A REMARKABLE CLOWN — Touching up the “Hansel and Gretel” sign for the upcoming musical production at Anaheim High School is Pepito Perez, the Spanish Clown. Pepito, residing in Santa Ana, has entertained royalty and toured throughout the world in the best theatres. Now working behind the scenes, Pepito is designing and making sets for “Hansel and Gretel,” scheduled Dec. 9, 1961. He will also take the part of the witch.
The Register
Sunday, November 19, 1961
By RALPH E. WORSHAM, Register Entertainment Editor
The [ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA] REGISTER, Page C16
Few children in Santa Ana know that one of the most beloved clowns of all time is living close by. ”Pepito” the Spanish clown — recognized throughout the world a quarter of a century ago — resides with his wife, Joanne, at 1502 N. Ross St. [Santa Ana, CA].
He has thrilled thousands upon thousands in movies, on stage and on television. Ironically enough, this particular clown is not acquainted with sawdust — never with a circus or performing under a tent.
Known as the “Playmate of Kings,” Pepito is now in professional retirement, working behind the scenes. At least that is what he says. Actually, Pepito Perez, like all great actors, thrives on entertainment and the entertainment world.
Today, the famed clown is in his workshop designing and building sets for the upcoming musical, “Hansel and Gretel.” It will be held at the Anaheim High School at 8 p.m. Dec. 9 [1961] under the direction of I. Kenneth Akin of Santa Ana.
More recently, TV viewers may have noticed Pepito on the “I Love Lucy” show. He has been associated with Desilu since its pilot show which he piloted. Most of the props in the television series were created by the artist.
Pepito, as a boy in Barcelona, Spain, displayed great talent in the field of art and studied under his uncle, Ramon Borrell, one of Spain’s great artists. It was through the medium of his paintIng and sculpture work that he became introduced to the theatrical profession.
Many sets were made by Pepito before he drifted into the study of pantomime. At this he became a master. He has loved and understood children and knows what makes them laugh. The same antics don’t work with adults, he declares.
Pepito, an extremely proud man, loves to talk of the past and the enjoyment of appearing before the masses. Much of the information on his background, however, was uncovered in his yellowed scrapbook packed with clippings.
“A child expects the worst to happen to a clown and wants to see it carried through.” he ex-plained. “But an adult likes to be surprised.”
As one of the highest paid acts in vaudeville, Pepito originated his own costume and makeup. A clown in the olden days whitened his entire face.
But not Pepito.
It was this grotesque-looking clown that first came out with the large circled eyes and mouth of white. On stage at the Orpheum, Hippodrome, Majestic and other noted theaters, Pepito rode his diminutive bicycle, which stands but eight inches from the floor.
Then there was the doll. Its contortions were sometimes funnier than he was. For he took a headless dolly, and supplied it with a top piece made of his own fist, wigged and painted, to furnish a face.
Yes, it was Pepito who first came out with the doll made from his own fist. It leered at the children, winked at them, and nodded, and told them a thousand things things that grown-ups could never understand.
In the movies, he has starred with Greta Garbo, Charlie Chaplin, Joe E. Brown, Barbara Stanwyck and a host of others.
Pepito has entertained in scores of hospitals where children have been confined. He has given of his time and his talent to worthy charities at no cost.
And he hasn’t changed. He is not only designing and making the sets for “Hansel and Gretel” but he is playing the part of the witch. He wouldn’t even consider a fee for the work, his original set, or the performance.
Pepito keeps busy in his workshop while his wife, Joanne, teaches dancing at their studio-home. She was billed with him for many years and they married in the early 1930’s.
They moved to Santa Ana about 15 years ago because he liked the area — especially the fishing off Balboa. He is now a board member of the Balboa Bay Club, and an avid camera bug.
It’s not the monetary aspect that keeps Pepito going, but rather, the love of people. The welcomed performance, the beauty of a set, is the real reward to him.
“I miss the children,” Pepito sighed. “I miss their laughing faces.”
Source: The [ORANGE COUNTY, CA] REGISTER, Page C16
https://www.newspapers.com/image/996466985/?match=1
Pepito & Joanne 