Emmett Kelly, American clown and actor (d. 1979)
Emmett Leo Kelly (December 9, 1898 – March 28, 1979) was an American circus performer, who created the clown figure "Weary Willie," based on the hobos of the Great Depression in the 1930s. According to Charles W. Carey, Jr.:
Kelly’s creation of Weary Willie revolutionized professional clowning and made him the country’s most familiar clown. The sad-sack, shuffling antics of his unkempt, downtrodden hobo offered a complete contrast to the madcap cavorting of brightly colored, white-faced conventional clowns and has served as an alternate model for professional clowns ever since.
1898Dec, 9
Emmett Kelly
Choose Another Date
Events on 1898
- 20Apr
Spanish-American War
President William McKinley signed a joint resolution to Congress for declaration of War against Spain, beginning the Spanish-American War. - 10Jun
United States Marine Corps
Spanish-American War: U.S. Marines land on the island of Cuba. - 3Jul
Battle of Santiago de Cuba
A Spanish squadron, led by Pascual Cervera y Topete, is defeated by an American squadron under William T. Sampson in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. - 23Aug
Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration
The Southern Cross Expedition, the first British venture of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, departs from London. - 13Sep
Photographic film
Hannibal Goodwin patents celluloid photographic film.