Author Archives: MelaniCarty

“Joanne’s Little Black Vaudeville Scrapbook”, a time capsule documenting Pepito & Joanne Perez’s stage career, 1928 to 1942. Contains candid and studio photographs, accompanied by extensive annotations.

The surprising true story of how TV’s funniest woman got that way — and why you won’t see it in “Being the Ricardos.” By Mark Peikert, December 20, 2021. Lucille Ball wasn’t a natural comic genius. Her true brilliance lay in recognizing that fact, and surrounding herself with people who made her look like one. “I’mContinue reading “How Lucille Ball Went From B-Movie Queen to Comedy Superstar (2021)”

This Tumblr post by papermoonloveslucy is a condensed biography of Pepito Perez’s life.

Papermoonloveslucy’s Tumblr page about the Lost Pilot of “I Love Lucy” is a delight.

Without this “loaded” cello, the most popular TV show of all time might never have existed. It was 1951 and due to prejudice in America at the time, it had taken 10 years for Lucille Ball to get a chance to co-star with her Cuban-American husband, Desi Arnaz. CBS gave them only one month toContinue reading “The Cello Museum: Pepito and a Cello Helped Launch One of the Most Popular TV Shows of All Time (2020)”

From the “Great Lives” lecture series at Mary Washington University, watch author Kathleen Brady recount the life and career of Lucille Ball, and how the television series “I Love Lucy” was created in 1951. For details on about Pepito’s involvement in the production of the audition (pilot) episode, scroll the video to minute 35:00. TheContinue reading “VIDEO: Lucille Ball Biographer Kathleen Brady Explains Pepito’s Involvement In How “I Love Lucy” Came to Be (2019)”

Excited to say that I have registered my Pepito & Joanne story treatment with the Writer’s Guild.  It feels good to have finally reached that milestone after researching since 2003.  But of course I will rewrite and revise, so I am still seeking more info about the lives of these amazing vaudevillians.  Every little detailContinue reading “Pepito & Joanne Story Treatment Registration With the Writers Guild of America (2014)”

by Marivi Escobar Santo Tomas, Grand-niece of Pepito, the Spanish Clown (Jose Escobar Perez) What a pity Pepito and Joanne aren’t here anymore.  So long I have talked to Joanne for years and never could I comment anything of all this appearing in the newspapers. I had only her narratives from the past.  She wasContinue reading “Escobar Cousins Reunion (2013)”

I Love Lucy” cast signed photograph of the “Enchanted Forest” school recital featured within “I Love Lucy” Episode 163 “Little Ricky’s School Pageant” (Season 6, Episode 10), Desilu, 1956. Sold by Heritage Auctions in 2013 for $6,600.00. This photo hung on the wall of Joanne’s dance studio from 1956 until her estate was liquidated afterContinue reading ““Little Ricky’s School Pageant” 1956 Signed Cast Photo from Lucy and Desi to Pepito and Joanne (2013)”

August 19, 2012 Sandra “Pocha” Pena blogged on her “Pocharte” WordPress blog about her 2004 personal interviews with Joanne Perez. “Joanne was a dancer who fell in love with a Spanish clown her mother was dating.  This was way back in the 1920’s so the clown, Pepito, called upon his pal Charlie Chaplin to haveContinue reading “Pocharte: Pepito the Clown & Joanne the Dancer (2012)”

July 7, 2012 On Saturday, July 7th, the Santora Arts Building celebrated 84 years with a 1920’s-inspired themed celebration which kicked off a month-long celebration highlighting the history of the building from 1928 to the present.  Showcased was a dazzling array of fine art, music, cars, film, and fashions of a bygone era, as well as a tour ofContinue reading “Pepito, Joanne, and Daniger’s Tea Room at the Santora Building in Santa Ana, California (2012)”

January 1, 2011 To write the biography of Pepito and Joanne, I have organized their personal archive of photos and newspaper clippings; and researched all the available historical newspaper databases on the internet.   One of the missing pieces is Pepito’s scrapbook of his entire vaudeville career, which sat in Pepito & Joanne’s Santa Ana parlorContinue reading “Clifford Combes, Muriel Combes, and Pepito the Spanish Clown (2011)”

November 8, 2010 In 1927, Pepito the Spanish Clown purchased a one-of-a-kind miniature car to use in his vaudeville act.  He also used this unique theatrical automobile on the city streets everywhere he traveled, as a rolling advertisement for his upcoming appearances.  In 1928, the California license plate number was 1-681-904, and would have beenContinue reading “The Secrets of Pepito’s Lost Clown Car (2010)”

Thursday, October 28, 2010 Pepito met Joanne in 1928 when they both were hired separately to perform in the live pre-show “Ballyhoo” before each showing of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Circus” at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.  Pepito Meets Joanne:  Their Matchmaker Was Charlie Chaplin (1928) VIDEO: “The Ballyhoo” of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Circus” (1928) Pepito the Spanish ClownContinue reading “Chaplin Film Clip Sparks Time Travel Controversy (2010)”

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Were you a dance student of Joanne Perez?     OCRegister.com Joanne and Pepito Perez ran a dance studio in Orange County that they opened in 1941 when their days on the road as performers ended. Memorabilia collector Melani Carty attended the dance school in the 1970s (when she was Melani Motzkus.) CartyContinue reading “Orange County Register: Were You A Dance Student of Joanne Perez? (2010)”

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Melani Carty is looking for the answer to these Nancy Drew-inspired research questions about Pepito and Joanne Perez, former vaudevillians who ran a dance studio … 1.  The Secret of the Missing Clown Car In 1927, Pepito purchased a one-of-a-kind 1925 Monroe Pezel roadster.  The Monroe Body Works in Michigan was the originalContinue reading “Orange County Register: Can You Solve These 5 Mysteries About Pepito and Joanne Perez (2010)”

Monday, October 18, 2010 Ex-Student Unlocks Mystery of Couple’s Past. The old house fascinated the girl long after her dancing days there ended. The majestic Victorian – a mansion it seemed – stood on the corner of Ross and 15th streets in Santa Ana. It was there, in the 1970s, that young Melani Motzkus studiedContinue reading “Orange County Register: Pepito, Joanne and Nancy Drew (2010)”

Thursday, September 23, 2010 They’ll Take Manhattan: Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore’s cyber-comedy “You’ve Got Hate Mail” opens lengthy run at NYC’s Triad Theatre (Scroll down to the pertinent paragraph in red). Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the 1979 movie, was ground breaking for many reasons. It was, for instance, the first movie createdContinue reading “Huffington Post: Pepito the Clown Mentioned in Article About Van Zandt & Milman’s script for “I Love Lucy, The Very First Show” (2010)”

Saturday, October 23, 2010 The annual guided historical tour of Fairhaven Memorial Park and Santa Ana Cemetery features costumed actors portraying historic figures who share stories from Orange County, California’s past.  This unique “living history tour” is the recipient of a prestigious California State Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation, and is a joint presentation ofContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito and Joanne Portrayed on Living History Tour at Santa Ana’s Fairhaven Cemetery (2010)”

Saturday, December 19, 2009 The end of the year is time for reflection.  PepitoAndJoanne.com is now 15 months old.  Looking back, I have many new friends, and many people to thank, for providing me with the all the stories, anecdotes and clues that are coming together to form the timeline of  Pepito & Joanne’s fascinatingContinue reading “Thanking the People Behind the Scenes at PepitoAndJoanne.com (2009)”

Saturday, December 12, 2009 A wonderful photo website about Pepito the Spanish Clown (Pepito Perez, or Jose Escobar Perez), has been created by my online friend Michael Brannan.  Michael was one of the people fortunate to purchase Perez estate items on Ebay in 2008.  Michael is dedicated to preserving the history of early show business,Continue reading “Michael Brannan’s SmugMug Site About Pepito The Spanish Clown (2009)”

Thursday, May 28, 2009 After the death of Joanne Perez, her entire estate was liquidated, and the proceeds benefitted Biola University in Southern California.  One of the items that was sold was Pepito’s scrapbook.  The current whereabouts of this fabulous scrapbook are unknown.  It is my hope that the current owner will contact me, and considerContinue reading “The Mystery of Pepito’s Missing Scrapbook (2009)”

Monday, May 25, 2009 In honor of the Escobar families in Spain and France, this text is presented first in Spanish, then French, with the English translation below. En honor de la familia Escobar en España y Francia, este texto se presenta primero en español y, a continuación, Francés, Inglés con la traducción a continuación.Continue reading “Helena Escobar, Pepito’s Great-Grand-Niece, Is An Award-Winning Spanish Clown Named “La Bleda” (2009)”

