Chuckles the Clown
Encyclopedia
Chuckles the Clown is a fictional character on The Mary Tyler Moore Show
(CBS, 1970-1977). His character is best known for his off-camera death in the episode "Chuckles Bites the Dust
."
Chuckles was known for his popular philosophy in verse: "A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants."
Chuckles' first on-camera appearance was in the episode "The Snow Must Go On," originally broadcast November 7, 1970. Richard Schaal
as Chuckles arrives at TV station WJM the morning after a city election to find the news staff—having lost contact with City Hall during a blizzard—still on the air. Chuckles has the election results in his newspaper, and announces the winner of the mayoral race on the air in clown-character.
In season 3, Chuckles had a brief non-speaking role in the third season episode, titled "Who's in Charge Here?", where he was portrayed by an uncredited extra. In this episode, Chuckles meets with Lou Grant
, who has been temporarily promoted to WJM's program manager. Chuckles is seen arriving for the meeting in full clown makeup.
Mark Gordon
next played Chuckles in "Son of 'But, Seriously Folks'". Aside from these appearances Chuckles, like Phyllis Lindstrom
's husband Lars, existed only off-stage.
One of the most remembered episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show was "Chuckles Bites the Dust
" (October 25, 1975), written by David Lloyd
, which involved the death of Chuckles and in which Chuckles, as usual, is never seen on camera. In that episode, Chuckles is hired as the grand marshal for a circus parade (after news anchor Ted Baxter
is told to decline). At the parade, he dressed as a popular character, Peter Peanut. Tragedy struck when "...a rogue elephant tried to shell him...," and he died from his injuries. News of Chuckles's demise results in laughter and joking in the newsroom, except for Mary
, who is shocked by their response.
However, at the funeral everyone is actually overcome with grief, except for Mary, who stifles laugh-after-laugh during the eulogy
. When the minister tells the embarrassed Mary that the laughter was actually keeping with Chuckles' wishes, she suddenly breaks into inconsolable sobbing to her greater humiliation.
This episode was ranked #3 on TV Guide
's The Greatest Episodes of All Time.
Chuckles' real name was George Bowerchuck (although Lou Grant refers to him as "Chuck" in the episode "Who's In Charge Here?"). He had a wife named Louise, and a daughter, Betty, who was briefly romantically involved with Ted.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is an American television sitcom created by James L. Brooks and Allan Burns that aired on CBS from 1970 to 1977...
(CBS, 1970-1977). His character is best known for his off-camera death in the episode "Chuckles Bites the Dust
Chuckles Bites the Dust
"Chuckles Bites the Dust" is an episode of the television situation comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show which first aired October 25, 1975. The episode's plot centers on the fictictious WJM-TV staff's humorous reaction to the absurd death of Chuckles the Clown, an often-mentioned but seldom seen...
."
Chuckles was known for his popular philosophy in verse: "A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants."
Chuckles' first on-camera appearance was in the episode "The Snow Must Go On," originally broadcast November 7, 1970. Richard Schaal
Richard Schaal
Richard Schaal is an American television actor.He was married to actress Valerie Harper from 1964 to 1978. His daughter is actress Wendy Schaal by his first marriage to Lois née Treacy....
as Chuckles arrives at TV station WJM the morning after a city election to find the news staff—having lost contact with City Hall during a blizzard—still on the air. Chuckles has the election results in his newspaper, and announces the winner of the mayoral race on the air in clown-character.
In season 3, Chuckles had a brief non-speaking role in the third season episode, titled "Who's in Charge Here?", where he was portrayed by an uncredited extra. In this episode, Chuckles meets with Lou Grant
Lou Grant (fictional character)
Lou Grant is a fictional character played by Edward Asner in two television series produced by MTM Enterprises for CBS. The first was Mary Tyler Moore , in which the character was the news director at the fictional television station WJM-TV...
, who has been temporarily promoted to WJM's program manager. Chuckles is seen arriving for the meeting in full clown makeup.
Mark Gordon
Mark Gordon
Mark Gordon is an American television and film producer.- Background :Gordon was born in Newport News, Virginia on October 10, 1956...
next played Chuckles in "Son of 'But, Seriously Folks'". Aside from these appearances Chuckles, like Phyllis Lindstrom
Phyllis Lindstrom
Phyllis Lindstrom is a fictional character on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spin-off, Phyllis, portrayed by Cloris Leachman.-The Mary Tyler Moore Show:...
's husband Lars, existed only off-stage.
One of the most remembered episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show was "Chuckles Bites the Dust
Chuckles Bites the Dust
"Chuckles Bites the Dust" is an episode of the television situation comedy The Mary Tyler Moore Show which first aired October 25, 1975. The episode's plot centers on the fictictious WJM-TV staff's humorous reaction to the absurd death of Chuckles the Clown, an often-mentioned but seldom seen...
" (October 25, 1975), written by David Lloyd
David Lloyd (writer)
David Lloyd was an American screenwriter and producer for television.He wrote for many popular and award-winning sitcoms, such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, Cheers, Frasier and Wings. Lloyd wrote the Emmy-winning "Chuckles Bites the Dust", an episode of the...
, which involved the death of Chuckles and in which Chuckles, as usual, is never seen on camera. In that episode, Chuckles is hired as the grand marshal for a circus parade (after news anchor Ted Baxter
Ted Baxter
Ted Baxter is a fictional character on the sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show . Portrayed by Ted Knight, the Baxter character is a broad parody of a vain, shallow, buffoonish TV newsman. Knight's comedic model was William Powell, and he also drew on various Los Angeles newscasters, including George...
is told to decline). At the parade, he dressed as a popular character, Peter Peanut. Tragedy struck when "...a rogue elephant tried to shell him...," and he died from his injuries. News of Chuckles's demise results in laughter and joking in the newsroom, except for Mary
Mary Richards
Mary Richards, portrayed by Mary Tyler Moore, is the main character of the television sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show.-Family:Mary Richards, born in Roseburg, Minnesota, is the daughter of Walter and Dottie Richards...
, who is shocked by their response.
However, at the funeral everyone is actually overcome with grief, except for Mary, who stifles laugh-after-laugh during the eulogy
Eulogy
A eulogy is a speech or writing in praise of a person or thing, especially one recently deceased or retired. Eulogies may be given as part of funeral services. However, some denominations either discourage or do not permit eulogies at services to maintain respect for traditions...
. When the minister tells the embarrassed Mary that the laughter was actually keeping with Chuckles' wishes, she suddenly breaks into inconsolable sobbing to her greater humiliation.
This episode was ranked #3 on TV Guide
TV Guide
TV Guide is a weekly American magazine with listings of TV shows.In addition to TV listings, the publication features television-related news, celebrity interviews, gossip and film reviews and crossword puzzles...
's The Greatest Episodes of All Time.
Chuckles' real name was George Bowerchuck (although Lou Grant refers to him as "Chuck" in the episode "Who's In Charge Here?"). He had a wife named Louise, and a daughter, Betty, who was briefly romantically involved with Ted.