Category: History of Comedy

  • Tammy and Tommy Parish

    by Bruce “Charlie” Johnson On November 13, 1996 Tammy and Tommy Parish finished 17 and 18 years respectively touring with the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Tommy graduated from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in 1978 and joined the show in 1979.  He was promoted to blue unit boss…

  • Jesteryear 1

    Jesteryear 1

    by Bruce “Charlie” Johnson Comedy, including clowning and the circus, both influenced culture in general and was influenced by it.  Film and TV comedy in particular did that.  Screen comedians often incorporated their versions of clown routines, and clowns were often inspired by screen comedians. All the following events occurred during the same year.  Can…