Bozo the clown bio

American entertainer (1925–2008)

For the soccer coach, see Larry Harmon (soccer coach).

Lawrence Weiss (January 2, 1925 – July 3, 2008), better known by the stage nameLarry Harmon and as his alter ego Bozo the Clown, was an American entertainer.^[1] Weiss had four children, including filmmaker Jeff Harmon.

Biography

Harmon was born to Jewish parents in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in Cleveland.

The Unusual History of Bozo the Clown - Famous Clowns

During World War II, he served as a Private in the Army. On returning, he wanted to become a medical doctor, until he met entertainer Al Jolson. According to Harmon's autobiography The Man Behind the Nose, Jolson told him, "Being a doctor of medicine is honorable, but you'll touch so many more lives as a doctor of laughter!"^[2] Harmon instead attended the University of Southern California, where he majored in theater and performed in the Spirit of Troy marching band.^[1]

Harmon began making the first of thousands of appearances as Toggle share options DEQA