Glen Little (clown) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Glen Little
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| Born |
Glen Gordon Little
December 5, 1925 |
| Died | October 26, 2010 (aged 84) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Frosty Little, Frosty the Clown |
| Occupation | Circus clown |
Glen Gordon "Frosty" Little (born December 5, 1925 – died October 26, 2010) was a famous circus clown. He worked with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for more than 20 years. He was one of only four clowns ever given the special title "Master Clown" by the Ringling circus.
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Glen Little's Early Life
Glen Little was born in 1925 in Genoa, Nebraska. His parents were Elsie and Glen Little.
When he was seven years old, Glen saw his first circus. This experience made him love the circus for his whole life. His grandfather gave him the nickname "Frosty." This was because Glen loved playing in the snow, like Jack Frost. Glen used this nickname often, even signing his checks as "Frosty Little."
Glen served in the US Navy during World War II. He was injured during his service. While recovering, he learned how to juggle from another patient. This skill later helped him get his first jobs as a clown.
In 1971, he married Patricia, who was a photographer and a former teacher. They had two daughters together. He also had another daughter from a previous marriage.
Starting His Clown Career
Before joining Ringling Bros., Glen worked other jobs. He was a postal employee and a land surveyor in Colorado.
From 1954 to 1956, he performed as a clown on weekends. He worked at a local amusement park and wore a rented costume. In 1956, he became a full-time clown. He was hired by the Joe King Circus. He toured the Rocky Mountain States with them for half of the year. The rest of the year, he worked as a clown at birthday parties and special events. He stayed with the Joe King circus for seven years until it closed in 1962.
Working with Ringling Brothers Circus
Glen Little also worked for smaller circuses. These included the Tom Mix Show and Sells Floto Circus. But he always wanted to work for "The Greatest Show on Earth" – Ringling Bros.
In 1968, he got his chance. Ringling Bros. started the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. Glen was in its very first class. At 44 years old, he got a job with Ringling's new second touring group.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1970, Glen was promoted to "Boss Clown" for his unit. From 1980 until he retired in 1991, he was the circus' "Executive Clown Director." This meant he oversaw clowns in both touring groups. He also wrote new gags for the clowns to perform. During his life, he wrote over 300 clown routines. Later in his career, Glen also worked as an advance man for the circus. An advance man travels ahead of the circus to help promote it.
From 1980 until it closed in 1997, Glen also taught at the Ringling Brothers clown college. This was the same college he had attended. In 1988, Glen helped start Ringling's first overseas touring group in Japan. He created gags and trained their clown staff.
He entertained many important people, including US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and US President Richard Nixon. He also appeared in 12 Ringling Bros. TV specials.
Glen had some injuries during his career. These included seven broken ribs and issues with his knees. After one accident, he was taken to the hospital still wearing his clown suit, right after finishing his performance.
Honors and Achievements
In 1983, Glen Little was named "Master Clown" by the Ringling organization. He was only the fourth clown ever to receive this title. The others were Otto Griebling, Bobby Kaye, and Lou Jacobs (who was Glen's mentor). Glen was the last person to be given this special award. He was also the last living Master Clown when he passed away.
In 1991, Glen Little was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame.
Life After the Circus
After he retired, Glen lived in Burley, Idaho. There, he ran a circus museum. In 1996, Glen wrote a book about his experiences as a clown. It was called Circus Stories: Boss Clown on the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus for More than 20 Years.
In 1977, a newspaper called the Sarasota Herald-Tribune asked Glen what he would do after retiring. Glen replied, "Leave here? Are you out of your mind? I'm never going to leave here. I'll always be a clown."
Glen Little passed away on October 26, 2010, in Kimberly, Idaho. He was 84 years old. His wife Patricia survived him.
