Joe "Skippy" Schmitt

Our Thanks to Joe Schmitt for providing this information.

Growing up in New York City, Joe was fortunate to see many circuses, In the spring: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey played Madison Square Garden in NYC, Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. was in the Long Island Arena in Commack. Joe also saw Frank Wirth, Hunt Bros. and Fleckles Circus in West Hempstead long Island, (years later Joe's first professional appearance would be with Fleckles Circus).

As a youngster Joe would make circuses out of his toys and then play dates in the various rooms of his family home. Around age 11 Joe began performing magic. This activity eventually led to his career as a magician and magical clown.

As a youngster, Joe played many dates in the New York City area, his father was a great help in the transportation department.

At the age of fifteen appeared on television's "Wonderrama" show with Sonny Fox, this was a big thrill for young Joe.

In 1969 Joe joined the Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. Circus as a clown. There he met seasoned clowns Eddie Dullum and Jim Kelly under whom he apprenticed. Dullum and Kelly mentored young Joe on makeup, wardrobe, traditional clown gags and how to market himself .

In Joe's career he traveled with some of the largest shows on the road including: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. Circus, Clyde Bros. Circus, Hamid Morton, Kelly Miller, Roberts Bros, Fisher Bros..

In 1998 Joe and his former partner Michele Malvern, bought property in Valdosta, Georgia where he now lives Joe and Michelle have split however remain good friends.

Today Joe tours Georgia and Florida festivals & events with novelties, games and a sideshow museum.