Emmett Kelly
Emmett Kelly
Emmett Leo Kellywas an American circus performer, who created the memorable clown figure "Weary Willie", based on the hobos of the Depression era...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionComedian
Date of Birth9 December 1898
CitySedan, KS
CountryUnited States of America
american-entertainer audience audiences battles gives laughing laughs realizing second sort
By laughing at me, the audience really laughs at themselves, and realizing they have done this gives them sort of a spiritual second wind for going back into the battles of life.
american-entertainer claim home lived lives since
I haven't had a stationary home since going with the circus, but since my parents lived in Lafayette about 25 years ago and my sister lives here now, I always claim it as home.
american-entertainer honestly main maybe
Incongruity, they say, is one of the main ingredients of humor. Maybe it's because everybody can feel superior to me. I honestly don't know.
against american-entertainer given gone knows left man stacked
'Weary Willie' is very real to me. He is a man who has given up. The boat has gone and left him. The cards are stacked against him. He's content to make out with what he's got. He knows he'll go no further.
american-entertainer believes character loves
A clown's makeup and character, that's all he has to sell. He loves and believes in that character.
attempt dignity inside life maybe passing spite weary
I don't feel 'funny' inside when I'm this hobo character. I'm a misfit (as Weary Willie). Life is passing me by. Maybe it's Willie's attempt at a little dignity in spite of everything that tickles folks.