Red Skelton, beloved American comedic actor, passed away peacefully on September 17, 1997, at age 84. Skelton was born June 6, 1913, in Vincennes, Indiana. He was best known for his work in vaudeville, burlesque, Broadway, radio, television, and motion pictures. He was a star in two of his own television shows, The Red Skelton Show and The Red Skelton Hour, which ran for two decades, from 1951 to 1971. He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1968 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980. He had a passion for painting, sculpture and writing. In addition to his acting career, he wrote 28 books of short stories, poetry and gags and earned a Tony nomination and five drama awards. Skelton will always be remembered for his “clean and wholesome” comedy, his slapstick and clownish antics, and his dedication to making people laugh. His legacy will live on, as his works and his character will be remembered for generations to come.