Fratellini family

Fratellini family

European circus family best known for the Fratellini Brothers clown trio—Paul (1877–1940), François (1879–1951), and Albert (1886–1961). They grew up in the circus, where their father was a trapeze artist and acrobat. They worked as clowns in pairs until their eldest brother died in 1909, whereupon they formed their unique triple act. The makeup Albert designed for himself—high black brows, exaggerated mouth, and bulbous red nose—influenced that of many later clowns. The brothers toured in Europe and Russia before joining the Cirque Medrano in Paris, where they were widely admired for their wit and charm. Many of their children became successful clowns, notably Paul's son Victor (1901–79) and granddaughter Annie (1932–97).