Lew Anderson was an American actor who is best known for The Howdy Doody Show, The New Howdy Doody Show, and It’s Howdy Doody Time. He made a significant impact in children’s television with his role as Clarabell the Clown.
Personal and Family Life
Lew Anderson was born on May 7, 1922, in Kirkman, Iowa. He was married to Margaret (Peggy) George until his death and had two children. He was previously married to Lee Anderson, but that marriage ended in divorce. Throughout his life, he was deeply involved in music and entertainment.
Career
Anderson was part of the All-American Big Band, which featured talented musicians from various performance backgrounds. During World War II, he started a band while in the Navy. After the war, he toured the Midwest and later settled in New York, where he joined the Honey Dreamers. This singing group led him to meet Buffalo Bob Smith and take on the clown persona that became his trademark.
Death and Legacy
Lew Anderson passed away on May 14, 2006, in Hawthorne, New York, due to complications from prostate cancer. His work, especially on The Howdy Doody Show, left a lasting impression on children’s television. He is remembered fondly for his contributions to entertainment and music.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Howdy Doody’s Christmas | 1951-11-30 | Clarabell the Clown |
| Howdy Doody | 1947-12-27 | Clarabell the Clown |