Floyd Creekmore American clown Date of Birth: 14.06.1916 Country: USA

1. American Clown
2. The Challenging Work of a Clown
3. Breaking the Retirement Norm
4. Adapting to Age
5. The Title of the Oldest Clown in the World
6. Early Interest in Clowning
7. Shriners and Clowning
8. Legacy and Retirement

American Clown

Floyd Crikmore used to be a farmer, but it became clear later on that his true calling did not involve planting seeds in the soil. Instead, Crikmore's calling was to spread laughter and joy as a very talented clown. He continued performing as a clown until old age, earning the title of the oldest working clown in the world. Floyd 'Crik' Crikmore was an American clown who, at the time of his death, was the oldest working clown in the world.

The Challenging Work of a Clown

Being a clown is an extremely challenging job both emotionally and physically. Voice work, complex tricks, and regular falls require agility, skill, strength, and endurance. The enthusiasm of a clown also plays a significant role in their success. It is difficult to effectively make people laugh if your own profession only evokes irritation and disgust.

Breaking the Retirement Norm

At first glance, it may seem that clowns should retire early. Indeed, there are not many elderly clowns known in the world, and the number of old clowns can be counted on one hand. Floyd Crikmore, also known as 'Crik', was a clear exception to this rule. He continued to perform as a clown even when he was over 90 years old. Even at 95, Floyd continued to carefully apply makeup to his wrinkled face and prepare for new performances. Almost everyone in Billings, Montana, where Crikmore lived with his wife, knew the cheerful clown Crik.

Adapting to Age

Of course, time imposed its limitations on Floyd's activities, and he had to give up certain techniques and tricks. For instance, at a certain point, Crikmore had to forget about juggling, and he had to abandon riding his homemade bicycle, which used to be one of the key elements of his acts. However, for those who didn't know Floyd's age, it was simply impossible to guess his birthdate. From the outside, Floyd looked like a typical clown. His face was brightly painted and adorned with a huge red nose, and his vibrant clown costume, consisting of a multicolored striped jacket, an orange wig, a yellow hat, and enormous clown shoes, captured a significant portion of the audience's attention. Although his hands may not have applied makeup as confidently, and the trick with the mysteriously disappearing handkerchief may not have come as easily to him as before, overall, nobody had any complaints about the jester. As before, Crikmore brilliantly entertained the crowd, bringing them joy with just a glance and making circus-goers forget about all their troubles.

The Title of the Oldest Clown in the World

The title of the oldest clown in the world was fiercely contested by several of Crikmore's colleagues, including the Russian clown Oleg Popov and the American Andy 'Bumbo' Beyer. Beyer retired in 1991, and Popov is currently 84 years old. Crikmore managed to defend his title. Recently, it was revealed that Floyd had a 20-month advantage over his competitors. With the help of his friends, Crikmore submitted the necessary application and was officially recognized as the oldest clown in the world. After receiving this award, Floyd announced that he had no plans to retire just yet. Unfortunately, his body had a different opinion on the matter. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that the old tricks were becoming increasingly difficult for Crikmore. But, as Floyd's grandson, Tom McCraw, noted, "even if his body says 'no,' his mind still wants to keep going."

Early Interest in Clowning

Floyd Crikmore first became interested in clowning in the 1930s. When the Barnum and Bailey Circus passed through Great Falls, Montana, Crikmore managed to get some valuable advice from the clowns performing there. At the age of 15, Floyd left his family home and worked on farms while finishing school. The people in his hometown knew about Floyd's passion, and they even invited him to perform in the local parade. Dressed in an old costume and adorned with lipstick, Crikmore received an incredible ovation. This convinced him once and for all that he had chosen the right path. Floyd never grew disillusioned with his chosen profession. Until the end of his days, he considered his ability to bring smiles to children's faces as his most important talent. He believed that the meaning of life was hidden in those smiles, and perhaps that's why he was so successful in his performances.

Shriners and Clowning

In 1981, Floyd Crikmore left farming and joined the Shriners project, a Masonic offshoot that held circus performances to raise money for hospitals. Crikmore's performances were incredibly successful, and the walls of his home were adorned with awards he had received from circus and humor competitions all over the country.

Legacy and Retirement

Floyd Crikmore passed away at the age of 98. Only one of his grandchildren, Tom McCraw, followed in his footsteps. They began performing together in 1982. In a way, McCraw now has to continue his grandfather's legacy. Bringing laughter to children is not as easy as it may seem, but for a true clown, laughter itself is an excellent reward.