Frank Avruch, better well known as the beloved children’s entertainer Bozo the Clown, has passed away at he age of 89 on Tuesday.
“While it’s hard to say goodbye, we celebrate the legacy of joy and laughter he brought to millions of children around the world as Bozo the Clown on TV and as a UNICEF Ambassador and later as host of Channel 5’s Great Entertainment and Boston’s Man About Town,” Avruch’s family said in a public statement. “Our dad loved the children of all ages who remembered being on his show and was always grateful for their kind words. We will miss him greatly.”
Bozo the Clown was first introduced in 1949, originally portrayed by Pinto Colvig. Avruch took over the role ten years later. His portrayal of the beloved clown would become a cultural icon due to he syndication of “Bozo’s Big Top” in the 1960s and 70s.
Avruch’s career began on the radio. He contributed to WCVB for more than 40 years after he hung up his red wig and nose. “He had a heart of gold,” Avruch’s manager, Stuart Hersh told CNN yesterday. “He brought the Bozo the Clown character to life better than anyone else’s portrayal of Bozo the Clown.”