Becoming Bozo: Inside the WGN Make-up Room as Bob Bell transforms

From deep inside the WGN-TV archives, circa 1984, the legendary Bob Bell gets into character as he applies the make-up that turned him into a fun-loving clown. Bob Bell retired in 1984 after 23 years of portraying the character. Backstory with Larry Potash airs Saturday nights at 6:30 on WGN. Catch up on previous seasons of Backstory with the podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[@timzyrkowski9461]

Can’t tell you how much joy that man brought me!
You certainly don’t know what you’ve got, until it’s gone.
Thank you Bob.

[@jlouis4407]

RIP thanks for the memories

[@marblox9300]

OMG - can't believe all that work putting on that costume and makeup every day. These people really earned their position as Chicago Celebrities. I watched Bozo every day at lunchtime from school. I would get home about 12:15 - eat lunch and about 20 minutes to 1:00 head back to school. EVERY DAY during the week was like this. We even went to one BOZO Circus Show . The studio seemed small compared to TV. I was actually AFRAID of being picked for the Grand Prize Game. The thought of me being on live television scared the heck out of me.

[@silverpalmz6024]

Thank u Bob

[@kevcakes5318]

looks very modern for something from 1984 the way they shot it

[@brandonsofola9411]

Always wondered what he really looked like

[@matthewfarmer2520]

Now that awesome, I thought it was going to finish how he get his costume on as well. I grew up watching it on WGN Chicago network years ago in the 80s as a kid. I was born 1976 so as a kid in the 80s I watch it in the morning.

[@Technus]

Amazing putting on all that make up before every show

[@ron78tht74]

Thats wild

[@ThePHILALLENSHOW]

awesome we love you bob bell RIP

[@matimus100]

He wasn't a Christian

[@StacyLesley]

@@matimus100 whats that gotta do with anything??

[@cliftonbowers6376]

​@@matimus100u make many hate your faith so please get a college degree ..or you will be an idiot ..😮

[@cliftonbowers6376]

​@@StacyLesleysister I slapped back..told it to get an education hopefully it will become human ..maybe ?

[@susanfit47]

Release history of Bozo the Clown:
Syndicated: 1949
1960-2001 WGN

[@pamparker4047]

I loved bob bell

[@Walkerlovevtbers]

Bob bell is best clown

[@robertcroxtonjr.7623]

that's so cool. what kind of make up is that? and can it be used to dress up as the members of the rock band kiss?

[@John-ed8iy]

"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" Episode I, Clownius

[@Punkneverdies]

I’m scared for this dude kinda lol and I wanna be a clown 😂❤❤❤ RIP Bozo we will miss you honey

[@roxyf]

Love and Miss the greatest clown in the world ty Bob Bell for all your smiles and love xo

[@prosperity4444]

Where's his 50 assistants

[@BrianRetro]

I wonder how he was able to see while putting on his makeup (or do his performance) since he was blind in one eye.

[@PhilVerryChannel]

He was only impaired, not fully blind.

[@midnightradio1707]

He used his other eye.

[@oldfarmshow]

👍❤️

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

I never would have thought he’d have such a deep beautiful baritone voice and he was a handsome man… shame he wore that nightmare fuel outfit

[@immasoxfanbaby]

Now woman do this everyday

[@thoughtsurferzone5012]

Crusty.

[@cliftonbowers6376]

Yes I love Crusty he's so real .

[@cliftonbowers6376]

I think he was in the white house before yalls current leader...😮

[@cliftonbowers6376]

Dad played golf with ..😮

[@Vaginaninja]

Who on Earth ever thought anyone wanted to watch people dressed this way? It's ridiculous