Bozo the Clown facts for kids

Bozo the Clown was a very famous and friendly clown character in America. He brought joy and laughter to children for many years, starting in the 1950s and continuing all the way until 2001. Bozo wasn't just one person; many different actors played him over the years, each bringing their own special touch to the beloved character.

Who Was Bozo the Clown?

Bozo the Clown first appeared in 1946 as a character on Capitol Records. He was created by Alan W. Livingston and voiced by Pinto Colvig. Bozo quickly became popular through children's records and storybooks. His bright red hair, big smile, and colorful costume made him easy to recognize.

Bozo's Big Break on TV

Bozo became even more famous when he started appearing on television. The first Bozo the Clown TV show began in 1949. This show was one of the first successful children's television programs. It helped make Bozo a household name across the United States.

The Many Faces of Bozo

What makes Bozo unique is that many different actors played him. This meant that Bozo could appear in many different cities at the same time. Each local TV station could have its own Bozo. This helped the character connect with children all over the country.

Here are some of the actors who played Bozo:

• Pinto Colvig (1946-1954)
• Larry Harmon (1959-1992)
• Vance Colvig (1959)
• Bill Britten (1959)
• Frank Avruch (1959-1970)
• Bob Bell (1960-1984)
• Joey D'Auria (1984-2001)
• Wandeko Pipoca (Brazil) (1979-1982)

Larry Harmon bought the rights to Bozo in 1956. He then trained many actors to play Bozo. He also created a cartoon series called Bozo's Big Top. This helped spread Bozo's fame even further.

Bozo's Circus in Chicago

One of the most famous Bozo shows was Bozo's Circus on WGN-TV in Chicago. This show ran for many years, from 1960 to 2001. Bob Bell played Bozo for a long time on this show. It was a very popular live show with a studio audience of children. Kids would often wait years for tickets to see it! The show featured games, cartoons, and other fun characters like Cooky the Cook and Sandy the Clown.

Bozo's Legacy

Bozo the Clown is a big part of American television history. He entertained generations of children with his silly antics and friendly personality. Even though the TV shows have ended, Bozo remains a well-loved character in the memories of many adults who grew up watching him.

Images for kids

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  An iteration of Bozo the Clown at WFGA-TV in Jacksonville, Florida in 1961. This is his most well-known design.

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  Cooky (Roy Brown) and Bozo (Bob Bell) on WGN-TV Chicago's Bozo's Circus in 1976.

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  1963 photo of Oliver O. Oliver (Ray Rayner), Bozo (Bob Bell), Sandy (Don Sandburg) and Ringmaster Ned (Ned Locke) on WGN-TV Chicago's Bozo's Circus.

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  WGN-TV Chicago's 1960s cast of Bozo's Circus. From left: Ringmaster Ned (Ned Locke), Mr. Bob (bandleader Bob Trendler), Bozo (Bob Bell), Oliver O. Oliver (Ray Rayner) and Sandy (Don Sandburg).

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  Wandeko Pipoca, the first performer to portray Bozo in Brazil.

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  Roger Bowers as WJHL-TV Johnson City, Tennessee's Bozo.

See also

In Spanish: Bozo para niños