[65][186] Richard Findlater, author of a 1955 Grimaldi biography, commented: "Here is Joey the Clown, the first of 10,000 Joeys who took their name from him; here is the genius of English fun, in the holiday splendour of his reign at Sadler's Wells and Covent Garden ... during his lifetime [Grimaldi] was generally acclaimed as the funniest and best-loved man in the British theatre. Joseph Grimaldi is accredited to being the inventor of the modern clown, whether that’s character clown, white face or even auguste, its all due to his interactive style that he invented in 1801. William Grimaldi, Joseph Grimaldi and a daughter from another relationship, Catherine, all performed together in a Christmas pantomime in 1789, appearing as "the three young Grimaldis". Our editors will review what youâve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [5], Grimaldi's father, Joseph Giuseppe Grimaldi (c. 1713â1788), an actor and dancer (known professionally as Giuseppe or "the Signor"), also made his way to London in around 1760. [155] He also started working for Richard Brinsley Peake, namesake of Richard Brinsley Sheridan,[156] who was the dramaturge at the English Opera House. "Hot Codlins" was composed by John Whitaker. [147], In May 1821, Grimaldi collapsed after a performance of Undine; or, the Spirit of the Waters. As a result audiences were small, and the show's box-office takings suffered. The production was a hit, and the new costume design was copied by others in London. In the first, he appeared as Hock the German soldier and a drunken sailor in Thomas Dibdin's melodrama The Sixes; or, The Fiends at Sadler's Wells to an audience of 2,000 people. The pantomime was a success, and Grimaldi received rave reviews. [73] Grimaldi began to appear in provincial theatres, with the first appearance being in Rochester, Kent, in 1801. [2][n 12], By 1812, despite Grimaldi's success as a performer, he was close to bankruptcy as a result of his wife's extravagant spending, a number of thefts by his accountant and the cost of maintaining both an idyllic country lifestyle and his son JS's private education. His popularity in London led to a demand for him to appear in provincial theatres throughout England, where he commanded large fees. Joseph Grimaldi was an English actor and dancer, who became the most popular English entertainer of the Regency era. According to Grimaldi's biographer Andrew McConnell Stott, it was one of the most important theatrical designs of the 1800s. [23] Although Grimaldi struggled with reading and writing, he showed a talent for art, as evidenced by some of his drawings that survive in the Harvard Theatre Collection. [157] The early end to his career, worries about money, and the uncertainty over his son's future made him increasingly depressed. The most influential such in Victorian England were William Payne and his sons the Payne Brothers , the latter active during the 1860s and 1870s. In 1806 he joined Covent Garden Theatre, where, in the pantomime Harlequin Mother Goose, he enjoyed his greatest success. [81] Although eager to have his son follow him onto the stage, Grimaldi felt that it was more important for the boy to have an education and eventually enrolled him at Mr Ford's Academy. [103], Perhaps the best-known of Grimaldi's pantomimes was Thomas Dibdin's Harlequin and Mother Goose; or, The Golden Egg, which opened on 29 December 1806 at the Covent Garden Theatre. [180] The Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi, illustrated by George Cruikshank, sold well, to Dickens's surprise. He became resentful of his father and publicly shunned any association with him. In 1822 his health began to fail and he was unable to fulfill his remaining commitments at Covent Garden. The show was a disaster and closed after one night. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Biography. Towards the end of the 1790s, Grimaldi starred in a pantomime version of Robinson Crusoe, which confirmed his credentials as a key pantomime performer. [58], With the Christmas season approaching, and the success of Peter Wilkins still a topic of conversation within theatrical circles, Kemble decided to stage the first Drury Lane pantomime in three years, Harlequin Amulet; or, The Magick of Mona, with Grimaldi as Punch and then as Clown, instead of Dubois. The production was a major success for the theatre, enhanced by Michael Kelly's musical score;[87] however Grimaldi and the critics grew concerned that the