Clowns to the Right of Me Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pennywise

Stephen King's popular novel "IT" appeared in 1986. In the novel, a group of seven friends from Derry, Maine, face off both in the 1950s and the 1980s against a evil demon (IT) who assumes several forms including Pennywise the Clown. In the course of the story, it is revealed that IT has appeared several other times in Derry's history.

Answer: Clarabell

"The Howdy Doody Show" ran from 1947 to 1960. Clarabell the Clown was one of the main characters along with Buffalo Bob and Howdy Doody, himself. During the course of the show, Clarabell would normally use pantomime to communicate or answer yes or no with a horn. Three different actors portrayed Clarabell: Bob Keeshan ("Captain Kangaroo"), Robert Nicholson, and Lew Anderson.

Answer: Ronald McDonald

Ronald McDonald is the main mascot for McDonald's Restaurants. He is part of a much larger group of "McDonaldland" figures included the Fry Guys, Grimace, and the Hamburglar. Ronald McDonald was originally played by Willard Scott in the 1960s and has since been portrayed by several different actors.

Answer: Krusty the Clown

Bart and Lisa are often seen tuning into his television show where he presents cartoons like "The Itchy and Scratchy Show" (a parody of Tom and Jerry). Krusty has been the focus of several episodes such as where he reconciles with his estranged father. Krusty often appears world-weary and cynical but has an entire empire of Krusty-licensed products including a fast food restaurant and a breakfast cereal. Krusty is voiced on "The Simpsons" by Dan Castellaneta.

Answer: Pagliacci

Meaning "Clowns", the opera premiered in 1892. The opera tells the story of a love triangle between Canio, Nedda, and Silvio. The story ends with two of the three dead. "Pagliacci" was the first opera to be recorded in full on record (1907) and on film (1931).

In the movie "The Untouchables" (1987) there is a scene where Al Capone is attending an opera performance. The aria he is listening to is "Vesti la Giubba" or "Put on your costume" from "Pagliacci".

Answer: The Tears of a Clown

Written by Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and Hank Cosby, "The Tears of a Clown" was originally released on the 1967 album "Make It Happen". Re-released as a single in 1970, the song went to number one on the UK singles chart, the US Hot 100 Billboard Chart and US Billboard R&B singles chart.

The lyrics describe a man who is sad because a woman has left him. The song has been covered many times by other artists.

Answer: The Joker

The Joker was created in 1940 by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson. He is perhaps the arch-villain in Batman's list of foes. On the live-action "Batman" (1966-1968), he was portrayed by Cesar Romero (whose mustache can sometimes be seen under the white makeup).

In the 1989 feature film "Batman", Jack Nicholson played the role. In "Batman: The Animated Series" (1992-1995), he was voiced by Mark Hamill. In all versions, he presents a combination of over-the-top jokes and murderous intent.

Answer: Dodo the Clown

Skelton played Dodo in "The Clown" (1953). In the movie, Dodo deals with a drinking problem that affects his professional and personal lives. Through the course of the movie, Dodo finds himself performing in more and more embarrassing locations.

Answer: Mister Clown

"Maggie Flynn" (1968) ran on Broadway for 82 performances. Starring Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy, the musical told the story of an Irish-American woman who ran an orphanage for children of refugee slaves. In the second act, Cassidy led the chorus in the song "Mister Clown". That song, as was true for all the others, were written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss.

Answer: Cathy's Clown

The song was both written and performed by the Everly Brothers, Phil and Don. The biggest selling single of the Everly Brothers, it hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the R&B singles chart, the UK singles chart. In the song, the singer tells the titular-Cathy "(I) don't want your love anymore."