Clowns

Clowns are performers who use humor, physical comedy, and exaggerated appearances to entertain audiences. They rely on facial makeup, costumes, props, and timing to provoke laughter through slapstick and playful miscommunication. Clown performances occur in circuses, theatres, street entertainment, and private events, with amusement as the goal.

Origins of clown figures span cultures, but the modern clown emerged in European street and theatre traditions and gained prominence in 18th- and 19th-century circuses. An influential early figure was Joseph Grimaldi, whose white-face makeup and energetic mime helped define contemporary clowning.

Clown archetypes commonly include whiteface, which uses heavy makeup with bright features; Auguste, with a flesh-toned base and oversized clothes; and tramp, with ragged attire and a more melancholic persona. Many performers mix traits or create original characters.

Beyond arenas, clowns appear in hospitals and charitable events to ease anxiety. In media they range from children's entertainers to satirical or horror figures.

Public attitudes vary. Some people experience coulrophobia, a fear of clowns, while others celebrate clowning as whimsy. Controversies can arise from unsettling depictions or misbehavior, but these do not define the art.

Notable clowns include Joseph Grimaldi, Bozo the Clown, Ronald McDonald, and Krusty the Clown.