Say hello to Red Skelton, a favorite of comedy fans for five decades. Red considered himself more of a clown than a comedian and his routines were filled with colorful characters and sight gags. A solid draw in movies back in the 1940s, Red took the leap to television when that medium arrived and he was a smash. Red was also famous for "working clean" which made him a family favorite both on screen (large and small) and on stage. Red also had a side career as a painter, specializing in -- what else -- portraits of clowns. And, in a sweet honor, Red's hometown of Vincennes, Indiana has the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy. Not bad for a clown!! As always find extended clips below and thanks for sharing our shows.

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Red's skits often had a bit of mime and this one -- the Doughnut Dunkers -- was a routine he revisited throughout his career. https://youtu.be/F4NcL3U6LHU?si=MnySSB2ZG50IVZur

Red had many famous characters including boxer Cauliflower McPugg who may have stayed in the game a little too long. https://youtu.be/ID9B2i_BvFY?si=vMzQ1_yxNZt-_vj0

Red went way back with Johnny Carson and his visits to the Tonight Show were always fun! https://youtu.be/jnZwa6w0rcI?si=736Xaz3BwehKgLD9