Thursday, December 25, 2008 by Melani Carty This is the story of a magical Christmas present given to me by a very kind person I have never met:  Mr. Roger Schutt.  It all began last autumn, when a number of Pepito-related items were being sold on eBay.  One of the eBay lots contained a numberContinue reading “Roger Schutt and Pepito’s Trick Violin (2008)”

Saturday, December 20, 2008 by Melani Carty Thanks to the wonders of the internet, Pepito’s great-nephew, Raymond Escobar, has found this website and become a good penpal.   Raymond Escobar is the son of Ramon Escobar and the grandson of Rafael Escobar Perez (Pepito’s brother!) Raymond emailed me the most wonderful treasure:  the earliest known photoContinue reading “Raymond Escobar, Pepito’s Great-Nephew (2008)”

Saturday, December 20, 2008 In March of 1951, a 34-minute pilot episode for a proposed I Love Lucy series was filmed in an attempt to sell the series to CBS and potential sponsors. It worked, but the pilot itself was never broadcast. Instead, its storyline was worked into an episode that was shown on November 19th, 1951Continue reading “Television Obscurities Website: “I Love Lucy” Unaired Pilot Episode (2008)”

Friday, December 5, 2008 by Melani Carty This was a first for me:  the first time my blog has been blogged upon by another blogger!  “An e-mail arrived the other day from Melani Carty with a subject line that immediately caught my attention. It said, “Samaroff and Sonia & Pepito the Clown.”  I knew instantlyContinue reading “VIDEO: Samaroff & Sonia, Pepito the Spanish Clown & Ron Pesch (2008)”

Thursday, November 13, 2008 After more than $2.2 million worth of renovation, Biola’s ambitious Media Production Center is ready for lights, cameras and plenty of action. The center — a state-of-the-art home away from home for students in the University’s film and journalism programs — is currently in the process of being outfitted with cutting-edgeContinue reading “Biola University Newsletter: New Cutting Edge Media Production Center Puts Biola on the Top (2008)”

Monday, June 23, 2008 Full scale construction is underway on Biola University, Studio B, Cinema & Media Arts and Journalism, and will be complete for Fall ’08 classes. The rough shape of the exterior is clearly visible now, and drywall has been installed in the interior. The new Equipment Checkout Room will be ready forContinue reading “Biola University Newsletter: Studio B [Where the Perez Estate Money Was Spent] (2008)”

Saturday, June 23, 2007 Pepito’s World’s Smallest Bicycle, six inches wide by ten inches high, manufactured by Anderson, Melbourne, Australia, 1928, was at one time entered into “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.”  Pepito and Joanne were in Australia in 1928 for an extended vaudeville tour, and he must have ordered this bicycle at that time. Continue reading “EverythingLucy: Pepito’s World’s Smallest Bicycle in Lucy-Desi Museum (2007)”

Monday, January 1, 2007 Historic Preservation Award Winners Congratulations to the 2007 Outstanding Historic Preservation Award Winners!  The first winner is Fermin Valencia for Restoration of the Pepito and Joanne’s Dance Studio. Pepito and Joanne were long-time friends of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and were in fact “co-conspirators” in getting the first episode ofContinue reading “City of Santa Ana: Restored Pepito & Joanne House Wins Preservation Award (2007)”

Friday, December 15, 2006 As reported by the Lucille Ball – Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, NY, the frog costume worn by William Frawley in the I Love Lucy episode,”Little Ricky’s School Pageant” has been donated to the center by Bill and Mary Rapaport of East Amherst, New York. Fifty years ago this Sunday, on December 17,Continue reading “EverythingLucy: “I Love Lucy” Frog Costume Donated to The Lucy-Desi Center (2006)”

Monday, March 13, 2006 Two costumes worn in the classic I Love Lucy television series have been donated to the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, New York. Both costumes, a 13-piece clown outfit and a lion tamer ensemble complete with safari hat and bullwhip, were worn by Pepito Perez, a long-timeContinue reading “EverythingLucy: Pepito’s “I Love Lucy” Episode 52 Costumes Donated to Lucy-Desi Center (2006)”

Monday, November 7, 2005 The “loaded cello” used by Lucille Ball in the pilot episode of I Love Lucy, has found a new home — at the Lucy-Desi Museum in Jamestown, New York (see photo above). The instrument, originally owned and redesigned by performer “Pepito” (Jose Escobar Perez), was purchased on the Museum’s behalf byContinue reading “LucyFan: Lucy Cello in Jamestown, New York (2005)”

Saturday, October 1, 2005 The Perez House, home of the late Joanne and Pepito Perez, has been sold, along with a much of the memorabilia. In 2004, Joanne Perez left her entire estate to Biola University, specifically the Mass Comm department.  The Perez’s spent their lives in the entertainment industry and Joanne wanted her estateContinue reading “Biola University Newsletter: Perez House Sells (2005)”

Saturday, July 23, 2005 By Ben Baeder, Staff Writer, San Gabriel Valley Tribune LA MIRADA — Tucked in a tiny back room in the basement of the Biola University library is a very strange collection.  It includes two bicycles, a tiny one and a huge one.  Sitting on a metal cabinet is a clown puppetContinue reading “San Gabriel Valley Tribune: Pepito’s Comedic Legacy, Clown’s “Lucy” Archive At Auction (2005)”

Saturday, January 1, 2005 Joanne is mentioned on page 117 of The New Book of Lists, published in 2005, under the category of “9 Valuable Artworks Found Unexpectedly.”   4.  Under A Bed Joanne Perez, the widow of vaudeville performer Pepito the Spanish Clown, discovered the only existing copy of the pilot for the TV series I LoveContinue reading ““The New Book of Lists”: Joanne Perez Mentioned in List of 9 Valuable Artworks Found Unexpectedly (2005)”

Thursday, January 1, 2004 From page 204: “Joanne Perez, the wife of vaudeville performer Pepito the Spanish Clown, cleaned out underneath her bed and discovered the only existing copy of the pilot for the TV series I Love Lucy.  Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball had given it to Pepito as a gift.  He guest starred onContinue reading ““Organizing from the Right Side of the Brain”: Joanne Perez Mentioned in Bestselling Book (2004)”

Sunday, June 1, 2003 This is a wonderful video clip from the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society’s 2003 Fairhaven Cemetery historical tour.  Volunteer actors re-enacted the highlights of the lives of some of the famous people interred there, including Pepito Perez (real name Jose Escobar Perez), known in vaudeville and on I Love Lucy asContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito the Spanish Clown Reenactor at Fairhaven Cemetery (2003)”

Tuesday, July 2, 2002 DVD Review of The Lost Pilot of I Love Lucy, from DigitallyObsessed.com In one of those happy accidents that doesn’t happen often enough, the self-financed pilot that Lucy and Desi produced to sell CBS on the idea resurfaced after 40 years, thanks to Joanne Perez, wife of famed Spanish clown PepitoContinue reading “The Lost “I Love Lucy” Pilot Released On DVD (2002)”

Monday, October 29, 2001 NAME:  Ford House/Pepito and Joanne’s Dance Studio ADDRESS:  1502 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706 YEAR BUILT:  1892/Moved 1924. LOCAL REGISTER CATEGORY:  Key HISTORIC DISTRICT:  N/A NEIGHBORHOOD:  Willard NATIONAL REGISTER CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION:  B, C NATIONAL REGISTER STATUS CODE:  5S1 ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: Queen Anne (Late Victorian) DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND RELATED TO PERIOD ARCHITECTURE: The Queen Anne (Late Victorian) (also known asContinue reading “City of Santa Ana Register of Historical Properties: Ford House / Pepito & Joanne’s Dance Studio (2001)”

Monday, January 1, 2001 “… and Pepito, a celebrated Spanish clown who was a fishing buddy of Desi. Part of Pepito’s act involved a cello and a row of horns set up like a xylophone, and he taught Lucille his routine over the course of two weeks with the … “ Source:

Joanne, surrounded by students in the late 1990s. Although she was reliant on a wheelchair, she continued to teach dance classes.

