Oleg Popov, "The Sunny Clown," was an icon of the Soviet and international circus. He delighted audiences with his optimism and arena tricks until 2016. Charlie Chaplin, though not a circus clown, is a seminal figure. His silent films from 1914 onward had a profound influence on comedy and clowning. Joseph Grimaldi, "the father of modern clowning," was an English comedian of the early 19th century. He popularized whiteface makeup and pantomime. Ronald McDonald, the McDonald's corporate mascot, has been known worldwide since 1963 and is one of the most recognizable advertising icons. Slava Polunin, a contemporary Russian clown, created the famous "Snow Show." His unique performances have captivated international audiences since 1993. Bozo the Clown is a popular American television character. Since the 1940s, dozens of actors have played Bozo in various franchises. Emmett Kelly, an American hobo clown, is famous for his melancholy character "Weary Willie." He performed with the Ringling Bros. Circus beginning in the 1940s. Lou Jacobs, a Ringling Bros. Circus legend, was known for his tiny car act. He performed for over 60 years, until the 1980s. The Fratellini brothers were a French trio (Paul, François, and Albert) from the early 20th century. They revived the European circus with their acrobatic and musical style. Pipo (Jean-Baptiste Auriol) was a 19th-century French acrobat-clown. His musical and gymnastic numbers were incredibly popular in Europe. Which of these clowns left the most lasting impression on you? Share your opinion in the comments!