What is Weary Willie Day?

On December 9th, Weary Willie Day honors the art of clowning and the effects it has on our lives. Emmett Kelly, who was born on this day in 1898, was named for the character made popular by this holiday.

Weary Willie, a unique figure in clowning, was a peculiar figure in the art of clowning. At a time when the white-faced, goofy clown was the norm, Kelly had invented Weary Willy, but the idea of a sad, down-on-his-luck clown did not fit the style most circuses were looking for. Kelly took back on the white face and the brightly colored costume for the time being.

When the country was in the midst of the Great Depression, Times and attitudes changed. The nation's face was represented by Downtrodden and world-weary. People could identify with Weary Willie like never before. Willie, his frowning, whisker-shadowed face, as well as his smocking, torn, and worn costume, went on to become an American icon.

Emmett Kelly Jr., Weary Willie's son, carried on his appearance into the modern age until his death in 2003 at the age of 83.