of America started writing to congressmen to request a presidential proclamation of the week. It took several years but eventually Nixon seemingly caved and signed it into law, citing: “To call public attention to the charitable activities of clowns and the wholesome entertainment they provide for all our citizens, the Congress by a joint resolution approved Oct. 8, 1970 (Public Law 91-433), has requested the president to designate the week of Aug. 1 through Aug. 7, 1971, as National Clown Week.”
Now, it has been extended internationally to celebrate clowns who help make people laugh, although many people are terrified of the makeup-laden men and women (don’t worry, we will share a list of the top scariest clowns later too). Not only that but many clowns are also quite talented musically or know tricks such as acrobatics, juggling and magic.
In honor of Clown Week, let’s celebrate some of the most nostalgic and friendly clowns in pop culture.
Milton Berle
Everett Collection
Milton Berle was a vaudeville veteran and often considered one of the first TV clowns.
Clarabell
Everett Collection
Clarabell the Clown was a main character on The Howdy Doody Show in the ’50s, played by three different men over the years: Bob Keeshan (who later became Captain Kangaroo), Robert “Nick” Nicholson and Lew Anderson.
Bozo
Larry Harmon Pictures/Everett Collection
Perhaps the most famous clown on this list, Bozo was created by Alan W. Livingston for children’s entertainment. He appeared on television in both live-action and animation for many years.
Red Skelton
Everett Collection
Red Skelton hosted his own show and once said that he wanted to be remembered as a clown because he had a talent for making people laugh. He often painted clowns and appeared on his show as “Freddie the Freeloader” as well as starred in the 1953 film The Clown.
Krusty
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
Krusty the Clown is an iconic Simpsons character based on the TV clown Rusty Nails. He is voiced by Dan Castellaneta.
Ronald McDonald
Everett Collection
We can’t forget the McDonald’s character Ronald McDonald, who has been around since 1963.
Who else would you add to this list? Do you love or loathe clowns?
Kid Stuff
June 2018
Unleash your inner child by reliving your favorite kids TV shows, cartoons, toys and more!
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