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protégé. He generously gave of his 1978 to 1985. Steve has
time to train Steve and to answer any acted, written plays and
questions that he had. During this worked back in 2015 at San
time, Swede Johnson bestowed Steve Francisco’s Circus Center.
a tattered top hat with which he It was a cabaret variety
used to create his best-known clown stage show though not a
persona of "T.J. Tatters". Another gift circus one.
he received was a metal pie plate
from Otto Griebling’s widow Annie. Steve Smith received his
highest honor in 1993 when
Steve worked for five years as the he was enshrined into the
Blue Unit’s Advanced Clown. Other International Clown Hall
Ringling opportunities that came of Fame. Since his ICHoF
knocking included: an instructor induction, one of Steve’s
for RBCC in 1984; Director of the greatest achievements was
Clown College from 1985 to 1994; working with one of his
a Goodwill Ambassador; and heroes: Chuck Jones. Chuck
Director of the Red Show’s 123rd brought us many of the
Edition dubbed as "The Children "Merrie Melodies" cartoons
of the Rainbow," which ran in 1993 including Bugs Bunny. In
and 1994. Barry Phillips, a 1985 Chuck’s words, he invited
RBCC graduate, once mentioned Steve to "Play with me in
how Steve is "definitely one of a Hollywood!" Steve did,
kind—the kindest, most giving bringing his clowning talents
human being. I’m proud to call to the Warner Brothers
him my friend!" Studios and showing its
animators "physical and
In addition to directing clown-like movements" to be
the Ringling show, Steve used in their WB cartoons.
spent five years conceiving
and directing four editions Kelly Perusich - who briefly
of the Big Apple Circus clowned on Ringling - has this to
from 2005 to 2010 as well say about his fellow clown, friend
as being featured in the and mentor: "Steve Smith is the
2010 PBS Special titled closest person that I have met to
CIRCUS. The four Big Apple describe what a clown is…He takes
shows Steve directed are: the English language and, with the
· "GRANDMA GOES TO passion of Shakespeare, stirs the pot
HOLLYWOOD" - 2005/2006, of sentences into a beautiful string of
· "STEP RIGHT UP!" - 2006- words and magic." Kelly continues
2007,· "PLAY ON!" - 2008- to say how Steve is "unselfishly
2009, "BELLO'S BACK!" -
2009-2010. giving [with a] heart the size of
Alaska [and] a master of mirth. He
Over the years, Steve truly loves his passion and puts
took advantage of every everything he has into his work!"
opportunity that came his
way. At Goodman, he acted Well said! Plus, a final thanks
in Archibald MacLeish’s J.B. to both Kelly Perusich and Barry
as the antagonist Nickles. Phillips for providing photos. The
Steve could be seen on television in commercials or solo photo of Steve as "T.J. Tatters" is courtesy of
acting as a Ringling Goodwill Ambassador. He also LeBlanc Studios.
hosted a children’s variety show aptly titled Kidding ***A special interview with Steve Smith and Eric Plaut
Around on Chicago’s NBC network (Channel 5) from will be presented in our Clowning Around Magazine
in May.

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