On This Day

Coco the Clown

Famous Clown Coco the Clown

Full Name: Nicolai Poliakoff
Profession: Famous Clown

Nationality:
Russia
Russian

Why Famous: Most famous clown in the UK during the middle decades of the 20th century.

Technically, he was not a clown but an auguste, the foolish character who is always on the receiving end of buckets of water and custard pies. The auguste often works with the cleverer white-faced clown, who always gets the better of him.

Born: October 2, 1900
Birthplace: Dvinsk, Russian Empire

Generation: Lost Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Libra

Died: September 25, 1974 (aged 73)

Historical Events

  • 1929-12-21 Coco the Clown first appears for Bertram Mills Circus in Manchester, England
  • 1962-01-15 Coco the Clown [Nicolai Poliakoff] is the subject of the BBC TV programme "This is Your Life"
  • 1974-11-29 Coco the Clown [Nicolai Poliakoff] special memorial service held at St. Paul's Cathedral, London, England

Famous Russians

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