5 Things You Never Knew About Vaudeville Actor Red Skelton
Red Skelton spent more than seven decades making people laugh and charming audiences across radio, television, stage and film with his one-of-a-kind comedic style. Born Richard Bernard Skelton in 1913, he began entertaining at just 10 years old, joining a traveling medicine show before working on a showboat and eventually carving out a name for himself on the burlesque and vaudeville circuits. His signature pantomime sketch “Doughnut Dunkers,” written with his first wife, launched a career that soon took over the airwaves.
From his radio debut in the late ’30s to the long-running success of The Red Skelton Show, Skelton became a household name, known for his beloved characters and gentle humor. He had a quieter second act as a painter, where his clown portraits earned him millions. In honor of him becoming TCM Star of the Month, let’s learn some fun facts about the fascinating man behind the clown:
1 He suffered several tragedies
Everett Collection
His son Richard Freeman Skelton died at just nine years old from Leukemia. Skelton was hit with another heartbreaking time when his ex-wife Georgia Davis died by suicide on the 18th anniversary of their son’s death. Despite dealing with such major tragedies, he still made it his mission to make others laugh.
2 His favorite character
Everett Collection
Skelton played many iconic and hilarious characters but he once admitted that Freddie the Freeloader was his favorite of all time. He said that Freddie was the purest of all of the characters he played and playing him served as a tribute to all of the clowns he treasured over the years.
3 He had a nervous breakdown while serving in the Army
Everett Collection
He served in the United States Army during World War II but sadly suffered from a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized due to the pressure. Not only did he feel that he had to fulfill his duties as a soldier but he also felt he had to entertain his fellow troops as well and it all proved to be too much for one person to handle.
4 Allergic to alcohol
Everett Collection
Many of his hilarious sketches featured him being drunk, so one might assume that he was a drinker. However, he was actually allergic to alcohol and never drank. He was just that good at acting!
5 Making history
Everett Collection
In 1960, he decided to purchase the old Charles Chaplin Studios and establish Red-Eo-Tape (Red-Tape) Video Productions. They were the first production company in Hollywood to use RCA TK-41 camera mobile units which produced the first live color.
Remind 
Classic Comedy Duos
March 2021
Chuckle at television & films funniest comic duos.
Buy This Issue