Emmett Kelly's Weary Willie clown Shoes

Dateearly 20th–late 20th Century

MediumLeather, fabric, metal

DimensionsLeft: 6 x 6 1/2 x 15 1/4 in. (15.2 x 16.5 x 38.7 cm)
Right: 6 3/4 x 6 1/2 x 15 5/8 in. (17.1 x 16.5 x 39.7 cm)

ClassificationsCostumes

Credit LineGift of Evi Kelly-Lentz, 1981

Object numberMF81.6.438.2

Born in Sedan, Kansas, Emmett Kelly (1898-1979) worked as cartoonist before signing up with the Howes’ Great London Circus in 1921 where he performed as a clown and trapeze artist. In 1933, he created the tramp clown known as Weary Willie. Circus audiences identified with the silent, sad faced clown who always wore a tattered suit, bowler, and scuffed oversized shoes. In one famous routine, Weary Willie attempted unsuccessfully to sweep up a spot light with a broom. The gag highlighted Kelly’s perfect timing, gift of pantomime, and showmanship. In 1942, Kelly joined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Weary Willie was part of the Ringling cast in Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth, which won an Academy Award in 1952. In 1956, Kelly was the mascot for the Brooklyn Dodgers and, later, he would go on to appear in films, television and variety shows.

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