Cairoli, Charlie, 1910 - 1980
Dates
- Existence: 15 February 1910 - 17 February 1980
Biography
Hubert Jean Charles Cairoli was an Italian-English clown, impressionist and musician.
Cairoli was born in Affori, Milan, Italy to a travelling circus family of French origin, he began his performing career at the age of seven, under the name 'Carletto'. In his twenties, he was performing around Europe with his father as The Cairoli Brothers, a knockabout acrobatic act.
Cairoli first appeared at the Blackpool Tower Circus in 1939 just as the Second World War broke out and became the Tower’s resident clown for the following forty years.
Cairoli achieved worldwide fame appearing in circuses, films, television, theatres in the UK America and Europe and regularly performed in variety shows and pantomime.
He was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1970 when he was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at London's Wembley Arena.
Cairoli retired in November 1979 at 69 due to ill health and died a year later on 17 February 1980.
In February 2000 in Blackpool, Cairoli was awarded a posthumous Lifetime Achievement award from the World's Fair circus newspaper.
His son, Charlie Cairoli Junior, adapted the role his father had made famous, although performing more cabaret and pantomime rather than in the circus.
Found in 89 Collections and/or Records:
Posters, c1800 - 2011
A wide range of British and international circus and menagerie posters ranging from the 19th to the 21st century including Astley's Amphitheatre, Pablo Fanque, Polito, Bostock and Wombwell, Ducrow, Cooke, Hengler, Sanger, Smart, Gerry Cottle, Bertram Mills, Chipperfield's, Robert Brothers, Fossett, Blackpool Tower, Billy Russell, Belle Vue, Great Yarmouth Hippodrome, Austen Brothers and many more.
Posters, c1937 - 1989
A collection of posters printed by Taylor's of Wombwell for music hall and variety, circus, pantomime and fairgrounds.
Programmes, 1938 - 2000
A range of programmes for performances involving magic, as well as other variety performances.
Programmes, c1800 - 2019
A collection of mainly British and international circus programmes and some variety and music hall programmes containing circus acts.
Programmes, 1970 - 1981
Programmes for various British and international circuses including Billy Russell's, Blackpool Tower, Fossett's, Chipperfield's and the Toni Boltini's Circus.
Programmes for Circus, Magic and Variety Shows, c1890 - 1999
Circus, magic and variety show programmes including the Great Ohmy Circus, John Sanger Circus, Bertram Mills Circus and variety shows at various locations in Blackpool, London, Manchester and other theatres in England. Some of the variety performers showcased are Morecambe and Wise, Hetty King, Mae West, Bob Hope, Shirley Bassey, Larry Lamb and Cliff Richards.
Thames Television Invites you to Chipperfield's Circus Programme, c1970 - 1979
Roy Hudd, ringmaster, Las Ballan, cycling troupe, Duo Nowinski perch act, Laner Brothers Wild West, Charlie Cairoli and company clowns, Gene Mendez high wire and animals. 4p.p.
Thames Television Invites you to Chipperfield's Circus Programme, c1970 - 1979
Roy Hudd, ringmaster, Markus with Rosita, balancing and strongman, balancing act, The Saltas trapeze, and animals, Charlie Cairoli and company clowns and animals, Signed by Roy hudd, 4p.p.