Chuckles the Clown

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Chuckles the Clown was an often mentioned, but seldom seen, fictional children's television show host on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (CBS,1970-1977). Chuckles was known for his popular philosophy in verse.

"A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants."

Chuckles' first on-camera appearance was in the episode "The Snow Must Go On," originally broadcast Nov. 7, 1970. Richard Schaal as Chuckles arrives at TV station WJM the morning after a city election to find the news staff -- having lost contact with City Hall during a blizzard -- still on the air. Chuckles has the election results in his newspaper, and announces the winner on the air in clown-character.

Chuckles later had a brief non-speaking role in the third season episode "Who's in Charge Here?", where he was portrayed by an uncredited extra. In this episode, Chuckles has a meeting with Lou Grant, who has been temporarily promoted to WJM's program manager. Chuckles is seen arriving for the meeting in full clown make-up.

Mark Gordon next played Chuckles in "Son of 'But, Seriously Folks'". Except for these appearances, however, Chuckles, like Phyllis Lindstrom's husband Lars, existed only off-stage.

One of the most remembered episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show was "Chuckles Bites the Dust" (October 25, 1975), which involved the death of Chuckles. In that episode, Chuckles is hired as the grand marshal for a circus parade (after news anchor Ted Baxter is told to decline). At the parade, he dressed as a popular character, Peter Peanut. Tragedy struck when "..a rogue elephant tried to shell him.." and he died from his injuries. News of Chuckles's ironic death brings laughter to the newsroom staff, except for Mary. However, at the funeral service everyone is overcome with grief, and Mary cannot help but laugh during the service. However, when the minister tells the embarrassed Mary that the laughter was actually keeping with Chuckles' wishes, she suddenly breaks into inconsolable sobbing to her greater humiliation.

This episode was ranked #1 on TV Guide's The Greatest Episodes of All Time.

Chuckles' real name was George Bowerchuck (although Lou Grant refers to him as "Chuck" in the episode "Who's In Charge Here?"). He had a wife named Louise, and a daughter, Betty, who was briefly romantically involved with Ted.