Larry Harmon, longtime Bozo the Clown, dies

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Larry Harmon, longtime Bozo the Clown, dies

For decades, Harmon, licensed the name to other Bozos around the world..including here in Utica. This is a picture of Ed Whitaker, a former WKTV employee playing BOZO THE CLOWN. This picture was taken in the 1960's, however we do not have an exact date.

By The Associated Press

Story Created: Jul 3, 2008 at 9:04 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 6, 2008 at 9:48 AM EDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Larry Harmon, who appeared as Bozo the Clown for decades and licensed the name to other Bozos around the world, had died at age 83.
 
Harmon died Thursday at his home of congestive heart failure, his longtime publicist, Jerry Digney, told The Associated Press.
     
Although not the first person to play Bozo, Harmon took on the famous clown's persona and, as an entrepreneur, he licensed the character to others, particularly TV stations. Those stations then recruited their own Bozos for local shows.
     
Harmon met his alter ego after answering a casting call to make personal appearances as a clown to promote records. He got the job and eventually bought the rights to Bozo.
     
Along the way, he embellished Bozo's distinctive look: the orange-tufted hair, the bulbous nose, the outlandish red, white and blue costume.

Monday, Jul 7 at 3:34 PM MHHL wrote ...

Remember the "Bozo Blow-ball" contests? It was always "We have 2 winners Miss Jane!", so the little ones wouldn't cry.

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Friday, Jul 4 at 11:48 PM Bradford Paulson wrote ...

I remember watching Bozo on alot of different stations over the years espeically the one here in Utica was a great Bozo and Ed Whitteker really knew his stuff when he performed as that funny and loveable circus clown almost every day on television throuhg the years as did many different Bozos including Willard Scott from the Today Show used to play him over the years before he became famous on the Today Show as their Weatherman long before Al roker took over the job. Bozo is still a great clown.

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Friday, Jul 4 at 7:35 PM Ivan Vargas Bx. wrote ...

I remember when I use to see Bozo the clown on TV after school, I always use to look forward to comeing home and seeing Bozo after my homework. Trust me that was the best treat of the Day.I just wish I clould have gotten a signed picture of him. My heart gos out to his family and friends. May all thoses which knew him never forget the gift he gie us.which was a smile. Rest In Peace.

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Friday, Jul 4 at 11:08 AM robbie1971 wrote ...

i could remember BOZO THE CLOWN growqing up he was such a funny guy making every1 laugh at his funny jokes and tricks there will be no other man to take hisp lace he is gonna be miss by all your in a better place know BOZO make the all laugh and giggle MAY YOU REST IN PEACE NOW till we all see you u on the othwer side

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Friday, Jul 4 at 10:18 AM April wrote ...

Bozo you make me laugh, and I wish you were still here. I LOVE YOU. R.I.P

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Friday, Jul 4 at 10:14 AM Anna wrote ...

awwwwwwww Bozo was awesome!Rest In Peace!!

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Friday, Jul 4 at 10:03 AM Doug wrote ...

It was nice that Ed Whitaker is mentioned here as the local Utica Bozo. My Father had known Mr Whitaker and I remember him telling me when I was young that Mr Whitaker was a terrific person.

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Friday, Jul 4 at 6:44 AM former brownie scout wrote ...

I can remember going to the bozo show with scouts &leader troops and being on the show it was great fun. SORRy SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON HAS LEFT THIS WORLD BUT KNOW HE IS BRINGING SMILES IN HEAVEN KEEP THEM SMILING BOZO YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED HERE ON EARTH R. I. P.

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Friday, Jul 4 at 12:01 AM theresa wrote ...

me too loved bozo show when i was a kid still would watch it.love ya bozo r.i.p

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Thursday, Jul 3 at 9:35 PM dasjmy wrote ...

How sad. I loved him when I was a kid.

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