A curtain story has sadly been drawn to an icon of many ages, as famed personality and beloved clown Frank Avruch died. A long time presenter for WCVB-TV, Avurch passed away from heat disease on Tuesday, March 20th at his home in Boston, according to his family. Avurch is best known for playing the titular clown Bozo in the original syndication of Bozo the Clown on television from 1959 to 1970, even touring around the country in his character.
A national icon and the most iconic representation of the character, he has “touched so many people with his portrayal” Stuart Hersh alluded to the Associated Press. The former manager also described that Avruch “had a heart of gold.”
In addition to his fame as Bozo the Clown, Avurch had also hosted other shows in local Boston with “Sunday Open House”, “The Good Day Show”, “Man About Town”, “The Great Entertainment” and “Sunday Live!” He also contributed to “Good Day”. Prior to his 40 years of television career, Avurch had specialized in radio and was a graduate from the Boston University. He had retired back in 1995.
The family has issued the following statement on the passing of Avurch:
“While it’s hard to say goodbye, we celebrate the legacy of joy and laughter he brought to millions of children around the world as Bozo the Clown on TV and as a UNICEF Ambassador and later as host of Channel 5’s Great Entertainment and Boston’s Man About Town. Our dad loved the children of all ages who remembered being on his show and was always grateful for their kind words. We will miss him greatly.”
At 89, he is survived by his wife Betty Avruch, two sons Matthew and Steven and grandchildren. His funeral is scheduled for Friday.