Friday, January 1, 1999 Excerpt: “Bob and Madelyn wrote some sketches for Lucy and Desi’s act, which was billed as “Desi Arnaz and Band with Lucille Ball.” Desi got his old fishing buddy, the internationally famous clown “Pepito,” to come up with some clown routines for Lucy to do.  Pepito also built a Rube Goldberg-type cello for Lucy, equipped with all sorts ofContinue reading “Laughs, Luck…and Lucy: How I Came To Create the Most Popular Sitcom of All Time, by Jess Oppenheimer and Gregg Oppenheimer (1999)”

Sunday, June 26, 1994 Lovers of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz will not want to miss an outstanding new video: the historic, unnamed pilot show that loosely served as the basis for their legendary comedy series “I Love Lucy.” The tape, a CBS Video release, features narration by Lucie Arnaz, Ball and Arnaz’ daughter, as wellContinue reading “Daily Gazette: CBS Video Issues Original Pilot For “I Love Lucy” On VHS (1994)”

Wednesday, June 1, 1994 by Catherine C. Cate  (This article originally appeared in the Summer 1994 issue of “Eye on Santa Ana.”) Behind the iron gates that surround the Victorian-style building at 1502 N. Ross in Santa Ana, California lies a world well known to thousands of aspiring performers:  “The Pepito and Joanne Academy of Dance.”Continue reading “Eye On Santa Ana: Pepito and Joanne, Dancing With the Hollywood Stars (1994)”

Saturday, January 1, 1994 Page 56 … the renowned international Spanish clown Pepito, to devise some p… Page 63: …The first story concerns a TV audition for Ricky, where Pepito, the … Page 153: According to Marcella, Desi came for a visit with his friend Pepito … Source:

Friday, June 18, 1993 1993 Pepito & Joanne Recital: Hansel and Gretel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wzxz94wT6k Friday, June 18, 1993 (first recital of two evening recitals). Fourteen minutes of beautiful angels, baby butterflies, and the grand finale, the Big Butterfly. Link to all 1993 recital video clips. Source: Courtesy of The Laurie Hickman Collection of home movies.

Sunday, February 10, 1991 by Bart Andrews It was inevitable. A movie about Lucille Ball, the American icon, the Queen of Comedy, the First Lady of Television. A shoo-in, a sure-fire ratings-getter. An earlier program, the Dec. 18, 1989, airing of the 1956 “I Love Lucy” Christmas episode garnered CBS a 18.5 rating, placing itContinue reading “Los Angeles Times: No Desi, No “Lucy” – An Author Pieces Together the Teaming that Made TV History (1991)”

Even Lucy and Desi’s Daughter Saw Something Newly Hilarious in the I Love Lucy Pilot Airing This Week Monday, May 7, 1990 Call it “I Found Lucy.” When Joanne Perez, 84, peered under a bed in her Orange County, Calif., home last December, she saw a canister of film labeled Lucy-Desi-Pepito audition. She took it toContinue reading “People Magazine: Lucie Arnaz on Seeing the Lost Pilot: “I Just Laughed” (1990)”

Wednesday, May 2, 1990 NEW YORK (Associated Press) America still loves Lucy — particularly the pilot for what became CBS’s classic “I Love Lucy” series.  No matter that the show was made during the Korean war, when Harry S. Truman was president. By a CBS estimate, 40 million viewers saw “I Love Lucy: The VeryContinue reading “1951 “Lucy” Pilot Beats 1990 Shows (1990)”

Monday, April 30, 1990 “If you are wondering how we got tonight’s film [the Lost Pilot of “I Love Lucy”], my father (Desi Arnaz) gave it to Pepito the Clown as a thank you for guest-starring in the Pilot … but more importantly, for creating my parents’ vaudeville act.  Only after hearing it was missing,Continue reading “VIDEO CLIP: “I Love Lucy, The Very First Show” (1990)”

Monday, April 30, 1990 by Hal Boedeker, Knight-Ridder Newspapers Tonight, CBS will take us back to March 2, 1951, a night television history was made — then lost for almost 40 years. On that day, two characters named Lucy and Ricky Ricardo were born — they were to have been Lucy and Larry Lopez.  TheyContinue reading “CBS Unveils A Long-Lost Episode of ‘I Love Lucy’ (1990)”

Monday, April 30, 1990 by Chris Baker Think you’ve seen every episode of “I Love Lucy” dozens of times? You probably have. But maybe you’ve never seen the sitcom’s “lost” pilot, which CBS aired for the first time on this night in 1990 under the banner “I Love Lucy: The Very First Show.” On March 10,Continue reading “TV Time Capsule: I Love Lucy, The Very First Show (1990)”

Monday, April 30, 1990 by Tom Shales The Washington Post On Dec. 18, 1989, 33 years after its first and only previous broadcast, CBS aired “The I Love Lucy Christmas Show” in prime time. Result: A very healthy 18.6 rating and 28 share, good enough to put the special in sixth place for the week,Continue reading “Washington Post: “Love That ‘Lost’ Lucy” (1990)”

Monday, April 30, 1990 USA TODAY, by Tom Green HOLLYWOOD – Here’s “I Love Lucy,” the home video. Sort of. On March 10, 1951, a five-months-pregnant Lucille Ball and husband Desi Arnaz, with $5,000 out of their own pockets, filmed the pilot for the CBS series that would eventually invent the live audience, three-camera TVContinue reading “USA Today: Decades Later, Lost “Lucy” Pilot Finally Gets On the Air (1990)”

Sunday, April 29, 1990 Byline: Ray Richmond, The Orange County Register  On March 2, 1951, a pilot episode was shot for a televised version of a comedy radio show that Lucille Ball had done called “My Favorite Husband.”  By October of that year, “I Love Lucy” was on the air and starting a six-season, 179-episodeContinue reading “Orange County Register: “And In the Beginning Was ‘Lucy:’” Joanne and the Lost Pilot (1990)”

April 29, 1990 In March of 1951, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz filmed an “audition” for a TV sitcom that premiered as a series on CBS the following October. Since then, the 179 half-hour episodes of I Love Lucy have been seen by millions around the world, but until tonight the March pilot, once believedContinue reading “TV Guide: A Long Lost Gem, the Pilot That Launched Lucy (1990)”

Saturday, April 28, 1990 by Jay Bobbin, Tribune Media Services Just when you thought you’d seen every episode of “I Love Lucy” in existence, here comes one more.   In 1951, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz did a portion of their nightclub act as a pilot for CBS executives, in the hope that a series wouldContinue reading “Tribune Media Services: “I Love Lucy” Pilot Airs (1990)”

Wednesday, April 11, 1990 For those who still love Lucy, there’s more to love. An audition film (these days known as a pilot) for “I Love Lucy,” which runs 34 minutes and has never been seen on television, will be shown in May as part of a CBS special devoted to Lucille Ball. The filmContinue reading “All That’s Left: A Lasting Impression (1990)”

Tuesday, April 10, 1990 By Scott D. Pierce, Television Editor, Deseret News If you still love Lucy, you’re in for a treat.  The “I Love Lucy” pilot has been found, and will be broadcast by CBS next month. For TV buffs, this find ranks up there with discovery of King Tut’s tomb. Most experts believedContinue reading “Deseret News: Long Lost ‘I Love Lucy’ Pilot Is Found (1990)”

Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation’s press, by Greg Braxton Monday, April 9, 1990 “I Love Lucy” Pilot Discovered. The original pilot for “I Love Lucy,” which has been missing for 40 years, has been found under a bed where it had been forgotten for 39Continue reading “Los Angeles Times: “I Love Lucy” Pilot Discovered (1990)”

Sunday, January 25, 1987 (Scroll down to paragraph in red). Thousands of people will videotape Super Bowl XXI today. But fans looking for a copy of the first Super Bowl broadcast — in which the Green Bay Packers trounced the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 and Max McGee grabbed two touchdown passes — are out ofContinue reading “New York Times: Broadcasting Museum Seeks TV’s Self-History (1987)”

Wednesday, September 5, 1984 By Jim O’Connell, The Register For skeptics who believe there is no glamour left in the world, a trip to 1502 N. Ross Street in Santa Ana, California could change their minds.   There, at the Pepito and Joanne Ballet Academy, Joanne Perez is continuing a tradition that was lost when theContinue reading “Orange County Register: Glamorous Lifestyle More Than A Memory For Former Star Joanne Perez (1984)”

Thursday, August 18, 1983 A one-page handwritten letter from the Lucille Ball to long-time friend, Joanne Perez, written on Lucy’s personal stationery. In blue ink, she writes,  “Joanne dear—Thank you for remembering my birthday—hope you had a chance to see some of that marathon on TV. Pepito had a lot to do with our initialContinue reading “Letter From Lucille Ball to Joanne Perez (1983)”

An Excerpt From “The Outspoken Memoirs of ‘Ricky Ricardo’ — The Man Who Loved Lucy” I had a very dear friend named Pepito, who used to go fishing with me. He’s retired now but he was one of the world’s greatest clowns. His billing was “Pepito, the Spanish Clown.” He headlined at the Hippodrome forContinue reading ““A Book” by Desi Arnaz: Pepito’s Contributions to the Lost Pilot for “I Love Lucy” Explained (1976)”

