Frank Avruch

US television’s most popular clown and Unicef Ambassador

Longtime US TV personality and entertainer Frank Avruch, the star of popular children’s TV show Bozo the Clown, has died. He was 89.

Avruch died on Tuesday at his Boston home from heart disease, his family said .

From 1959 to 1970 Avruch played Bozo, a clown character particularly popular in the US in the 1960s. Avruch became the first nationally syndicated Bozo the Clown.

“He had a heart of gold,” manager Stuart Hersh said, “He brought the Bozo the Clown character to life better than anyone else’s portrayal of Bozo the Clown.”

Avruch also was a contributor to Boston’s WCVB-TV for more than 40 years as a host of Man About Town and The Great Entertainment.

He was an active philanthropist and a board member of Uunicef’s New England chapter. He toured the world performing as Bozo the clown for the organisation. “He touched so many people with his portrayal,” Hersh said.

Avruch is survived by his wife Betty, sons Matthew and Steven and grandchildren.

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”, his family said. “Our dad loved the children of all ages who remembered being on his show and was always grateful for their kind words.”