Emmett Kelly on "What's My Line"

Even in his later years Emmett Kelly made appearances on TV shows such as "What's My Line".  In this episode (which can be viewed here) the contestant says it all when she figures out the mystery person is a clown: "The first clown's name that comes to my mind is Emmett Kelly." Everybody of that era knew who Emmett Kelly was to such an extent that his character name "Willie" was rarely used. Emmett's mere presence would make people light up and be ready to laugh.  That's quite an effect!  When I grew up the only clown I knew by name was Ronald McDonald and his presence just made me hungry and want to ask questions about the strange psychedelic crew he was running around with.  Anyways I'm sure the good clowns will have their day again.  So it goes with all things.   Might be awhile though.  I feel like we're still squarely in the middle of a "Clowns are creepy" era.

This illustration is for the Notable Missourian book on Emmett Kelly, written by Donald McManus and published by Truman State University Press.

Sweeping the Spotlight

Emmett Kelly's most popular skit involved him coming out to sweep the ring between acts. While doing so the spotlight would begin to slyly follow him around the ring.  After some bemused frustration he would sweep at the circle of light cast by the spotlight making it smaller and smaller until he could then sweep it under a rug or out of the tent.  Versions of this skit live on to this day and its another example of something so familiar that I never even stopped to consider who first came up with it. I've had a lot of moments like that with this series.

This illustration is for the Notable Missourian book on Emmett Kelly, written by Donald McManus and published by Truman State University Press.

Emmett Kelly comp sketches

Some comp sketch examples for the Notable Missourian book on Emmett Kelly (Truman State University Press). 

Emmett as a boy watching with wonder as a vaudeville troupe disembarks at the Cabool station.

Emmett as a teenager demonstrating his acrobatic skills by climbing a telephone pole.  Mom is not happy.

Emmett as his famous character Willie in the crowd at a circus.  A boy offers him a peanut which lead to one of his most well known bits.

Emmett as Willie being followed by the spotlight.  Emmett sweeping the spotlight became one of the most iconic circus acts of the century.

Emmett on the popular TV show "What's My Line".