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Joseph Grimaldi Biography

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GRIMALDI, Joseph (1779–1837). The bestknown representative of the clown in English pantomime. His father was an actor of Italian parentage, and "little Joe," who was born in London, Dec. 18, 1779, appeared when scarcely two years old at Sadler's Wells Theatre, where he regularly performed (except for one season) down to the date of his retirement from the stage, prematurely worn out by sheer hard work. For several months each year he used to perform nightly at two different playhouses, and once he achieved the feat of acting at three on the same night. At times he played in regular drama, but as a clown he was considered inimitable. His performance in the pantomime of Mother Goose (1806) was many times repeated. At the conclusion of his last appearance, which was as Harlequin Hoax, in his benefit at Drury Lane (1828), he made a pathetic but dignified farewell address. He died in London, May 31, 1837. Consult Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi, edited by Charles Dickens (New York, 1838).

The New International Encyclopaedia, Vol. X (New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1920) 384-385.