Wednesday, July 23, 1975 Pepito Perez, 79, Orpheum headliner for many years where he was billed as Pepito the Spanish Clown, died July 13, 1975, of cancer at his home in Santa Ana, California.  He had made his residence there for the past 15 years where he and his wife conducted a dance school.   BornContinue reading “Variety: Obituary for Pepito Perez, Pepito the Spanish Clown (1975)”

Wednesday, July 9, 1975 SANTA ANA — Pepito, the ontime court jester to King Alfonso of Spain and a former associate of Lucille Ball, is dead.   The 77-year old famed Spanish clown, who was the “King of the Playmates” in vadevulle for 20 years and a regular on the initial I Love Lucy show, diedContinue reading “Los Angeles Times: Ex-Associate of Lucille Ball, Onetime Spanish Court Jester Dies (1975)”

By Gwen Starr, The Register Sunday, October 3, 1965 Pepito, the world famous Spanish clown who reigned as “King of Playmates” in vaudeville for more than 20 years and who has devoted his life to entertaining children, again shares billing with his talented wife Joanne.  Only now, the marquee is atop an old Santa AnaContinue reading “Santa Ana Register: “Once Spanish Court Jester, He Devotes His Time To Youth” (1965)”

Saturday, April 20, 1957 Recital Cast (list in progress): Leigh Fernandez, Linda Fernandez, Shirley Gardner & ZaZa, Christy Nelson, Steve Nelson, Peggy Oberdorfer, Joanne Perez, Linda Rumph, Nellie Rumph, Ken Tabor. For more like this, jump over to Recital Videos.

Monday, December 17, 1956 I Love Lucy, Season 6, Episode 163, filmed October 25, 1956 at Ren-Mar Studio., aired December 17, 1956. The Ricardos and the Mertzes get more involved than they anticipated in Little Ricky’s school pageant, “The Enchanted Forest.”  The sets and costumes for the pageant were designed by Pepito Perez, and choreographyContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: “I Love Lucy: Little Ricky’s School Pageant” (1956)”

Saturday, June 2, 1956 GIANT JUVENILE PRODUCTION “Varieties of 1956” with a cast of 500 Orange County youngsters will be presented to the public June 20 and 21 at Orange Coast College Auditorium.  Here we see Shirley Gardner of Tustin and “Friend” in one of the scenes from the production.  The program is being presentedContinue reading “Shirley Gardner and Zsa Zsa the Horse (1956)”

Thursday, October 22, 1953 Pepito can be seen briefly in the circus sequence of Paramount’s “Here Come the Girls” with Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney and Fred Clark.  Here Come the Girls Summary: Originally intended as a 3D film, this standard-issue Bob Hope musical comedy was released “flat.” The 50-year-old Hope plays over-aged chorus boy Stanley Snodgrass, whose attemptsContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: “Here Come the Girls” Starring Bob Hope (1953)”

Monday, April 27, 1953 Dean Martin … Larry ToddJerry Lewis … Myron MertzLizabeth Scott … Mary CarrollCarmen Miranda … Carmelita CastinhaPepito Perez … Rowboat Operator Larry Todd (Dean Martin), and Myron Mertz (Jerry Lewis), cross paths with a gangster named “Shorty” when Larry hits on Shorty’s girl. After fleeing from Shorty, they meet an heiress (LizabethContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Scared Stiff” Starring Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis (1953)”

Monday, December 22, 1952 The now-pregnant Lucy tries, for one last time, to “get in the show” as Ricky is putting on a Gay Nineties revue—failing all else, she “crashes” the Barbershop Quartet number (singing Good Night Ladies), leading into a “pie fight” of shaving cream.  Highlights of the episode include the auditions, including Pepito theContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: “I Love Lucy” Episode 52: Lucy’s Show-Biz Swan Song (1952)”

Funny [Ladies?] by Evelyn Harvey October 18, 1952 A bumper crop of professional funny women promise to turn this into a banner year for comedy on stage and TV. A flock of newcomers have joined the select handful of comediennes, the ladies of the sagging seams and flap-toed shoes, who have long been in aContinue reading “Colliers Magazine: Illustration of Lucille Ball Playing the Loaded Cello (1952)”

Monday, November 19, 1951 The I Love Lucy episode titled “The Audition” first aired on November 19, 1951.  Lucy’s act as the dim professor with the uncooperative cello is the vaudeville routine that Pepito taught her. unfortunately, Pepito does not appear as himself in Episode 6 to reprise his role from the Lost Pilot. Instead his role wasContinue reading ““I Love Lucy” Season 1 Episode 6, “The Audition” (1951)”

Thursday, November 1, 1951 The Raging Tide stars Richard Conte as San Francisco crime boss Bruno Felkin. After killing off a rival, Felkin tries to arrange an alibi with his girlfriend Connie Thatcher (Shelley Winters). Unfortunately, she isn’t available, obliging Felkin to hide out on a fishing boat owned by Ilmael Linder (Charles Bickford) until Connie canContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: “The Raging Tide” Starring Richard Conte & Shelley Winters (1951)”

Friday, October 12, 1951 Watch it here thanks to the wonders of YouTube.  This may be the only movie footage in existence from the I Love Lucy audience’s point of view.  A member of the audience at the filming of I Love Lucy Episode 6, “The Audition” shot this 8mm color footage from the grandstand seating using aContinue reading “VIDEO: Rare On-Set Color Footage of the Filming of “I Love Lucy” Season 1 Episode 6, “The Audition” (1951)”

Friday, August 17, 1951 Pepito Trivia Challenge: if you spot Pepito (Jose Escobar Perez) in his uncredited role in the original major motion picture release Iron Man, use the email link below to let us know in which scenes he appears. Synopsis: Iron Man is a 1951 American film noir drama sport film directed by JosephContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Iron Man” Starring Jeff Chandler & Rock Hudson (1951)”

Friday, March 2, 1951 On March 2, 1951, Jess Oppenheimer registered his treatment with the Screen Writer’s Guild for the pilot episode of “I Love Lucy.”  The final paragraph:  “The first story concerns a TV audition for Ricky, where Pepito, the clown, due to an accident, fails to appear and Lucy takes his place for the show. Continue reading “Jess Oppenheimer’s Treatment for the “I Love Lucy” Pilot (1951)”

Friday, March 2, 1951 Pepito played a large supporting role as himself, Pepito the Spanish Clown, in the pilot for the “I Love Lucy” show.   Five months pregnant, Lucy stepped before the live TV cameras at Studio A at CBS headquarters on Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street on March 2, 1951, to do the “auditionContinue reading ““I Love Lucy: The Lost Pilot” (1951)”

Wednesday, November 1, 1950 In the Alan Ladd action-adventure drama Branded, Pepito Perez (real name, Jose Escobar Perez) has a small, uncredited role.   Synopsis: Twenty-five years ago the Lavery baby was kidnapped. Alan Ladd plays Choya, a bandit who poses as the long-lost son of a wealthy Texas rancher to gain the Lavery estate. Shamed by theContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Branded” Starring Alan Ladd (1950)”

Thursday, June 1, 1950 Pepito devised the famous cello routine for Lucy, and built the trick cello from an old cello he bought in a pawn shop.  In fact, he came up with an entire vaudeville act for Lucy and Desi to perform around the United States, to prove to television executives that the publicContinue reading “Pepito + Lucy = The Cello Routine (1950)”

The Hotel Del Coronado near San Diego, California was instrumental in helping to launch the careers of some television giants. In fact, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz retreated to The Del in 1950 to polish their comedy routine under the direction of “Pepito the Spanish Clown,” a renowned vaudeville performer. They stayed at “The Del” for aContinue reading “Pepito, Lucy and Desi Rehearse Vaudeville Act at the Hotel Del Coronado (1950)”

Friday, November 25, 1949 In “Red, Hot and Blue,” an aspiring actress’ rising career is threatened when she finds a dead gangster in her apartment. Eleanor Collier (Betty Hutton) is taken hostage by gangster Hair-Do Lempke, who demands that she name his boss’s killer. Eleanor is unable to name the murderer, but buys time byContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Red, Hot and Blue” Starring Betty Hutton & Victor Mature (1949)”

Thursday, June 2, 1949 After retiring from performing on the road, Joanne Perez began her career as a dance teacher. During World War II, she taught dance in her converted garage studio on Balboa Island in Newport Beach.  Very quickly, she had over 100 students, and began opening more dance school locations around Orange County,Continue reading “Pepito & Joanne’s First Dance School Location in Santa Ana (1949)”

NEWPORT-BALBOA PRESS, PAGE 7—PART II THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1948. Pepito, “playmate of kings” and official court jester for the Spanish Crown under King Alfonso, chewed on a theatrical-looking cigar and spoke of clowns. “In Spain and Europe, generally clowns enjoyed the dignified status of dramatic artists,” Pepito said, comparing the position of the beloved fraternityContinue reading “Pepito, Spain’s Court Jester, Recalls Glittering Era (1948)”

December 25, 1947 Pepito Perez (real name, Jose Escobar Perez) has a small, uncredited role as the Dignified Gentleman at a wedding reception, in the Bob Hope-Bing Crosby-Dorothy Lamour movie Road to Rio (1947). 