theatre was underusing his talents and that he was miscast in the role. [102] Grimaldi, who considered the role of Orson to be the most physically and mentally demanding of his career, nevertheless performed the part with enthusiasm on tour in the provinces. [146] These ailments did not affect his desire to perform. [189][190] In 2010 a coffin-shaped musical memorial dedicated to Grimaldi, made of musical floor tiles, was installed in Joseph Grimaldi Park. It’s rarely remembered that as well as his novels and periodicals, Dickens also put his name to a biography of Joseph Grimaldi. Joseph Grimald (1778 - 1837), one of the greatest English clowns and pantomimes of all time, was born in London to an Italian ballet-master and a dancer in the theatre’s corps-de-ballet. ", which prompted audience members to respond "Yes! The roles he took in these productions were eccentric and usually reserved for low comedians. Sheridan paid him an above-average wage of £1 a week at Drury Lane,[32] and allowed his mother to work at Drury Lane as a dancer. For a number of years he appeared at two theatres nightly, running from one to the other. Joseph Grimaldi was a real individual who lived in the late 18th century. He then appeared in another Dibdin play, The Great Devil. He became so dominant on the London comic stage that the harlequinade role of Clown became known as "Joey", and both the nickname and Grimaldi's whiteface make-up design were, and still are, used by other types of clowns. Notes and emendations on the plays of Shakspere, from a recently-discovered annotated copy by the late J. Grimaldi. [26] One evening, Grimaldi was playing the part of a monkey and was led onto the stage by his father, who had attached a chain to Grimaldi's waist. Dismayed at their failure, they abandoned the idea of suicide. Be the first to contribute! Joseph Samuel "JS" Grimaldi Joseph Samuel William Grimaldi (21 November 1802 – 10 December 1832), better known as J. S. Grimaldi or JS Grimaldi, was an English stage actor, comedian and dancer, who frequently played the role of Clown in the harlequinades that … [51][n 8], In 1798, Drury Lane suspended its tradition of staging an annual Christmas pantomime, which meant that Grimaldi had to seek work elsewhere during the festive period. America's first great whiteface clown was stage star George "G.L." [129][n 15] Grimaldi briefly left Sadler's Wells in 1815 to conduct a tour of the northern provincial theatres. His dismissal from Drury Lane was short-lived, and he was reinstated within a few months[74] in a revival of Harlequin Amulet. The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi: Laughter, Madness and the Story of Britain's Greatest Comedian by Andrew McConnell Stott Simon Callow is enchanted by a lively biography … [121] Byron was in awe at meeting the famous Clown, stating that he felt "great and unbounded satisfaction in becoming acquainted with a man of such rare and profound talents". [181][n 19], Grimaldi's fame was established primarily by his numerous successes as Clown in pantomimes. See also. Take advantage of our Presidents' Day bonus! [76] Later in 1802, Dubois left the Sadler's Wells company, making Grimaldi the sole resident Clown. Grimaldi saw him only once more in his life. Grimaldi is the first episcopal vicar to be installed a pastor while still serving as episcopal vicar. Grimaldi's mother was in the cast, appearing as the Butcher's Wife. In his new association with the Covent Garden theatre, he appeared at the end of the same year in Thomas John Dibdin's Harlequin and Mother Goose; or, The Golden Egg, which included perhaps his best known portrayal of Clown. [142] Dibdin left Sadler's Wells that year; his fortunes changed rapidly for the worse, and he spent time in a debtors' prison. He outlived both his wife and his actor son, Joseph Samuel, dying at home in Islington in 1837, aged 58. [1] In the early 1800s, he expanded the role of Clown in the harlequinade that formed part of British pantomimes, notably at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and the Sadler's Wells and Covent Garden theatres. