Description: Eleven (11) scarce early original vintage photographs of famous Ringling Bros. clown Irv Romig and one photo of his friend Larry Thompson best known as “Mr. Whoodini”. The Ringling Bros. invited Romig to join the “Greatest Show On Earth.” While with the Ringling show Romig got to work with such classic clowns as the great Emmett Kelly, Lou Jacobs, Felix Adler and Ernie Burch. Romig was even asked to perform his trick riding routine for Cecil B. DeMille’s classic 1951 circus film, “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Looking to settle down and raise a family, Romig decided to try his hand at TV. He got an appealing offer from station WXYZ in Detroit, home of Soupy Sales. Romig went on the air in October of 1953 with the “Ricky the Clown Show,” which featured cartoons, games, a peanut gallery, animals and Romig as Ricky the Clown. Whenever his circus friends were in town they made it a point to stop by and perform. Ricky the Clown was also a popular guest host, filling in for other WXYZ kid show personalities who were on vacation or too ill to perform. When Romig subbed for a vacationing Soupy Sales, he insisted that Soupy’s puppeteer Clyde Adler be allowed to show his face on the air, something that Soupy had never done before. Romig wrote a sketch where an incompetent plumber, played by Adler, was sent to Soupy’s house to fix a leak. By the end of the show water was cascading everywhere. In 1965 Romig packed up the old clown shoes, greasepaint and bulbous red nose, ending a twelve-year run at WXYZ. Romig continued his association with the Shrine Circus and still did many personal appearances, parades and industrial shows. In 2001 Romig was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joining other performers like Charlie Chaplin, Red Skelton and Emmett Kelly. Larry Thompson, best known as "Mr. Whoodini " in the popular metro Detroit TV show, "Bozo's Big Top," began performing on the children's show in the 1970s as "Mr. Whoodini," a magician who would tag along with Bozo the Clown's silly antics. "Bozo's Big Top" ran from 1965 until the late '70s, becoming a staple for many children in metro Detroit. Photographs measure 8 x 10 inches with three a bit smaller and range from excellent to fair condition (see scans). Please email with any questions and please "VIEW SELLERS OTHER ITEMS". Thanks.
Price: 55 USD
Location: Greenbrae, California
End Time: 2024-03-17T00:24:35.000Z
Shipping Cost: 3.5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Year: c.-1953
