Red Skelton's life was marked by a rich and varied trajectory, from his humble beginnings as the son of a former circus clown turned grocer and a cleaning woman, to his eventual rise to fame in the world of show business.
At the tender age of seven, Skelton was introduced to the world of entertainment by the legendary Ed Wynn, at a vaudeville show in Vincennes. This initial exposure to the world of show business would set the stage for a lifetime of performances and escapades.
As he grew older, Skelton began to make a name for himself in the vaudeville circuit, performing with a medicine show through the Midwest and eventually joining the vaudeville circuit at the age of 15. By the time he was 18, he had married Edna Marie Stilwell, an usher who would go on to become his vaudeville partner, chief writer, and manager.
Skelton's career in show business spanned over seven decades, during which he made his debut on Broadway and radio in 1937, and on film in 1938. He was a prolific performer, debuting on television in 1951 with his own show, "The Red Skelton Hour," which would go on to stay in the top twenty for two decades, both on NBC and CBS.
Throughout his career, Skelton was known for his numerous characters, including Clem Kaddiddlehopper, George Appleby, and the seagulls Gertrude and Heathcliffe, which delighted audiences for decades. Despite his many successes, Skelton remained humble and true to his roots, considering himself a clown first and foremost.
In his personal life, Skelton faced his share of challenges, including two divorces and the loss of his son Richard, who died of leukemia at the age of nine. Despite these setbacks, Skelton remained a devoted supporter of children's charities and continued to perform live until illness forced him to retire.
Red Skelton passed away at the age of 84 on September 17, 1997, in Rancho Mirage, California, due to complications from pneumonia. His legacy lives on, however, in the countless lives he touched through his performances and charitable work.