Wednesday, August 27, 1947 Pepito Perez (real name, Jose Escobar Perez) has an uncredited role as “Gypsy Boy” in this Ray Milland and Marlene Dietrich adventure film, “Golden Earrings.”    In the fight scene, Pepito is a mustached man with shoulder-length dark hair, a vest, and a gold earring, seated on the ground in a clusterContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Golden Earrings” Starring Ray Milland & Marlene Dietrich (1947)”

Sunday, December 1, 1946 https://www.imdb.com/video/vi2914779417?

Monday, December 3, 1945 Pepito Perez [Actor …. Angel’s chauffeur] (uncredited) Actors: Dorothy Lamour, Arturo de Cordova, Patric Knowles, Ann DvorakSynopsis: Masquerade in Mexico is Mitchell Leisen’s remake of his own Midnight. Stranded in Mexico City without a dime, glamorous Angel O’Reilly (Dorothy Lamour) is rescued by wealthy Thomas Grant (Patric Knowles). But Grant’s motivations are anything but altrustic. InContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Masquerade in Mexico” Starring Dorothy Lamour & Arturo deCordova (1945)”

Monday, April 16, 1945 Pepito, the famous clown, was signed for an important role in the Dorothy Lamour – Arturo de Cordova co-starrer, “A Medal For Benny,” at the Liberty Theater. Pepito plays a paisano with authority and for a good reason. He was born in Barcelona and started his circus career with the Circo ParischContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “A Medal For Benny” Starring Dorothy Lamour & Arturo deCordova (1945)”

Monday, January 1, 1945 For those of us who were dance students at the Pepito And Joanne Academy of Dance in Santa Ana, California, this framed and signed photo was a familiar sight in a place of honor in Joanne’s dark-paneled studio.  Inscribed by Lucille Ball, “For Joanne and Pepito, Our Love and Gratitude Always,Continue reading “Signed Portrait “For Joanne and Pepito, Our Love and Gratitude Always, Lucy and Desi” (1945)”

Saturday, January 1, 1944 Pepito the Spanish Clown in the Ginger Rogers motion picture, “Lady In the Dark.” This is the only COLOR imagery known to exist of Pepito in his famous clown costume. Pepito is the clown in the green coat, on the left side of the screen, leaning over the edge of the spectatorContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Lady in the Dark” Starring Ginger Rogers & Ray Milland (1944)”

June 1, 1943 Pepito operated his own deep sea fishing charter boat after he and Joanne retired from “the road” at the outset of World War II. One of his customers was the famous actor, Gary Cooper. Mr. Cooper inscribed this photo “To Pepito, with my kindest regards and thanks — I’m fishin — GaryContinue reading “Autographed Photo: To Pepito, From Gary Cooper (1943)”

Sunday, May 16, 1943 HOLLYWOOD – If you want to brighten the day for the kids, and for anybody else you know, you can tell them that Pepito, probably the most famous clown of this generation and the one which preceded it, is back on the job — in Hollywood. Two years ago, Pepito putContinue reading “Pittsburgh Press: Famous Clown Pepito in Hollywood (1943)”

Tuesday, March 23, 1943 HOLLYWOOD, March 22, 1943 (U.P.) — You’ve probably never stopped to think about clowns — and their troubles.  They’ve got ‘em, and the more famous the clown, the worse his woe.   Take Pepito, who is the greatest clown of them all.  For years he traveled the world with the 14-inch cigarContinue reading “Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pepito the Famed Clown a Very Happy Guy Again (1943)”

Sunday, March 21, 1943 By Frederick C. Othman  United Press Hollywood Correspondent  HOLLYWOOD – You’ve probably never stopped to think about clowns, and their troubles. They’ve got ’em and the more famous the clown, the worse his woe. Take Pepito, who is the greatest clown of them all. For years he traveled the world with theContinue reading “United Press: Pepito is Clowning Happy (1943)”

Sunday, December 8, 1940 GRACEFUL Juanita, one of the dancers with ‘International Scandals,’ coming to the Egyptian for two days only.”  This was Joanne Perez’s final publicity photo pose. She began her career in vaudeville in 1926 as an acrobatic dancer and pianist, joined up with Pepito at age 20 as his female foil andContinue reading “Ogden Standard Examiner: Graceful Juanita, One of the Dancers With International Scandals (1940)”

THE PLAYWRIGHTS’ COMPANY     Downtown Show Winds Up Today  Sunday, December 17, 1939 East Bay theatergoers will have their last opportunity today to see the combination stage and screen show now showing at the Downtown Theater. Stage and radio stars combine in a vaudeville program on the Downtown stage, including “Pepito the Clown with Juanita,” Gray and Kathleen,Continue reading “Oakland Tribune: The Playwrights’ Company Downtown Show Winds Up Today (1939)”

Headlining the current Post Street vaudeville which runs through Sunday, is Pepito, famous Spanish clown who was brought to this country by the old Radio-Keith circuit. This veteran funster, who recently was seen running around in the motion picture “Annabelle Takes a Tour” with Lucille Ball and Jack Oakie, made yesterday’s initial audience howl withContinue reading “Spokane Daily Chronicle: Veteran Funster Pepito Tops Post Bill (1939)”

Friday, November 11, 1938 This is when, and where, and how Pepito first met Lucille Ball, in 1938 on the set of RKO’s “Annabel Takes a Tour.”  It was the beginning of a friendship and creative partnership that would heavily influence the genesis in 1951 of one of the most famous television shows of allContinue reading “VIDEO: Pepito’s Filmography: “Annabel Takes a Tour” Starring Lucille Ball (1938)”

Friday, July 15, 1938 A rare publicity still of Pepito in the role of “Pedro,” a frenetic musician, in the RKO motion picture “Army Girl”, 1938. The star of the film, actor Preston Foster, had recently pledged to help Pepito to launch a Hollywood career. Foster was also a marlin fishing buddy of Pepito’s, andContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: “Army Girl” Starring Preston Foster (1938)”

Saturday, January 1, 1938 Pepito plays the role of “Chico” in the 1938 motion picture from RKO Studio, “Tropic Holiday.” Pepito puts his pantomime skills to hilarious good use, teaching Martha Raye’s character, Midge, how to be a matador in a bullfight. Movie Review: Dorothy Lamour and Ray Milland, a popular Paramount screen team specializingContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: “Tropic Holiday” Starring Dorothy Lamour, Ray Milland and Martha Raye (1938)”

Sunday, December 20, 1936 “Odd and Interesting” Column by Read Kendall Preston Foster is sponsoring a film career for Pepito, internationally known clown from Barcelona, Spain.  He predicts that with the right material, Pepito would become an outstanding comedian on the screen.” Source: Los Angeles Times, December 20, 1936, Page C2 More on Preston Foster:Continue reading “Los Angeles Times: Pepito Mentioned In “Odd and Interesting” Gossip Column (1936)”

Thursday, April 9, 1936 RENO’S NEW SENSATION! PEPITO With Juanita Marion Daniels Mahon & Rucker Betty Gordon Peggy Strickland THE COUNTRY CLUBRENO’S ACE OF CLUBS Photographic print of “PEPITO” The Famous Spanish Clown, as seen on Ebay in January, 2008.  The photograph is inscribed (in Spanish) “To mis buenos amigos y notables artistas de baileContinue reading “Reno Evening Gazette: Reno’s New Sensation, Pepito With Juanita (1936)”

Saturday, March 28, 1936 Pepito, famous clown, from the 365 Club, San Francisco, Thursday will open an engagement at the Country Club.  One of his best gags is his voice, which he has trained to do everything from sing grand opera to make noises in Walt Disney cartoons.   Pepito owns a lion farm, two yachts,Continue reading “Nevada State Journal: Pepito Is Coming To Country Club (1936)”

