Clown facts & stats

Question 1

Which fish is named for its bright orange-and-white clown-like coloring?

Accepted Answer

Clownfish. The clownfish's bold stripes recall a clown's face paint.

Question 2

Which clown type plays a scruffy, down-on-his-luck hobo character?

Accepted Answer

The tramp clown. The tramp clown wears ragged clothes and plays a hard-luck wanderer.

Question 3

Which English performer (1778-1837) is often called the father of modern clowning?

Accepted Answer

Joseph Grimaldi. Grimaldi's pantomime clown made clowns stars, and clowns are still nicknamed 'Joeys' after him.

Question 4

Emmett Kelly became famous for which sad-faced tramp clown character?

Accepted Answer

Weary Willie. Kelly's Weary Willie was a silent, melancholy tramp clown.

Question 5

Commedia dell'arte, which gave us characters like Harlequin, began in which country?

Accepted Answer

Italy. Commedia dell'arte was a form of improvised masked theater from 16th-century Italy.

Question 6

Joseph Grimaldi made his name in which theatrical form?

Accepted Answer

English pantomime. Grimaldi starred as the clown in London's pantomimes.

Question 7

Philip Astley staged what is often called the first modern circus in 1768 in which country?

Accepted Answer

England. Astley's riding shows in London set up the circus ring format.

The basics