Famous Clowns – Clarabell the Clown

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I think looking back at famous clowns is not a bad subject except when I think of Stephen King’s novel “IT” and that nasty clown there. That clown scared me of all clowns but that is another topic – nasty clowns. Way back when there was the Howdy Doody Show and on the show Buffalo Bob Smith had a mute partner known as Clarabell the Clown. Altogether during the run of this children’s show three actors played the clown. The first one was an actor named Bob Keeshan who went on to become Captain Kangaroo, next up was Robert “Nick” Nicholson who had another role on Howdy Doody as well and finally Lew Anderson. Anderson played Clarabell from 1954 until the show came to an end in 1960. Clarabell was always dressed in a baggy, stripped costume and spoke no words but communicated by honking a horn for yes and no. On occasion he would spray another cast member Buffalo Bob Smith with seltzer water. After the show ended Buffalo Bob Smith and Clarabell made many personal appearances and returned on the New Howdy Doody Show for just one season 1976-1977 and a 40th anniversary special in ‘87. On the shows very last and final episode in 1960 Clarabell informs Buffalo Bob through gestures and horn honks that he can actually talk. Buffalo Bob pretends to be amazed and tells Clarabell to say something to all the kids as this would be his last chance. The camera pans in on Clarabell as a drum roll sounds and the clown tearfully whispers, “Goodbye, kids”. How many of you used to like clowns as kids and do your children or grandchildren still enjoy clowns? Image http://media1.s-nbcnews.com/j/ap/65222357-5f79-4d7c-ad2b-d5347a0f10c9.grid-4x2.jpg