Mooky the Clown facts for kids

Laci Endresz Jr. (born on July 28, 1974) is an amazing English circus performer. He is best known as the funny circus clown called Mooky the Clown. Since 1999, he has been the main clown at the famous Blackpool Tower Circus.

About Laci Endresz Jr.

Laci Endresz Jr. was born in Eastbourne, East Sussex, England. His dad, Laci Endresz Sr., was born in Hungary. His father has been the director of the Tower Circus at Blackpool Tower since 1992.

Laci comes from a long line of circus performers. Seven generations of his family on his dad's side have been in the circus. On his mom's side, nine generations have performed! Laci first appeared as a clown in a circus when he was only four years old.

Laci's Circus Journey

Starting Out in Circus

Laci started performing at a very young age. In 1985, he won a bronze medal as a juggler. This was at the Cirque Mondial de Demain Festival in Paris, France.

In 1987, when he was 12, he performed at a big event. It was the 12th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo. He juggled many things with his sister Kate. He juggled nunchucks, then five and seven rings. He also juggled four and five clubs, and three then five balls. He even finished his act by juggling five fire torches!

Laci has worked in many top circuses across Europe. He appeared on the Paul Daniels television show three times. He also performed at the special Royal Command Performance.

Becoming Mooky the Clown

Laci Endresz Jr. is the third person in his family to use the name Mooky for his clown character. His grandfather first used the name Mooky in the 1940s. Then, his father became Mooky from the 1970s until the late 1990s.

When his father started managing the Blackpool Tower Circus in 1992, Laci became "Mooky Jr." He performed as a sidekick clown to his dad. In 1999, Laci Endresz Jr. took over as the main Mooky the Clown. This made him the main clown at the Blackpool Tower Circus.

Since then, he has been the star of the summer circus show every year. He also starred in the Circus’ pantomime until it ended in 2020.

In his act, Mooky usually has a "straight man" with him. This person often tries to control Mooky's wild behavior, but they usually fail! Different characters have played this role over the years. From 1999 to 2001, Laci Endresz Sr. played a ringmaster. In 2002, a new character called Mr. Maxi was introduced. Attila Endresz played Mr. Maxi until 2007.

Later, Laci's brother, Tom "Bubu" Endresz, became Mooky’s straight man. He plays a character named Mr. Boo. Mr. Boo is similar to Mr. Maxi and is also Mooky's brother in the show.

Other Performances

Laci Endresz Jr. has also appeared in movies. In 1995, he was in the film Funny Bones as a juggler. He also appeared in a short film called Grimaldi: The Funniest Man in the World. In this film, he played a young Joseph Grimaldi, who was a very famous clown. His brother Bubu Endresz played young Jack Bologna in the same film.

He has also performed his juggling act on the Children's Variety Performance. In 2007, he was on a TV show called The Convention Crasher. He helped the host, Justin Lee Collins, learn how to be a clown. This was before Justin traveled to the United States for a clown convention.

Awards and Recognition

Laci Endresz Jr. has won many awards for his amazing performances:

• In 1985, he won a Silver Medal at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain in Paris, France for his juggling act.
• In 1995, he won another Silver Medal at the same festival for his juggling act called "Wild on Wheels."
• He was named "Best Ground Act in Great Britain" by the Circus Friends Association in 1999.
• He also won "Leisure Parcs Entertainer of the Year" in 1999.
• As Mooky, he won "Best Comedy Act in Great Britain" from the Circus Friends Association in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
• In 2004, he won "Best Comedy Act in Great Britain" again as Mooky, sharing the award with Mr. Maxi (Attila Endresz).
• He has also won a Silver Cup at the Hansa Theatre in Hamburg, Germany.
• He was named "Circus Personality of the Year" at the Bayern Munich Carnival in Germany.
• He won a Gold Medal at the Tokyo Circus Festival in Tokyo, Japan.
• He was recognized as the "Best All Round Entertainer" in Budapest, Hungary.

Movies Laci Has Been In

As an Actor

• 1994: Funny Bones – He played a Juggler.
• 2017: Grimaldi: The Funniest Man in the World – He played Young Joseph Grimaldi (credited as Mooky).