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Red SkeltonAmerican comedian
Date of Birth: 18.07.1913
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Birth and Family
- Early Career and Influences
- Vaudeville and Entertainment
- Hollywood Debut
- Television Stardom
- Legacy and Honors
- Personal Life
- Creative Pursuits
- Death and Burial
Birth and Family
Red Skelton was born on July 18, 1913, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Joseph Skelton and Ida Fields Skelton.
Early Career and Influences
As a child, Skelton sold newspapers outside a theater in Vincennes and caught the attention of vaudeville comedian Ed Wynn. Wynn brought him backstage and introduced him to a touring show, with whom Skelton embarked on his circus career.
Vaudeville and Entertainment
By the age of 15, Skelton was a full-time performer, appearing in vaudeville, burlesque, circus acts, and minstrel shows. He met and married Edna Stillwell in 1930, who later became a key writer for him.
Hollywood Debut
In the 1940s, Skelton signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to star in medical dramas, but insisted on having the freedom to work in radio and television as well.
Television Stardom
Skelton's comedy sketches on television became legendary. However, his career was tragically marred by the diagnosis of leukemia in his son, Richard, in 1957, which devastated Skelton and forced him to pause his show for a season.
Legacy and Honors
Skelton's ability to portray a wide range of characters without relying on props earned him the nickname "the logical heir to Charlie Chaplin." He was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1989.
Personal Life
Skelton married three times: to Edna Stillwell, Georgia Davis, and Lothian Toland. Davis managed his career until 1960.
Creative Pursuits
Beyond comedy, Skelton was an accomplished painter, writing stories, and composing music. He independently published his short stories and licensed his music to companies like Muzak.
Death and Burial
Red Skelton died on September 17, 1997, at the age of 84, from pneumonia. He was buried next to his son, Richard, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.
