Who Is the Most Famous Female Clown?

Female Clowns Throughout History

• Amelia Butler, who performed in the 1840s, was considered the first female circus clown in the United States.
• Josephine Williams or “Lady Evetta” was dubbed the ‘The Only Lady Clown’ in 1895. Williams came from a respected circus family.

Clowns Facts

• There are 50,000 to 100,000 professional clowns worldwide, with about 71% being female and 29% male.
• Traditionally, there are three types of clowns: the whiteface, the auguste, and the character. Nowadays, the tramp or hobo clown is often recognized.
• The red nose is used to make it stand out against the white or flesh-colored base paint. This makes the nose seem larger.

Notable Female Clowns

• Annie Fratellini dressed as one of the boys, forming part of an early feminist movement in the traditionally male circus industry.

Famous Clowns

• Famous clowns include Ronald McDonald, Bozo, Krusty, Pennywise, The Joker, and Twisty. Bill Irwin and Emmett Kelly were well-known hobo clowns. A female clown is called a “Clownette."

History of Female Clowns

• In ancient Greece during the seventh century BC, the first documented professional entertainers were the comic characters of the Dorian Mimes who mimicked others.
• Buffoonery was one of a few acceptable careers for women to pursue in the middle-ages, often hired to entertain courtiers.