FRANKIE SALUTO (1906 – 1982)
Frankie Saluto, whiteface circus clown, was inducted into the 1991 Clown Hall of Fame
Short in stature, but Frankie Saluto quickly became big in clowning circles. He began clowning in 1928. Shortly afterwards joined the Ringling Brothers Circus. He became known as the whiteface dwarf with the large live rabbit. His career also included an interpretation of a miniature Charlie Chaplin. He was a member of the Ringling Giants, a midget baseball team that promoted the circus.
Frankie Saluto had the distinction of being chosen as the “most popular clown with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey“. He was awarded a diamond stickpin for this honor. Frankie Saluto was pictured frequently in circus programs. He also appears in many books on circus and clowning. He retired at age 65 after 46 years of clowning.
Be sure to check out the Frankie Saluto photo gallery as well. Also, his official website, run by his descendants – FrankieSaluto.com