TV's original Bozo The Clown, Frank Avruch, has passed away at the age of 89. According to his family, the beloved TV personality died in Boston after a long battle with heart disease.
Famous for his red-orange wig, oversized red shoes, and pajamas with the frilly collar, Avruch took the role of the titular clown on the popular children's TV program Bozo the Clown from 1959 to 1970 and was the first nationally syndicated portrayal of Bozo.
His manager Stuart Hersh told The Associated Press that Avruch "had a heart of gold," and that "he brought the Bozo the Clown character to life better than anyone else's portrayal of Bozo the Clown."
Avruch is survived by his wife Betty, two sons Matthew and Steven and several grandchildren. In a statement released to Boston station WCVB-TV, where he was a regular contributor, his family said, "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."
"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."
Frank Avruch is also an inductee into the National Television Academy's Gold Circle, an honor for "media professionals who began their careers in television at least 50 years ago, either in a performing, creative, technical or administrative role within the industry or in an area related to television such as TV journalism education, advertising, promotion, and public relations."
After Avruch, Larry Harmon took on the role of Bozo and became the sole owner of the Bozo licensing rights. Willard Scott would famously play Bozo before taking on the role of McDonald's mascot, Ronald McDonald.
Rest in peace, Frank.
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