WEARY WILLIE DAY
Weary Willie Day is observed annually on December 9.
This holiday was named for the character made famous by Emmett Kelly, who was born on this day in 1898. Weary Willie Day celebrates the art of clowning and the impact that it has had on our lives.
Weary Willie was a unique character in the art of clowning. Kelly had developed Weary Willy at a time when the white-faced, goofy clown was the norm, and selling the idea for a sad, down-on-his-luck clown did not fit the formula most circuses were seeking. For the time being, Kelly put back on the white face and the brightly colored costume.
Times and attitudes changed when the country was in the depths of the Great Depression. Downtrodden and world-weary was the face of the nation. People could identify with Weary Willie like never before. Weary Willie, his frowning, whisker-shadowed face and his dirty, torn and worn costume, went on to become an American icon.
His son, Emmett Kelly, Jr. carried on Weary Willie’s persona well into the modern era until his death in 2003, at the age of 83.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Wear some big shoes, pantomime or grab a bunch of people and pile into a tiny car. Clown college could be just around the corner! While clowning around, stock up on a circus staple. Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn is the perfect snack to enjoy the show! Use #WearyWillieDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Within our research, we were unable to find the creator of Weary Willie Day.
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