Skip to main content

Search the Special Collections and Archives Portal

ent001330-147

Image

File
Download ent001330-147.tif (image/tiff; 131.54 MB)

Information

Digital ID

ent001330-147
    Details

    Publisher

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Libraries

    5/ Wouldn't he like to see his paintings in private collections and public galleries" He still insists: "Aww, they*re not good enough," What is Red's favorite among his wk own work" haven't done the one that I really want to paint . . "I don't know if I ever will." Skelton is a complex man. His incrddible talent which has made him a clown without peer and a showman of tremendous stature is tempered by great humility. His ability to turn a headline into a gag is seasoned with a serious side which will find him discussing history and politics as s student and astute observer. "Ladies and gentlemen, Red Skelton, one of America's clowns." This is the introduction afforded the star at his personal appearances. At Skelton's request, there are no adjectives, no superlatives. . Which provides some insight into the character ofjthis man who has starred in every medium of show business in which he has appeared - medicine shows, dance marathons, vaudeville, radio, motion pictures and television. Skelton is often referred to as a comedian, a comic or a wit. He insist*s he's a clown - and happily so. "Historically, people of all ages have loved clowns and ai laughted with them. I would define a clown as one who re-enacts in an exaggerated way scenes which have taken place. They then become funny or sad, depending on the content and point of view of the watcher." "A clown differs from a comedian in that the latter uses humor and wit. Humor springs from the truth and wit exaggerates the truth. In short,I'm a clown". Clown or comedian, depending a upon the viewing audience, Skeltm is one of the most amazing successes in the history of American show business. The 1964-65 television season finds him in his 14th year as the star of a weekly series, an incredible as well as "I haven't'painted it yet," the clown says simply. "1 just