Quotes by Emmett Kelly

“Incongruity, they say, is one of the main ingredients of humor. Maybe its because everybody can feel superior to me. I honestly dont know.”

“Weary Willie is very real to me. He is a man who has given up. The boat has gone and left him. The cards are stacked against him. Hes content to make out with what hes got. He knows hell go no further.”

“I dont feel funny inside when Im this hobo character. Im a misfit (as Weary Willie). Life is passing me by. Maybe its Willies attempt at a little dignity in spite of everything that tickles folks.”

“I havent had a stationary home since going with the circus, but since my parents lived in Lafayette about 25 years ago and my sister lives here now, I always claim it as home.”

“A clowns makeup and character, thats all he has to sell. He loves and believes in that character.”

“I need to keep Willie alive.”

“By laughing at me, the audience really laughs at themselves, and realizing they have done this gives them sort of a spiritual second wind for going back into the battles of life.”

Incongruity, they say, is one of the main ingredients of humor. Maybe its because everybody can feel superior to me. I honestly dont know.

I havent had a stationary home since going with the circus, but since my parents lived in Lafayette about 25 years ago and my sister lives here now, I always claim it as home.