June 1, 1934 Sally Rand’s Fan Dance at the Italian Village, Chicago World’s Fair, 1934.  Sally Rand was infamous for performing a “nude” fan dance outdoors at the Fair. According to Joanne, Sally wasn’t completely nude; rather she was wearing a very sheer leotard, which helped her to get around the laws against public nudityContinue reading “VIDEO: Sally Rand’s Fan Dance at the Chicago World’s Fair (1934)”

October 28, 1933 Glorious Stage and Screen Attractions! On The Stage, Pepito, the Famous Spanish Clown and His Musical Revue of 1933. 15 Sensational Entertainers. Stage Riot of the Season … Direct From the New York Roxy to You. In addition to the screen feature and short subjects there is to be a stage attractionContinue reading “San Pedro News Pilot: Pepito the Famous Spanish Clown & His Musical Revue of 1933”

Wednesday, June 28, 1933 One aspect of my research is to try to locate family members of Pepito and Joanne, to see if they have any photos, clippings, or scrapbooks to contribute to this research project.  Finding anything like that in someone’s attic would be a big help to my research.  Unfortunately, Pepito’s wife, JoanneContinue reading “Seeking the Descendants of Clara Falcy Raddatz Foy (1933)”

Thursday, October 1, 1931 Pepito the celebrated Spanish clown, is the owner of a Matthews cruiser equipped with a Sterling Petrel 180-200 H.P. engine.  Many members of the profession are yachtsmen. The ownership of a motor boat, allows relaxation, enjoyment and health…crowning ultimates of good living.  Check the sizes of engines used in stock cruisers. Continue reading “Yachting Magazine: Pepito the Spanish Clown Advertisement For Matthews Boats and Sterling Petrel Engines (1931)”

WEDNESDAY EVENING, Oakland, California, JULY 29, 1931  Pepito, noted Spanish fun maker, will be a feature of The Oakland Tribune theater party Monday evening at the Orpheum. Pepito will meet the boys personally on the mezzanine of the theater. Besides his act, there are lots of other big numbers on the program.  Theater party toContinue reading “Oakland Tribune: Famous Clown Coming (1931)”

Pepito, celebrated Spanish clown who is familiar to patrons of R.K.O. theaters throughout the United States, recently purchased a 38-foot Matthews single cabin sport cruiser of the type shown on this page. Pepito, also illustrated herewith in the wheelhouse of his new boat, will bring his new ship to Los Angeles, its home port, whenContinue reading “Pacific Motor Boat Magazine: Famous Clown Pepito Takes to Motor Boating In Matthews 38 Sport Cruiser (1931)”

Monday, May 11, 1931 He is a clown, but he never worked under a circus tent. (See footnote 1).  He speaks his English with a pronounced accent, but he is an American citizen. (2) His features are as handsome as those of any reigning screen favorite, but he greets his public behind a grotesque maskContinue reading “Toledo News-Bee: Old Funny-Face Pepito Is Handsome Young Man Who Played Opposite Garbo (1931)”

Monday, April 20, 1931 Pepito has a good act which should prove a treat to all the youngsters in town, abounding in all the young nonsense which one has to learn to laugh at when one is 6, if one laughs at all.  His costumes are, as always, striking.  His impersonation of the famous pianist with which he concludesContinue reading “Rochester Democrat Chronicle: Pepito Admits His First Choice Is Angling for Sea’s Game Fish (1931)”

When one is so gifted that one can choose between a career as a concert pianist and that of a specialty acrobatic dancer, then one is gifted indeed.  That’s the dilemma Juanita*, blonde partner of Pepito, Keith’s clown, found herself in during the early days of her career. Juanita, whose full name off stage isContinue reading “Syracuse Herald: Juanita Falcy’s Dilemma, Concert Pianist or Acrobatic Dancer? (1931)”

Thursday, March 26, 1931 On the stage, the buoyant humor of Pepito, the Spanish clown, is the outstanding feature of a better than average vaudeville program.  Pepito has many tricks in his bag and all are novel, from his method of ventriloquism to his imitation of a hungry infant and his thoroughly delightful travesty ofContinue reading “Pepito and Juanita at RKO Proctor Theater, Schenectady, NY (1931)”

Saturday, February 21, 1931 Pepito, the famous Spanish clown will contribute his share in making the bill entertaining.  Pepito can do anything in mimicry and pantomime, from crowing like a rooster to imitating a baby crying when its milk bottle is taken away.  Strange as it seem, one of the greatest clowns in the showContinue reading “Brooklyn Daily Star: Pepito the Spanish Clown On Vaudeville Bill At RKO Flushing Theater (1931)”

Spanish Clown, Appearing At Orpheum, Was Once Court Jester to King of Spain; Owns and Trains Lions For Motion Picture Work January 16, 1931 Backstage in a vaudeville house is always an interesting place to be while the acts are on.  Stage managers and assistants wander about in smocks; time and cue sheets are posted on a bulletinContinue reading “Wisconsin State Journal: A Short Talk With Pepito Uncovers a Lively Life (1931)”

Wednesday, July 2, 1930 VARIETY, July 2, 1930, page 54 PALACE (Straight Vaudeville) A very good vaude bill on paper and on the stage was badly slowed up, if not hurt, twice Saturday by useless and unrequired encores.  The first happened in Pepito’s turn, No. 2, and the next in Gus Edwards’ revised act, opening after intermission.  At leastContinue reading “Variety Review: Pepito (and Joanne) at The Palace in Times Square, New York (1930)”

Pepito the Spanish Clown is featured on the same programme.  His clowning includes imitations of birds and animals and a bit of cycling on a miniature wheel.  He is assisted by Juanita, called Juanita the Versatile.  [That would be Joanne].  She plays several instruments, dances and is a contortionist.  Pepito was first clown of theContinue reading “Calgary Daily Herald: Pepito the Spanish Clown and Juanita the Versatile (1930)”

Thursday, September 12, 1929 The second RKO bill, presented at Proctor’s yesterday, is up to the standard set at the opening of the week, and line up to the HKO promise of bigger and better vaudeville. “Flashlights,” a dance flash act that is quite out of the ordinary, is the headliner of the bill.  TwoContinue reading “Schenectady Gazette: Dance Flash Act and Pepito On Second RKO Bill At Proctor’s (1929)”

Thursday, June 27, 1929 By Helen S. Brown, Syracuse Journal By all means take the kids to Keith’s before the week is over.  The bill is made for them, and they’ll adore it.  First come Ike Rose’s midgets—a troupe of talented little mites from the four corners of the earth.  Among the most notable ofContinue reading “Syracuse Journal: Rose’s Midgets & Pepito Please Kids at Keith’s Theater (1929)”

Wednesday, August 1, 1928 The caricature of Pepito the Spanish Clown, above, was drawn by Australian caricaturist and journalist Kerwin Maegraith.  He was a true Aussie larrikin who encountered the most famous people of his time from the 1920s to the 1960s.  He knew and drew Picasso in Paris, Einstein and Lawrence of Arabia inContinue reading “Pepito the Clown Caricature by Kerwin Maegraith (1928)”

Margaret “Joanne” Zettler in a frame from Pepito & Joanne’s 16mm home movies, circa 1928-1929.

Monday, June 25, 1928 It’s No Joke.  Pepito, famous clown, proposed to Joan Falcy (above), beautiful dancer, and she accepted.  The couple, now appearing at Fox theater here, will be married at sea and will tour world on honeymoon.  (Los Angeles Daily News photo). Keywords: Pepito the Spanish Clown Pepito the Clown Jose Escobar PerezContinue reading “Los Angeles Daily News: Pretty Dancer to Wed Clown (1928)”

Saturday, June 23, 1928 It is unknown whether Pepito Perez was in the cast, or the crew, of this John Gilbert picture at MGM, but in a 1931 interview, Pepito mentioned having been involved with the film.  According to the Turner Classic Movies website, “The Cossacks” is not available on home video at this time. NEWContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: The Cossacks (1928)”

It is unknown whether Pepito Perez was in the cast, or whether it was the crew, of this Lon Chaney picture at MGM, but in a 1931 interview, Pepito mentioned having been involved with the film.  Click here to see the clips and info at Turner Classic Movies.

