Tuesday, December 8, 2009

COCO THE CLOWN DEAD AT 86


Michael Polakovs, better known as Coco the Clown, died over the weekend at a hospital in Kentucky.

McDonald's Corporation hired Polakovs in 1966, and he designed the outfit and makeup that is still worn by the character today. He appeared in the first eight TV commercials featuring Ronald McDonald.

Polakovs also performed in the Ringling Brother Barnum and Bailey Circus, and became the circus' advance clown, traveling the country.

He was a second generation circus clown, born in Latvia.

source

4 comments:

Keith said...

I'm sorry to hear this news. R.I.P.

tim said...

I thought Willard Scott was the first Ronald Mcdonald? not sure where I heard that. I do know that coco taught at Ringling brothers clown College when it was open.

Keith said...

No, it was Michael Polakovs who not only portrayed the first Ronald McDonald but also designed the make-up. His photo was featured in the circus advertisements. Shame he's gone.

Anonymous said...

haha you died

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