Facts About Red Skelton

It seems his talent is sometimes overlooked.

Creative Commons: jay galvin

I’ve enjoyed comedy from a very early age. I was watching Red Skelton from the time I was about seven years old. Even then I could appreciate his comedic talents. He played a variety of characters, as well as delivering a monologue. The monologue often included two seagulls, Gertrude and Heathcliff.

As I’ve gotten older, I came to realize that Red was also a very interesting guy, who, in addition to doing comedy, was also a painter of note. Here are some things you might not have known about Red.

1: Red had a real interest in photography. When attending a party, he would take pictures and then give the film to newspaper reporters.

I guess Red was an early member of the paparazzi.

2: Red was a prolific writer of music. By the time of his death, he had composed over 8,000 songs and symphonies.

Some of his music was sold to Muzak. So, when you hear background music at store, think about Red. But don’t cuss him.

3: Skelton also wrote commercials for Skoal tobacco.