Red Skelton

NARRATOR: This Indiana Bicentennial minute is made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and the law firm of Krieg DeVault.

PAULEY: Red Skelton was born in Vincennes in 1913, performing at the Pantheon theatre as a teen before leaving for vaudeville and radio.

Red Skelton movie posters are shown.

PAULEY: By 30 he was a star, appearing in 35 movies, and 40, a television show spanning 20 years. Who could forget his Clem Kadiddlehopper, Sheriff Deadeye, or his best-known character, Freddie the Freeloader. Skelton also had a highly successful career as an artist.

Black and white videos are shown of Red acting as his various characters on his show, then a picture of an older Skelton painting.

PAULEY: In 1963, Red returned to Vincennes for Red Skelton Day, he rode in a parade in his honor with Governor Matthew Welsh and a bridge was dedicated the Red Skelton Bridge.

Black and white images are shown of Red Skelton in the parade.

PAULEY: “I’ve tried to build a bridge between sadness and happiness,” he said. “I hope you smile from one end to the other.” I’m Jane Pauley.

NARRATOR: This Indiana Bicentennial minute is made possible by the Indiana Historical Society and the law firm of Krieg DeVault.