Red Skelton

Richard “Red” Skelton (b. Vincennes, July 18, 1913 – d. Palm Spring, California, September 17, 1997). Comedian, clown, actor, oil painter, writer, singer, songwriter, composer, and conductor. The son of a circus clown, Skelton grew up poor and began singing for pennies on the streets of Vincennes at age seven. At age ten, he quit school to travel with a medicine show and later performed in the Burlesque and Vaudeville circuits. Known mainly for his characterizations of clowns, he made his radio debut in 1937 and first appeared in films a year later; however, his greatest fame came through television, as he hosted his own variety show from 1951 to 1971 (alternating between NBC and CBS). In addition to his acting credits, Skelton is famous for his oil paintings of clowns. He also composed over 8,000 songs including “My True Love,” the theme song from Made in Paris (1966). Also of note, he sang the Oscar-award winning song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Esther Williams in Neptune’s Daughter (1948).