7 Surprising Facts About BigTop The Clown (Richard Melendy) And His Post-Circus Career

The world of classic circus arts continues to evolve, and BigTop the Clown, known in real life as Richard Melendy, is a prime example of a performer who has successfully transitioned his skills to a new era of entertainment. As of December 15, 2025, Melendy remains an active and popular figure, captivating audiences not under the iconic three-ring spectacle of the Big Top but in local communities across the Pacific Northwest. His journey from one of the most prestigious positions in the clown world to a beloved regional entertainer and instructor offers a fascinating look at the enduring power of laughter.

Far from retiring his oversized shoes after his time with the legendary Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Richard Melendy has dedicated his current career to bringing the magic of the "Greatest Show on Earth" directly to families and aspiring performers. The shift from the massive scale of a traveling circus to intimate, hands-on clown workshops and local children's entertainment has made BigTop a cherished local icon, ensuring the legacy of traditional clowning continues for a new generation. We dive deep into his career, from the Clown College to his current role as a mentor.

The Man Behind the Makeup: Richard Melendy's Biography and Profile

Richard Melendy, the performer behind the cheerful face paint of BigTop the Clown, represents a lineage of highly trained circus clowns. While a full, public-facing biography with personal dates remains private, his professional profile is defined by his time with the most famous circus in history and his subsequent work as a community educator.

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• Clown Name: BigTop the Clown (sometimes stylized as BigTop the Clown).
• Real Name: Richard Melendy.
• Primary Affiliation (Past): Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
• Circus Unit: The coveted Red Unit.
• Notable Performance Era: Confirmed to have performed with the 133rd Edition of the show (c. 2003).
• Current Location/Area: Popular area entertainer in the Pacific Northwest (including areas like Kennewick, WA, and Hermiston, OR).
• Current Focus: Children's entertainment, face painting, balloon sculptures, and teaching clown workshops.
• Training: Implied graduate or trainee of the legendary Ringling Brothers Clown College, a training ground for the best in the business.

From Ringling's Red Unit to the Greatest Show on Earth

The journey to becoming a Ringling Brothers clown is intensely competitive, often requiring graduation from the Ringling Brothers Clown College, which operated from 1968 to 2017. Richard Melendy's role as a former Red Unit clown places him among an elite group of performers. The Red Unit, one of the circus’s two major touring companies (the other being the Blue Unit), was responsible for bringing "The Greatest Show On Earth" to millions of spectators across the country.

Melendy’s time on the road, particularly with the 133rd Edition of the show, involved mastering the unique demands of three-ring circus performance. This environment requires a versatile performer capable of large-scale physical comedy, known as "walk-arounds," and participating in massive production numbers. Unlike the Tramp clown or Auguste clown characters seen in smaller venues, a Ringling clown must project their persona to the highest seats in the arena, a skill that defines the difference between a local entertainer and a world-class circus artist.

The experience gained in the clown alley—the backstage area where clowns prepare—is invaluable. It is a place of intense creative collaboration and professional discipline. Melendy's experience here, performing alongside other famous circus figures, provided him with a deep understanding of physical comedy, timing, and audience engagement, which he now leverages in his independent career. His former affiliation with the Ringling Brothers is not just a footnote; it is the foundation of his topical authority in the world of circus arts.

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BigTop's New Chapter: Clown Workshops and Pacific Northwest Entertainment

In the wake of the original Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus closing in 2017 (before its relaunch in 2023), many performers found new avenues for their art. Richard Melendy's transition has been particularly successful in the Pacific Northwest, where he has established himself as a premier family entertainer. His current activities, as of the latest reports, demonstrate a commitment to both performance and education.

1. The Pacific Northwest's Beloved Local Icon

BigTop the Clown is frequently a featured act at local festivals and community events in the region. He is known for his versatile performance offerings, which extend beyond a traditional stage show. These services include professional balloon twisting, intricate face painting, and engaging walk-around entertainment. This localized, high-touch approach contrasts sharply with the massive, impersonal scale of a national touring circus, allowing him to build a personal relationship with his audience.

2. Teaching the Next Generation: Clown Workshops

One of the most unique and current aspects of Melendy's career is his dedication to instruction. He actively conducts "Clown Workshops" designed to teach the fundamentals of clowning to children, typically in the 8 to 13 age range. These workshops are not merely for fun; they are a direct transfer of the professional skills learned in the circus. They cover basic mime, character development, and the art of physical comedy, helping young participants discover and express their "funny side."

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3. Bridging Generations with Laughter

Melendy's reach extends beyond children. He has also been noted for giving clowning workshops at senior communities, such as Riderwood Village. This intergenerational work highlights the therapeutic and connective power of laughter and improvisation. By teaching the basics of a Whiteface clown or Character clown persona, he helps people of all ages engage in creative expression and social interaction.

4. The Enduring Value of the Circus Arts

Richard Melendy’s continued work as BigTop the Clown demonstrates the enduring relevance of the circus tradition. His ability to adapt his high-level professional expertise to local events—from birthday parties to municipal celebrations—shows that the magic of the Big Top can be found anywhere. His efforts in the Pacific Northwest are crucial for keeping the art form alive and inspiring future generations of entertainers and jugglers.

In an age where digital entertainment dominates, the hands-on, joyful experience provided by BigTop the Clown is a refreshing reminder of the power of live performance. Richard Melendy is not just a former circus star; he is a dedicated teacher and a vital part of the contemporary entertainment landscape, ensuring that the spirit of the Red Unit and the Greatest Show on Earth lives on, one balloon animal and one workshop at a time.