Emmett Kelly

Born - December 9, 1898, Sedan, Kansas

Died - March 28, 1979, Sarasota, Florida

Early Life

Kelly as a young man studied to become a cartoonist, and he originally created the Weary Willie character as a cartoon figure. He worked at various jobs in and around the circus, including as a painter. He taught himself trapeze work and was hired as a trapeze artist for Howe’s Great London Circus.

Missouri Connection

He and his family moved to a farm near Houston, Missouri when he was six. At the age of 19, Kelly went to Kansas City with the dream of becoming a professional cartoonist.

Claim to Fame

Emmett Kelly was a gifted entertainer who gained world fame as the hobo clown, "Weary Willie." In 1933, while working with the Hagenback-Wallace Circus, his "Weary Willie" character was born and instantly became a symbol of hope for those hard hit by the depression. Kelly found his true home in 1941 when he joined the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. He became a major star of the circus and even made appearances in films, night clubs, television, and on the Broadway stage. He was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 1989.

Later Life

In 1956 he retired from regular circus work, though he continued to work sporadically. He was a mascot in spring training for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957. He also made several appearances on television after his retirement.

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