Ringling, Akron & the ‘Blue Heaven’ Circuit
About the Performers
Emmett Kelly and the Power of Laughter
In the realm of entertainment, there are figures whose impact transcends generations, touching the hearts of audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the industry — one such individual is Emmett Kelly, a beloved American circus performer and clown whose iconic portrayal of Weary Willie captured the imagination of millions.
His commitment to uplifting people through his craft shines through in RINGLING, AKRON & THE ‘BLUE HEAVEN’ CIRCUIT. After the Hartford fire, Kelly affirmed, “We must entertain. In war time it is more important than ever.”
Keep reading to learn more about the life and legacy of Emmett Kelly.
Early Life and Beginnings
Emmett Leo Kelly was born on Dec. 9, 1898, in Sedan, Kan. Growing up in Missouri, his affinity for performing and making people laugh was evident from a young age. As a teenager, he joined the circus, developing his skills as a trapeze artist, tightrope walker and acrobat. However, it was his natural talent for pantomime and clowning that truly set him apart.
The Birth of Weary Willie
Before embarking on a lifetime in the circus, Kelly first trained as a cartoonist. The page is where Kelly’s most iconic character Weary Willie first sprang from Kelly’s imagination, as a down-and-out cartoon. It wasn’t until the 1920s that Kelly brought Weary Willie to life and began shaping the character into the sensation it would become.
With a painted frown, clad in tattered clothing, sporting a worn-out hat and carrying a comically oversized broom, Weary Willie became a symbol of the downtrodden and offered a clever subversion of the standard jovial clown. Kelly's portrayal of Weary Willie resonated with audiences during the Great Depression as they increasingly identified with Weary Willie’s ability to find humor in melancholic circumstances.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Emmett Kelly's talents eventually caught the attention of John Ringling, and he was invited to join the illustrious Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1942. As a member of the "Greatest Show on Earth," Kelly became a star, captivating audiences with his expressive face, impeccable timing and physical comedy. In one famous routine, Weary Willie tried to sweep up a spotlight, only to be surprised by its reappearance.
Beyond the Big Top
While Kelly's career was closely associated with the circus, his talent and popularity extended beyond the big top. He made numerous television and film appearances, performed on Broadway and even penned his autobiography “Clown: My Life in Tatter and Smiles.” His influence on popular culture was significant, inspiring generations of clowns and performers.
Legacy and Impact
Kelly humanized the clown figure, taking it beyond mere slapstick and creating a character that was relatable and poignant for audiences. Through his artistry, Kelly illustrated that even in the face of adversity, laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and resilience.