#sid haig death hoax

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Clowns: Causing Laughter and Terror Through the Ages

Photo: Wikipedia

Traditionally viewed as a benevolent figure, the clown has instilled both joy and fear in audiences for ages.The appearance of the clown, with it's exaggerated features and bizarre, colorful costumes could be viewed as comical or horrifying, depending of course on the eye of the beholder. There's even a term for an extreme fear or phobia of clowns, coulrophobia.

The image of the “killer” or “creepy” clown has entered public consciousness, especially in the form of Pennywise from horror writer Stephen King's "It." Demonic child-killer Pennywise has gone on to frighten audiences in two film versions of King's novel, a 1990 made for TV movie and on the big screen in 2017.

Portrayals of Pennywise: Top: Tim Curry (1990) and Bill Skarsgard (2017). Photo: Wikipedia

A strange phenomenon began in the United States in South Carolina around mid-August 2016. Police were receiving reports and sightings of people dressed as clowns engaging in a variety of bizarre and even criminal behaviors: attempting to lure children with candy, chasing people with weapons or threatening students and faculty of various schools and universities throughout the country.

There were reports of encounters with "creepy clowns" in 20 different states, from mid-August 2016 to October 2016. Some of the reports are harmless and suspected to be hoaxes or pranks. One incident, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was part of a publicity stunt to promote a horror movie.

The rash of bizarre sightings began with reports from an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina. Children reported that a group of clowns were hanging around the complex, trying to talk to them. The children described the clowns as carrying "flashing green laser lights" and said that the clowns lived in a dilapidated house in a secluded, wooded area by a small lake. When police investigated, they found an area matching the description but there was no evidence or a trace of any clowns living there.

Clown sighting in Wasco, California. Photo: The Denver Channel/turnto23.com

A South Carolina woman also reported that a clown had been standing in her backyard, but ran away when she tried to take a picture. Children also reported that a clown was trying to lure them into the woods with money and candy.

Attacks and sightings were reported across the United States, many of which were reported around schools and universities. Some teenagers were arrested for creating social media accounts as clowns threatening to harm students and faculty at schools and universities.

The attacks did not stop in America, but also began to be reported Canada, the United Kingdom and many other countries.

Art depicting clowns in Ancient Greece. Photo: Clown Bluey

Clowns are traditionally thought of as positive figures that are supposed to make us laugh. But throughout history, the clown was not always a benevolent figure.

Clowns appear in history dating back to as early as 2500 BCE., entertaining royalty from Ancient Egypt to Ancient Rome to Medieval Europe. Originally, clowns were seen as a reflection of society's more hedonistic side, of that part of humanity that over-indulges in food, drink, sex and "manic behavior."

Clowns were employed at circuses during the mid-19th century as comic relief from the death-defying stunts of trapeze artists and other performers.

Bozo, portrayed by many actors over the years, was a beloved character who entertained children. Photo: Chicago Reader

The figure of the clown still had a dark side.

French literary critic, Edmond de Garcourt, is quoted as saying, in 1876, that, "The clown's art is now rather terrifying and full of anxiety and apprehension, their suicidal feats, their monstrous gesticulations and frenzied mimicry - reminds one of a courtyard of a lunatic asylum."

Serial killer John Wayne Gacy entertained children at birthday parties as Pogo the Clown. Photo: Medium

Pagliacci (Clowns), an Italian opera written during the late 19th century, tells the story of a man who kills his domineering wife on stage during a performance.

Clowns gained a more benevolent reputation on American TV during the 1960's with the popular character "Bozo" and when the McDonald's fast food franchise introduced its non-iconic character Ronald McDonald in 1963.

The figure of the "Killer Clown," emerged after the arrest and conviction of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who worked entering children as “Pogo the Clown” at birthday parties. Gacy was convicted of killing 33 young men in Chicago, Illinois during the 1970's. He is quoted as telling investigators that "...clowns can get away with murder." Some of the paintings he did in prison were self portraits of him as Pogo.

From l. : Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto and Joaquin Phoenix as The Joker, The Clown Prince of Crime. Photo: Daily Movies

Sid Haig as homicidal clown Captain Spaulding. Photo: Wikipedia

Besides Pennywise, other clown-like images have appeared in horror movies. "Poltergeist" (1982) features a scene in which a clown doll drags a young boy under his bed. A clown-faced puppet appears in the "Saw" franchise. Batman's nemesis, the unrepentant anarchist, the Joker, has been portrayed in many films over the years. Rob Zombie's "House of 1,000 Corpses," "The Devil's Rejects," and "3 from Hell," feature homicidal clown Captain Spaulding.

From Ancient Egypt to modern film, whether frightening or benevolent, the image of the clown has survived throughout the ages and will last many more to come.

- Missy Dawn

Sources:

Smithsonian.com: "The History and Psychology of Clowns Being Scary," by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie

USA Today: "Serious or Just a Sick Joke? What We Know About Creepy Clown Reports," Ashley May, Sept. 28, 2016

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Who is Sid Haig's Wife: Susan L. Oberg Biography, Wiki, Age, Family, Net Worth, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Fast Facts You Need to Know

Who is Sid Haig’s Wife: Susan L. Oberg Biography, Wiki, Age, Family, Net Worth, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Fast Facts You Need to Know

Susan L. Oberg Biography

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Susan L. Oberg was born on September 11, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She is an Actress and best know as wife of late Sid Haig who is an American actor, film producer, musician and best known to horror fans for his roles in “3 From Hell” and “The Devil’s Rejects.”

BREAKING Sid Haig dead: Star of Rob Zombie’s horror movies dies…