Sunday, March 25, 1928 Try this on your bumper” dares Miss Joan Falcy, contortionist at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, as she demonstrates her talents on the bumper of a smart Oakland six sports roadster from Reeve Gartzman, Inc., Oakland-Pontiac distributors here. Looks to be Difficult Feat, Los Angeles Times – ProQuest Archiver – Mar 25, 1928Continue reading “Los Angeles Times: Looks to Be Difficult Feat (1928)”

January 31, 1928 Rare footage and screen captures of the Hollywood premiere of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Circus” are collected here from multiple sources.  Each showing of the motion picture was accompanied by a live pre-show, called a “prologue”  in the parlance of the day when vaudeville commonly shared the same stage with films.  This liveContinue reading ““The Ballyhoo,” Sid Grauman’s Prologue to Charlie Chaplin’s Motion Picture “The Circus” (1928)”

January 1, 1928 The 1928 premiere of of Charlie Chaplin’s movie “The Circus” at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre Hollywood included a live stage prologue (a stage show before the movie) called the “Ballyhoo.”  Chaplin wanted an actual three ring circus to precede the screening of the movie, to fit the theme of his film, but byContinue reading “Pepito Meets Joanne: Their Matchmaker Was Charlie Chaplin (1928)”

January 1, 1928 Margaret Shorey, also known as Peggy Shorey, was the first American vaudeville partner for Pepito the Spanish Clown, circa 1924-1928.  She sang, played the guitar like a Spanish senorita, did a “snake-charmer” number with her trumpet, and assisted Pepito with the clown routines.  I believe Margaret quit Pepito’s act in January ofContinue reading “Seeking the Descendants of Margaret Shorey”

Thursday, September 1, 1927 It is unknown whether Pepito Perez was in the cast, or perhaps it was the crew, of this Syd Chaplin picture at Warner Brothers, but in a 1931 interview, Pepito mentioned having been involved with the film.  According to the Turner Classic Movies website, “The Missing Link” is not available onContinue reading “Pepito’s Filmography: “The Missing Link” (1927)”

February 5, 1927 Pepito & Rosita* newspaper advertisement for vaudeville performances at the West Coast Cabrillo Theatre, 7th & Palos Verdes, San Pedro, California. *Rosita was the stage name of Peggy Shorey, birth name Margaret Shorey. Source: San Pedro News Pilot, Volume 14, Number 108, page 3, 5 February 1927

Saturday, January 1, 1927 When the estate of Joanne Perez, widow of Pepito the Spanish Clown, was liquidated in stages from 2004 through 2008, many items from their home and their personal memorabilia were auctioned off, or sold on Ebay.  One of the lucky bidders was Todd Hoover, an art and photography collector.  Although heContinue reading “Pepito the Spanish Clown and His First “Lion” Act (1927)”

“Joann Falcy, a Twisting Marvel,” was literally born with one leg behind her head, and a natural ability for contorting her body. As a baby, she slept in the crib with her legs in a split position, causing her mother to worry that she might be deformed, but doctors assured her mother, Mrs. Janet ZettlerContinue reading “The Eugene Guard: A Twisting Marvel, Miss Joann Falcy (1926)”

Friday, May 14, 1926 The Milwaukee Sentinel Seventeen years ago Mrs. William Zettler, then living a 247 Twenty-Second Street, prayed that her baby should be perfect. When Joann* arrived her left leg was snugly situated over her left shoulder.  As an infant she slept comfortably in a perfect split position.  Mrs. Zettler worried and calledContinue reading “Milwaukee Sentinel: Joann Falcy ‘Comes Home’ (1926)”

Wednesday, May 12, 1926 Entering the world 17 years ago with her left leg situated behind her head, Joann Zettler, formerly of 247 Twenty-Second Street, yesterday had an X-ray taken to discover her flexible secret. Source: Milwaukee Sentinel, May 12, 1926.

Friday, January 29, 1926 Pepito, who appears at the Bardavon Theater this week, is not merely a clown, nor merely a Spanish clown.  He should be called the Clown de Luxe.  For no opportunity is lost to make his stage setting unusual and effective.  When the curtain goes up on an African desert and revealsContinue reading “Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle: Pepito’s Clown Tricks Make Hit At Bardavon Theater (1926)”

Monday, December 7, 1925 This is a real gem:  a 1925 newspaper feature article about Pepito the Spanish Clown, aka Jose Escobar Perez, and his first stage partner, Peggy Shorey, aka Margaret Shorey, who performed together from 1924-1928.   Margaret Shorey’s specialty was playing the guitar and singing songs like a Spanish senorita, even thoughContinue reading “Nationally Syndicated Feature: “How the Clown Won Back the Beauty From the King” (1925)”

Wednesday, July 29, 1925 Pepito, also known as Jose Escobar, acrobatic clown, was given judgment in a suit brought against him by Burt Earle, concessioner who claimed half of “Pepito’s” earnings for five years under an alleged contract. Escobar speaks no English and was aided in the suit by Margaret Shorey, his stage partner. EscobarContinue reading “Variety: Pepito Wins Judgment in Lawsuit Against Agent Burt Earle (1925)”

Saturday, April 4, 1925 Pepito, the world renowned Spanish clown offers, a wealth of entertainment amid beautiful settings and gorgeous costumes.  He is the master mimic of them all, and his specialties are wonderful and amazing. Miss Rosita* adds much to the offering with a saxophone solo and a cornet duet with another artist thatContinue reading “Watertown New York Daily Times: Big Time Keith Bill at Avon; Pepito the World Renowned Spanish Clown Offers A Wealth of Entertainment (1925)”

Friday, April 3, 1925 One of the best programs of vaudeville that Watertown, New York theater goers have had the opportunity of seeing in a long time is now at the Avon theater and it promises to please all of the patrons of the theater who attend the Avon this week.  There are two realContinue reading “Watertown New York Daily Times: Avon Bill Has Two Headliners; Pepito Makes Return Visit (1925)”

Sunday, October 19, 1924 Embleton Helps Pepito to Spread Happiness Among Orphans of City. Pepito, clown at The Majestic recently, is shown here in action, spreading happiness among the orphans of San Antonio (Texas). Through the courtesy of the Embleton Motor Company, he was carried to the various orphanages and hospitals in a Moon [automobile].Continue reading “The San Francisco Light: Pepito, the Spanish Clown, Photographed Atop a Moon Automobile in San Antonio, Texas (1924)”

Tuesday, October 7, 1924 Oh-h-, lookee ! — His shoes don’t fit!” “Lookit ‘im, he’s a real clown — an’ the beautiful lady!” These and other breathless exclamations were coming from several hundred youngsters who fairly swarmed over the fence of the Protestant Orphans’ Home, when Pepito, headline clown attraction at the Majestic, and Rosita (Margaret Shorey), his attractive young assistant, and other membersContinue reading “San Antonio Express: Famous Clown Gladdens Hearts of Little Cripples and Orphans With Funny Act (1924)”

Tuesday, October 7, 1924 By Henry Brenner The San Antonio Light Out of the classic French pages stalks Poum-Poum — Poum-Poum, the clown who made a little boy’s heart glad, the clown who was the idol of the little invalid’s dreams.  And into the murk and dust of the West Side of San Antonio a modern Poum-Poum carried a beam ofContinue reading “The San Antonio Light: Spanish Clown Gladdens Kiddies; Majestic Fun Maker Goes to See Orphans and Crippled Children (1924)”

Sunday, October 5, 1924 SCOTT AND PEPITO ON NEW MAJESTIC BILL Opera Star and Clown Share Headline Honors—Much Diversity Vaudeville essentially is a show with a wide diversity of entertainment.  The bill that opens at the Majestic Theater this afternoon is therefore a real vaudeville bill, for the acts run the gamut of entertainment possibilities and variety.  Mimicry in its highest stage shares theContinue reading “San Antonio Express: Scott and Pepito on New Majestic Bill (1924)”

Tuesday, April 1, 1924 “The Spice of Variety.  Song, Dance and Comedy Unite to Animate the Two-A-Day.“ PEPITO, a new phase of the Spanish vogue.  The debonair clown from Madrid has been a wholly captivating addition to the native funmakers.” BOBBY FOLSOM:  A singing comedienne of rare humor and precision, attended by her own band,Continue reading “Theatre Magazine: Pepito the Spanish Clown (1924)”

Thursday, February 14, 1924 Pepito the Spanish Clown, in a newspaper advertisement for a booking at The Orpheum Theater in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 1924. Source: From page 7 of  http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/pdfs/ubyssey/UBYSSEY_1924_02_14.pdf

1924 After discovering this photograph of Pepito the Spanish Clown atop a sweet-countenanced pachyderm, I became fascinated with Power’s Dancing Elephants.   Power’s Elephants were four amazing trained elephants who performed at the Hippodrome from 1905 to 1923, and also toured in vaudeville and circuses.  In 1926 they left America and toured throughout Europe for eleven years,Continue reading “Pepito the Spanish Clown and Power’s Dancing Elephants, Two Orpheum Vaudeville Acts (1924)”

