"Lou Jacobs "

1903

 Jacob "Lou Jacobs" Ludwig was born in Wesermude, Bremerhaven, Germany.

1910

Seven-year-old Jacob "Lou Jacobs" Ludwig made his acting debut as an alligator's hindquarters in a German vaudeville variety act, beginning a career in show business that would eventually lead to his induction into both the Circus Hall of Fame and the Clown Hall of Fame.

1914

Jacob "Lou Jacobs" Ludwig saw his first clown act and joined a small German circus as a clown.

1918

Jacob "Lou Jacobs" Ludwig appeared as a double contortionist with partner and straight man, Michael Morris.

1923

Jacob "Lou Jacobs" Ludwig entered the United States, performing as a contortionist and tumbler at fairs and in Vaudeville.

1924

Lou performed with the Morris and Morris Circus, as a tumbler.

1925

Lou joined Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Baily Circus, as a tumbler and contortionist.

1926

Lou Jacobs was given a job as a clown for the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus  by John Ringling, who recognized Lou's natural comic abilities.

1948

Lou, both German born and Jewish, entertained a group of 37 children who were survivors of the Holocaust's Nazi death camps. Lou accomplished the seemingly impossible by bringing smiles and laughter to this special audience, proving again the power of laughter as a healing medicine.

1949

Lou created his most famous clown prop, a miniature car from which he would emerge in center ring, to the delight of the audience, young and old. The car was a mere 2x3 feet, and Lou was 6 feet 1 inch tall; a testimonial to his incredible contortionist talents.  (click on picture to enlarge)

1952

In Sarasota, Florida, Cecil B. DeMille began production of the Academy award winning film The Greatest Show on Earth, featuring real circus performers and acts from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Lou not only performed a couple of funny routines in the movie and was given the choice assignment of teaching James Stewart (who played Buttons the clown, above left) the art of clowning. (In fact, Stewart wore Lou's famous head extension in the movie.)

The US Postal Service unveiled a postage stamp bearing the clown face of Lou Jacobs. Perhaps because it is a clown face, the Postal Service went against its own policy of only honoring deceased persons on a stamp. 

Lou Jacob's clowning partner of 14 years, a performing chihuahua  named Knucklehead died. (click on picture to enlarge) Whether donning an mini elephant trunk or fake rabbit ears, Knucklehead had been a vital part of Lou's act and life, and was mourned and sorely missed.

Increasing health problems caused Lou to retire from the rigors of the performing clown. At this time, he continued to teach at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. 

Lou was included in the first group of Clown Hall of Fame inductees. Sadly commenting on his deceased friends who were inducted that year (Emmett Kelly Sr. and Otto Griebling), Lou said, "It looks like I'm the Last Of The Mohicans."  

Lou was also inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame that year.   

Lou's continually declining health forced him to retire from teaching at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. Lou just couldn't stay away though. He continued to visit the college as often as he could.

Jacob "Lou Jacobs" Ludwig died.

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     This Page was updated on: 08/13/2004