Emmett Kelly

Date of Birth: December 9, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: March 28, 1979

Biography

Emmett Kelly was an American circus performer best known for his portrayal of the hobo clown “Weary Willie.” Born in Sedan, Kansas, Kelly initially aspired to be a cartoonist but found his calling in the circus. He began his career as a trapeze artist before transitioning to clowning, eventually developing his iconic character. “Weary Willie” became a symbol of the Great Depression, embodying the struggles and resilience of the era. Kelly’s nuanced performance and ability to evoke both laughter and sympathy made him one of the most beloved clowns in circus history. He worked with several major circuses, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and made numerous appearances in films and television.

5 Interesting Facts about Emmett Kelly

1. Emmett Kelly’s “Weary Willie” character was inspired by the hobos of the Great Depression.

2. He was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1989.

3. Kelly appeared in Cecil B. DeMille’s 1952 film “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

4. He was a talented cartoonist and created comic strips before fully committing to clowning.

5. Kelly’s iconic down-and-out clown character was initially rejected by circus management before gaining widespread popularity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Emmett Kelly

1. “By laughing at me, the audience really laughs at themselves, and realizing they have done this gives them sort of a spiritual second wind for going back into the battles of life.”

2. “Clowns are the pegs on which the circus is hung.”

3. “A clown’s makeup and character, that’s all he has to sell. He loves and believes in that character.”

4. “The circus is a jealous wench. Indeed that is an understatement. It is a ravening beast that must be fed, and as often as she is fed, she shows her gratitude by biting the hand that fed her.”

5. “Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Emmett Kelly’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for a performer of his era.

Children

Emmett Kelly had two children. His son, Emmett Kelly Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps and became a clown himself, also portraying the “Weary Willie” character. His daughter, Stasia Kelly, pursued a career outside of the entertainment industry.