Is it fair to say that you either love or hate clowns? When you see them perform at a circus, or entertain young children in a shopping mall, do you look at them and shake your head? Or do they make you laugh out loud? It seems that everyone has an opinion about clowns.

Clowns can be recognised immediately. Their faces are painted white, they usually have a red nose and mouth, and wear very large shoes. Their clothes are also baggy and big. This image can be traced back to just one man called Joseph Grimaldi. He created the clown that we know today. Clowns are often given the name Joey, as Joey is short for Joseph.

Grimaldi was born in London in 1778. His Italian father was originally a dentist, but became an entertainer in later life. Grimaldi’s father forced his son to start performing on stage at a very young age. It is said that he first performed when he was just three years old!

There was a popular style of theatre in England at this time. Harlequin was its main character, who performed with another character known as ‘Clown.’ As Joseph Grimaldi got older, he began to perform the role of Clown. He became so good that audiences would only want to watch him and not Harlequin.

Grimaldi began to make huge amounts of money. But his life was filled with sadness. His wife died after giving birth to a son. The clown began to work even harder, sometimes performing at two different theatres in one night. It all became too much for him and he retired in 1823, aged 45. He was exhausted and remained in great pain for the rest of his life. He married a second time to a lady who enjoyed spending his money. It was not long before he was left with nothing.

There is a story that Grimaldi was feeling very depressed shortly before his retirement. He went to see a doctor. Not knowing who his patient was, the doctor suggested that the man in front of him watch Joseph Grimaldi perform at the theatre. Surely the great Grimaldi would make this depressed man laugh?

Question:

Watch the memorial service to Joseph Grimaldi at the clown church in London.

VOCABULARY