As a balloon artist I am asked all the time if I dress as a clown. Back when I was younger I did for some events with church, but what I quickly found out is that while many people love clowns, an equal number or more are terrified of them. So as more parents realized this the less demand there was for clowns. So I decided when I became a profession performer not to do make-up and costumer style clowning.
Instead I chose to follow in the footsteps of America’s favorite clown, Red Skelton! I grew up watching great clowns and comedians like Red, Jerry Lewis, and Lucille Ball. They made me laugh and forget my cares and they did it without resulting to vulgarity. It was humor for me as a boy and fitting for my grandmother as well. They would have crazy slapstick and would make fun of themselves and their audience, but always in a lovable way.
Red always had the best characters from Clem Kadiddlehopper to Freddie the Freeloader (the one character that did use makeup). My favorite bits were when he would break a rule of performing and just crack up at his own jokes or his audience. He had a love of God and country and he wasn’t ashamed of it. His Pledge of Allegiance bit is fondly remembered by many and has even been read on the floor of Congress.
I was in Branson last week and saw Tom Mullica’s tribute to Red Skelton and I laughed til I cried and then a tear was brought to my eye for a moment to mourn the loss of such great entertainers. Red’s day has past but it is his legacy and those like him I try to perform and bring a smile to you and yours. Thank you so much for the opportunity to do so.
Good Night and May God Bless,
Jason