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Biography submission guide. [92] That October, however, the theatre reduced his wages. Many productions followed, but his career at Drury Lane was becoming turbulent, and he left the theatre in 1806. Following English Joseph Grimaldi, Fox popularised the Humpty Dumpty stories throughout the land in the first half of the 19th century in America. The Dibdins leased the theatre,[99] but it was badly in need of repair. [172], Mary died in 1834, and Grimaldi moved to 33 Southampton Street, Islington,[172] where he spent the last few years of his life alone as a depressed alcoholic. TIMESTAMPS 0.00 Intro 1.13 Initial Notes 2.47 Family History 5.41 Pantomime Side Note Joseph Grimaldi, as this fast-paced, rumbustious biography shows, invented the figure of the classic clown that we know today, both in his dress and larcenous antics and in … [113] The production regularly played to packed audiences. Grimaldi came from a family of dancers and entertainers and made his debut as a dancer at age four at the Sadlerâs Wells Theatre. However, the person who could entertain others and make them laugh was not able to laugh. [148][n 17] In the early 1820s, Grimaldi made a brief recovery and held a six-week engagement at the Coburg Theatre where he appeared as Clown in Salmagundi; or, the Clown's Dish of All Sorts; a pantomime which ran for a week before being replaced by Disputes in China; or, Harlequin and the Hong Merchants. He was the second son of Honoré III, Prince of Monaco and his Genovese wife Maria Caterina Brignole-Sale. [109][110] Critics thought differently, attributing the pantomime's success to Grimaldi's performance. Grimaldi's residencies at Covent Garden and Sadler's Wells ran simultaneously, and he became known as London's leading Clown and comic entertainer, enjoying many successes at both theatres. Amid great expectations, he appeared at the Covent Garden Theatre on 9 October 1806 playing Orson opposite Charles Farley's Valentine in Thomas Dibdin's Valentine and Orson. The death of Grimaldi’s father when he was nine plunged the family into debt. JS became an alcoholic and was increasingly unreliable. [54] Despite Dubois' "endless bag of tricks [and] vast array of skills", his performance appeared artificial, in contrast to Grimaldi, who was better able to "draw the audience into believing the essential comedic qualities" of Clown. Beside biography of Joseph Grimaldi, we also provide a lot of biographies of other famous people. D'Egville's debut production was Terpsichore's Return, in which Grimaldi played Pan, a role which he considered to be one of his best assignments to date. He was so extravagantly natural, that [no one was] ashamed to laugh till tears coursed down their cheeks at Joe and his comicalities. There he performed the role of Pantaloon opposite John Rich's Harlequin. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. A critic from The Times remarked that the pair's death scene together was "truely affecting" [sic]. [122] Grimaldi returned to London to star as Queen Ronabellyana with much success in the Covent Garden Christmas pantomime, Harlequin and the Red Dwarf; or, The Adamant Rock. To the memory of Mr. Joseph Grimaldi who departed this life May 31st 1837, aged 58 years. "[184] The British dramatist James Planché worried, in a rhymed couplet, that Grimaldi's death meant the end of a genre: "Pantomime's best days are fled; Grimaldi, Barnes, Bologna dead! [n 4] Giuseppe, who often displayed eccentric and obsessive behaviour, was a strict disciplinarian and often beat his children for disobeying his orders. [117] Later in 1810, he appeared in Birmingham in a benefit performance in aid of his sister-in-law. [60][61] In this production, Harlequin became "romantic and mercurial, instead of mischievous", leaving Grimaldi's Clown as the "undisputed agent" of chaos. 2009 A Serious Man (best boy electric - as Joseph L. Grimaldi) 2008 Revolutionary Road (assistant chief lighting technician - as Joe Grimaldi) 2008/I Doubt (best boy electric - as Joe Grimaldi) [44] The Drury Lane management were eager to capitalise on his success, and later that year he was cast in Lodoiska, a Parisian hit adapted for the London stage by Kemble. He starred as Rufo the Robber in Red Riding Hood, as Sir John Bull in New Broom and Aminadab in Susanna Centlivre's A Bold Stroke for a Wife. Grimaldi was born in Clare Market, in Westminster, London, into a family of dancers and comic performers. McConnell Stott believes that Giuseppe fathered a third son with Brooker, named William, in about 1786. [40] Grimaldi worked as Dubois' assistant, although in later life he denied that he had been the Frenchman's student. [100] The Dibdin company, with Grimaldi, transferred to the nearby Crow Street Theatre where they performed a benefit concert in aid