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Coco the Clown

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description Coco the Clown Overview

Nicolai Poliakoff, known as Coco the Clown, was a prominent twentieth-century British circus performer. Born in Russia, he developed a distinctive whiteface clown persona renowned for its expressive physicality and inventive routines. His performances captivated audiences within the British circus scene and his unique style influenced generations of clowns. He is particularly relevant to historians studying 20th-century circus arts and those interested in Russian émigré performers.

help Coco the Clown FAQ

What was Coco the Clown's real name?

Coco the Clown was born Nicolai Poliakoff in Latvia in 1900. He became a Russian-born circus performer who achieved massive fame in the United Kingdom, becoming a household name there rather than in his native land.

Why is Coco the Clown famous in the UK?

Nicolai Poliakoff became famous as a clown with the Bertram Mills Circus, where he performed for decades to massive British audiences. His iconic image, complete with a bowler hat and a massive overcoat, made him one of the most recognizable circus entertainers in British history.

Did Coco the Clown have a famous TV commercial?

Yes, Coco the Clown is widely remembered in the UK for a long-running series of television commercials for Kellogg's Coco Pops cereal. In these ads, he would enthusiastically promote the chocolate-flavored breakfast cereal to children, cementing his pop culture legacy.

Where is Coco the Clown buried?

Nicolai Poliakoff, the original Coco the Clown, passed away in 1974. He is buried in the churchyard of St. Andrew's Church in Frenze, a small village in Norfolk, England, where his grave is marked by a carved wooden clown.