Sunday, November 18, 1923 by Ben Barnett New York Morning Telegraph For versatility and novelty this act must be judged as having a good chance to eventually find lucrative engagements in the big-time theatres. The only fault with it now is that, when it is all over, something seems to be lacking—a sort of condiment to a good and abbreviated vaudeville menuContinue reading “New York Morning Telegraph: Review of Pepito the Spanish Clown at Proctor’s Fifth Avenue Theater (1923)”

Thursday, March 1, 1923 Pepito, the Spanish Clown, really does imitations but presents them as a clown, and introduces a comedy stunt with an auto which is the predominant hit of the act.   The special drop shows a desert and an abandoned auto.  After some comedy in which an imitation of a dog barkingContinue reading “Variety Magazine: Pepito Reviewed For First Time By Top Theater and Vaudeville Weekly (1923)”

FORSAKES ART TO BECOME CLOWN FORTUNE LOST, GIVES UP CAREER AS A PAINTER PEPITO, SPANIARD, HERE Vaudeville Performer Made Hit On Stage With Caricatures  Until Persuaded to Join Clown Act — Now Learning English Language Watertown, New York DAILY TIMES November 14, 1922 (Melani Carty’s note:  This is the earliest U.S. newspaper article I haveContinue reading “Watertown Daily Times: Pepito Forsakes Art to Become Clown (1922)”

Thursday, June 22, 1922 After the death of Joanne Perez in 2004, her entire estate was liquidated, and the proceeds benefitted Biola University in Southern California.  One of the items that was sold was Pepito’s scrapbook.  The current whereabouts of this fabulous scrapbook are unknown.  It is my hope that the current owner will contactContinue reading “Scrapbook: Pepito As “Mac-Wills” With Los Egochagas in Oaxaca, Mexico (1922)”

Sunday, February 6, 1921 TEATRO CIRCO BARCELONES MAC WILLS El comico de los comicos. Celebre imitador, parodista excentrico. NOTA:  MAC-WILLS con su vis comica inagotable ha merecido por unanimidad el califlcativo del Rey del Chiste e invita a todas las personal serias y refractarias a la risa a presenciar su actuacion, si quieren curar suContinue reading “La Vanguardia: Pepito as “Mac-Wills” at Teatro Circo Barcelones, Spain (1921)”

Saturday, November 6, 1920 SANTOS & ARTIGAS “Blue” Circus Doing Well in South America The following notes from the Santos & Artigas Circus, mailed at Para, Brazil, South America, September 17, 1920, were received by The Billboard last week: At present there are two other circuses in this city besides the Santos & Artigas “Blue”Continue reading “Billboard Magazine: The Minutos, Polidor, Pepito and Carmelo, Clowns with Santos & Artigas Circus in Brazil (1920)”

Sunday, May 2, 1920 Mac-Wills. El comico de los comicos. Risa continua, carcajadas a granel.   Gran exito en los principales teatro de Europa y America.  Verdadera novedad en Barcelona. Exito entusiasta, clamoroso aplausos a la sensacional atraccion. Mac-Wills The comedian of comedians. Continuous laughter, laughter in bulk. Great success in the principal theaters ofContinue reading “La Vanguardia: Pepito as “Mac-Wills,” Appearing at Teatro Circo Barcelona, Spain (1920)”

Saturday, December 20, 1919 Thruout the Entire World and sincerely hope for a Prosperous and Happy New Year CHAS. L. SASSE* GENERAL REPRESENTATIVE 300 West 49th Street, NEW YORK Suite 610  Telephone: Bryant 7720 FANTINO TROUPE (4) AERIAL TEETH NOVELTY CARL EUGER TROUPE NOTED EUROPEAN ACROBATS MR. AND MRS. EMIL PALLENBERG’S CELEBRATED BEAR ACT Baader-LavelleContinue reading “Billboard Magazine: Pepito, Cuban Clown, In Charles L. Sasse Agency Advertisement (1919)”

Thursday, December 18, 1919 Buenos Aires, Argentina The Santos & Artigas Circus is at present playing at The Coliseo, a beautiful theater at Buenos Aires, Argentina, for a seven weeks’ engagement. The company reached here after a safe trip over the Andes Mountains from Santiago, Chile, a three-day trip climbing 15,000 feet thru huge snow drifts.Continue reading “Billboard Magazine: Pepito and Carmelo in Santos & Artigas Circus in Argentina (1919)”

Sunday, December 15, 1918 EL CIRCO AZUL DE “SANTOS Y ARTIGAS” … como clown, el gracioso Pepito, idolo de los ninos. Translation: “The Blue Circus of Santos & Artigas….with clown, the funny Pepito, idol of the children.” Sources: 1918-12-15 El Imparcial newspaper, Havana, Cuba, page  7. http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00098570/00013/citation http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00098570/00013/7j

Saturday, December 14, 1918 SANTOS Y ARTIGAS CIRCO Has Splendid Opening — May Wirth is Well Received — Numerous Features in Reserve for Changing of Bill Messrs. Santos and Artigas have again successfully launched their Santos y Artigas Circo at the Payret Theater, Havana, Cuba, and since the opening have enjoyed enormous business, the houseContinue reading “Billboard Magazine: Pepito, Musical Clown, With Circo Santos y Artigas in Cuba (1918)”

In Cuba, in the winter of 1917-1918, Pepito Perez appeared as a clown with the Santos & Artigas Circus.  However, even though I have researched his career and studied his photographs and papers, I would never have known that he was ever in Cuba, or that he performed in a circus — if not forContinue reading “Pepito the Spanish Clown Mentioned in Tiny Kline’s Memoir “Circus Queen & Tinker Bell” (1917)”

July 21, 1917 Pubillones Circus Doing Splendid Business in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico The Pubillones Circus closed this season only for a few days, while the Cuban revolution lasted. At present the show is in Merida, Yucatan, doing splendid business, and will close until October.  The new show for the winter season will then open andContinue reading “Billboard Magazine: Pepito With Pubillones Circus in Mexico (1917)”

This rare photo of Pepito, the Spanish Clown, is from the personal collection of his great-nephew, Raymond Escobar.  It is the earliest known photograph of Pepito, whose real name was Jose Escobar Perez.  Pepito was born in Barcelona, Spain in 1890, and as a young man he became an entertainer.  He came to the UnitedContinue reading “Photograph: Pepito as Mr. Hermhan the Clown, Circo Parish, Madrid, Spain (1916)”

Among the items from Joanne Perez’s estate which were sold in 2004-2005, was this intriguing lithograph of the Circo Parish Compania Internacional, Madrid, Spain.  Presumably, this lithograph was one of the prized possessions of her husband, Pepito the Spanish Clown. According to old interviews, Pepito was with Circo Parish for five years.  Exact dates areContinue reading “Lithograph: Circo Parish Compania Internacional, Madrid, Spain (circa 1916)”

PUBILLONES OPENS IN HAVANA, CUBA November 21, 1914. The Pubillones Circus opens Thursday night in the Politeama Theater to a packed house of the elite of Havana.  Many Americans were here also to see the big opening of the Barnum of Cuba. The show went through without a hitch, with Joe Miller, of the RinglingContinue reading “Billboard Magazine: Pepito and Augusto in Pubillones Circus in Cuba (1914)”

I have in my archive, an old newspaper clipping of an interview with Pepito in which he definitively states that he modeled his clown costume on a Little Nemo in Slumberland comic strip that he saw in the streets of Barcelona when he was a young art student.  Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winsor_McCay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Nemo

Follow these links to an online treasure trove of vaudeville history at the Library of Congress: Bob Hope and American Variety – Vaudeville http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/bobhope/vaude.html Bob Hope and American Variety – The Bill http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/bobhope/thebill.html The American Variety Stage:  Vaudeville and Popular Entertainment 1870-1920 http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/vshtml/vshome.html List of Variety Stage Films http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/vshtml/vsfmlst.html From the early 1880s to theContinue reading “Vaudeville Treasure Trove Online at the Library of Congress (1870-1930)”

This is the text of a handwritten memorandum by John Zetteler.  He wrote it in 1865 after returning home from the Civil War.   John Zetteler was the grandfather of Emery John Schilling, He was also the grandfather of Margaret Zettler, whose name later became Joanne Perez, our Joanne. John Zetteler was great-grandfather of DonContinue reading “Memmorandom of W. John Zetteler, Grandfather of Margaret “Joanne” Zettler Perez (1865)”