A clown is a person who performs physical comedy and arts in an open-ended fashion, typically while wearing distinct makeup or costuming and reversing folkway-norms. The art of performing as a clown is known as clowning or buffoonery, and the term "clown" may be used synonymously with predecessors like jester, joker, buffoon, fool, or harlequin.

One thing’s for sure, clowns seem to always be in the popular imagination. Here’s a list of 10 famous clowns—some nice, others not so much.

Feb 27, 2025 · clown, familiar comic character of pantomime and circus, known by distinctive makeup and costume, ludicrous antics, and buffoonery, whose purpose is to induce hearty laughter.

This is a list of notable clowns. Pinto Colvig - American clown who later became famous as the voice of Goofy. Daniel Rice (1823–1901) – American clown of the 19th century and principal inspiration for Uncle Sam. George Carl – American clown who performed mainly in Europe. Johann Ludwig Jacob Lou Jacobs (1903–1992) – American Master Clown.

Clowns have been an iconic symbol of humor and entertainment for centuries. Initially intended to entertain kings and later the public in circuses, clowns became a beloved figure at birthday...

Jul 31, 2013 · Clowns were comic relief from the thrills and chills of the daring circus acts, an anarchic presence that complimented the precision of the acrobats or horse riders.

Oct 29, 2010 · A history of clowns and clowning, from ancient times to the modern day. From Greek theater, to jesters, to modern day clowns

Nov 12, 2018 · We enjoy their antics, but we may never have noticed that all clowns can be traced back to one of these three clown types: the Whiteface, the Tramp, and the Auguste (or 'fool'). Each type has its own history, its own set of clown characteristics, and a typical look.

Oct 30, 2023 · Circus clowns, jester clowns, mime clowns, character clowns, and more are all different types of clowns. Each type of clown has its own unique style and role in the world of clowning. Clowns have been entertaining audiences for centuries, bringing laughter and joy wherever they go.

Oct 31, 2016 · Depending on who you ask, clowns are either harmless fun or the stuff of nightmares. But no matter where your opinion falls, there’s a lot going on beneath the face paint of this surprisingly old...