Q. So, out with it: What’s the best joke anyone has ever played on you?
Well, my husband and I play jokes on each other a lot. I forget what Rich has done to me, but I recently put some cream cheese in his deodorant.
People can’t play a lot of jokes on me, because I’m usually two steps ahead of them.
Q. Considering your status as an icon for the local goof-off community, I was wondering whether you had any inspirational words for any class clowns who may be reading.
To class clowns? Saying what?
Q. Well, maybe these kids feel a little alienated in school, don’t get enough attention or inspiration from people who might write them off. I’m wondering whether you — a successful goof artist — could provide some direction.
There’s a fine line goofing off in school, because teachers can look down on them and say they can’t talk, can’t goof-off and so on.
I was a class clown, and I know that [it requires] a special type of personality: loving people, willing to look people straight in the eye and be honest.
A class clown is actually an extremely honest person who still likes to have a laugh now and then.
Just do it at the right time, not the wrong time.
Q. Recently, I saw a report conducted by the University of Sheffield that found clowns are almost “universally disliked by kids.” I wonder: In a post-John Wayne Gacy, Pennywise [child-eating homicidal clown from Stephen King’s “It”] world, is the golden age of clowning doomed?
People aren’t scared of me. Look, clowning is an art. You have to allow the child to approach you. I never approach a child.
