- Joseph Grimaldi
- Emmett Kelly and "Weary Willie"
- Ronald McDonald and Bozo the Clown
The earliest circus clown was Joseph Grimaldi. Grimaldi’s clown was called "Joey". He did physical tricks and slapstick. Emmett Kelly created the sad hobo clown "Weary Willie". This clown wore tattered clothes. He captured the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. Ronald McDonald is likely the most famous clown ever. However, Bozo the Clown was on 1950s and 1960s TV. Both made many kids’ lists of top clowns. While clowns intend to bring laughs, some cause fear. This coulrophobia may be due to makeup masking faces. Or to recent creepy clown sightings. The creepiest clown in pop culture is Pennywise. This clown was believed to have caused a 2016 clown hysteria outbreak. Through history clowns usually aimed for laughs, not creepiness.
Who is the most famous clown of all time? This list of famous clowns includes Ronald McDonald, Bozo the Clown, Emmett Kelly as "Weary Willie", and Joseph Grimaldi. Grimaldi created the classic whiteface clown with red lips. His clown "Joey" inspired the term "joey" for clowns. Emmett Kelly’s hobo clown "Weary Willie" was popular in the Great Depression. He captured the struggles of the working class. Ronald McDonald and Bozo the Clown made many kids’ lists of top famous clowns. They entertained rather than scared. While most clowns intend to bring laughs, some cause fear. Coulrophobia may be due to makeup masking faces. Or to recent creepy clown sightings. Top famous clowns aim for laughs, not creepiness.
Who is the most famous clown ever? This list of famous clowns includes Ronald McDonald, Bozo the Clown, Emmett Kelly as "Weary Willie", and Joseph Grimaldi. Grimaldi created the classic whiteface clown with red lips. His clown "Joey" inspired the term "joey" for clowns. Emmett Kelly’s hobo clown "Weary Willie" was popular in the Great Depression. He captured the struggles of the working class. Ronald McDonald and Bozo the Clown made many kids’ lists of top famous clowns. They entertained rather than scared. While most clowns intend to bring laughs, some cause fear. Coulrophobia may be due to makeup masking faces. Or to recent creepy clown sightings. Top famous clowns aim for laughs, not creepiness.