Coco the Clown
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Coco the Clown is a name given to various circus clowns who traditionally wear "auguste" make-up. Technically, Coco is not a whiteface clown but an auguste, a foolish character who is always on the receiving end of buckets of water and custard pies. The auguste often works with the cleverer whiteface who always gets the better of him.
The most famous bearer of the title "Coco" was Nicolai Poliakoff (or Poliakovs) (1900–74). He was buried in Woodnewton, in Northamptonshire in England and his "Coco" moniker was passed down to his sons (notably Michael, a longtime circus "Producing Clown" and creator of a much imitated "soap gag" entree) and grandsons. The name is also used by other clowns.