of Astley's. Other pantomimes followed at Sadler's Wells that year, including The Talking Bird, in which he played Clown, and he also played Clown in productions at the Surrey Theatre and Covent Garden â a challenging schedule. The Cheltenham Spa was famous for its supposedly curative powers. We therefore shake our heads and say 'Ah! [2] According to Grimaldi's biographer Andrew McConnell Stott, Giovanni was held in the Paris Bastille as the result of a scandalous performance. [75], Sadler's Wells closed for refurbishment at the end of its 1801 season and re-opened on 19 April 1802; Grimaldi returned to take a major role in the Easter pantomime, for which he designed the look of his recurring Clown character "Joey". The bronze tiles are tuned so that when danced upon it is possible to play "Hot Codlins". Despite the rehearsals being cut short due to Grimaldi's rapidly deteriorating health, critics praised his performances. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). [150], In 1822, Grimaldi travelled to Cheltenham, in poor health, to fulfil an engagement as Clown by another actor in Harlequin and the Ogress; or, the Sleeping Beauty in the Wood. Grimaldi played the part of Pedro, a servant to Cinderella's sisters. The Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi By Andrew McConnell Stott Andrew McConnell Stott, author of The Pantomime Life of Joseph Grimaldi, introduces the life and memoirs of the most famous and celebrated of English clowns. He was later engaged by David Garrick to play Pantaloon in pantomimes at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, earning high praise,[8] and eventually became the ballet master there. Grimaldi donated his salary to help pay for the renovation of the theatre. [53][54] For this elaborate production, which featured two Clowns (Dubois and Grimaldi), Dibdin introduced new costume designs. In his last years, Grimaldi lived in relative obscurity and became a depressed, impoverished alcoholic. [19] At the same time, he was a prolific performer at Sadler's Wells where he played a host of minor roles, including monkeys, imps, fairies and demons. He accepted on the proviso that his wages be increased for the show's entire run and not just until a new dancing instructor was found. [96][n 10] He was engaged to appear at Astley's Theatre in Dublin, in a play by Thomas Dibdin and his brother Charles. [17], On Boxing Day 1781, Grimaldi took the part of Little Clown in the pantomime The Triumph of Mirth; or, Harlequin's Wedding at Drury Lane. [63][64] He also was known for the mischievous catchphrase "Shall I? As a child, Dickens saw Grimaldi perform at the Star Theatre, Rochester, in 1820. Memoirs of Joseph Grimaldi. On 21 April 1794, the new Drury Lane theatre opened, and Grimaldi, now 15 years old, resumed his place as one of the principal juvenile performers. Grimaldi's association with Sadler's Wells came to an end in 1820, chiefly as a result of his deteriorating relationship with the theatre's management. Theatre rules were adopted nationwide and were often enforced vigorously. His great-grandfather, John Baptist Grimaldi, was a dentist by trade and an amateur performer, who in the 1730s moved from Italy to England. The extra £2 that he had been promised had been deducted from his salary when Terpsichore closed, and he approached Thomas Dibdin for advice. [93] Grimaldi wrote to Thomas Harris, the manager of the Covent Garden Theatre, hoping to persuade him to stage Christmas pantomimes. [169] He moved out later that year and died at his lodgings on 11 December 1832, aged 30. [6][n 2] His first London appearance was at the King's Theatre. [135], At Easter 1819, in The Talking Bird, or, Perizade Columbine,[2] he introduced perhaps his best known song "Hot Codlins", an audience participation song about a seller of roasted apples who gets drunk on gin while working the streets of London. Grimaldi consistently won. [72] There was no Christmas 1801 or Easter 1802 pantomime at Drury Lane, and Kemble noticed a reduction in his theatre's audiences. Joseph Grimaldi biography, pictures, credits,quotes and more... assistant chief lighting technician, best boy electric, gaffer Egerton wanted to keep Grimaldi on the payroll but proposed loaning him to other theatres. Two years later, at Sadler's Wells, he played the role of Hag Morad in the Thomas John Dibdin Christmas pantomime The Talisman; or, Harlequin Made Happy.
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