Dates

• Existence: 1778 - 1837

Biography

Joseph Grimaldi was born in Clare Market, London in 1778. Although by now settled in England, Joseph came from a long line of performers of Italian origin. Joseph’s father, Joseph Guiseppe Grimaldi, was an actor, dancer and the Ballet Master at the Theatre Royal at Drury Lane, dubbed ‘The Signeur’.

Joseph first appeared on stage with his father at Drury Lane Theatre when he was only two years old in harlequinades. Harlequinades came from the Italian tradition of Commedia del’Arte, which was very popular at the time. Harlequinades were very physically demanding plays, which as well as acting and comedy skills required a high level of physical agility to perform tumbling, acrobatics and even juggling acts.

Joseph excelled in his role, which progressively increased in prominence and by the time he was six years old, he started to get his own small clown character pieces. By the turn of the nineteenth century Joseph was one of the most famous clowns in Britain and was giving several performances per night, which took a toll on his health. By the time Joseph reached forty eight years of age he was burnt out both physically and mentally.

Joseph retired in 1828, aged fifty, after spending forty eight years on stage, his last performance was at the Drury Lane Theatre where everything had started.

Joseph died in his home in Islington in 1837. His influence in modern clowning and the development of this performance art is such that clowns from around the world gather every 31st May in London at a religious service and lay flowers on his grave. Joseph is one of the most iconic clowns of all times and is widely considered the father of modern clowning. The term Joey is used as a generic way to refer to clowns in the circus world.

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