Mister Funnybonz has been performing since 1977 during which time he was in 3 different circuses from 1982-2001, under a different clown name at that time . He continually promotes the idea that clowns are fun, not scary and he says he's able to think like a child because he's the size of a 9-year-old—only 5'2". He gives children the respect that they deserve and treats them with love as if they were his own. Big on literacy, he is a poet and member of a poetry society on Poetry.com under the name of Needham Parrish and he promotes reading whenever possible. He has been writing poetry since 1967. His heroes are Red Skelton, Jerry Lewis and, the 3 Stooges, and Emmett Kelly Senior and junior. He was once the subject of a 5-star documentary that can be seen on Beecon TV. George Jones a.k.a. Mr. Magic, the vice president of the Society of Low Country Magicians, inspired Needham to add magic to his act. Mr. Magic is available as a reference at (912) 966-0390. In spite of his two hip replacements, he does not let that slow him down. At the age of eight, he has always had a fascination for the art of dancing.At the age of five and before he could ever walk, he had to be either carried or use a wheelchair to get around in. there were times when he had to use wooden crutches and to wear braces on his legs. now that he has overcome these obstacles, he has accumalated a lot of energy so he can express his talents and his love for children of all ages. When he does face painting, he paints clown faces on the faces of children. But he does not do this for younger children (infants to toddlers). He only does this for school age children. This is included into his birthday package price. He has a lot of opinions of people who fear clowns and this is just one of those opinions: No one should fear clowns. Clowns are only human cartoons. Clowns may be differentto some people. But they entertain with fun in mind. Those who fear clowns should take the time to converse with one. He has appeared in several film shorts for SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) film directing students, such as: "Flying Machines", "Ok,See You Later", and The Execution Of Solomon Harris". He just recently finished another film short, which at the moment is untitled.
He was confined to a wheelchair, leg braces, and crutches at the age of four, till he was eight years old. This happened when he contracted a hip socket disease. Since he could not go outside and play with the other children. He would occupy his time by watching certain television shows. Such as: "The Lawrence Welk Show", "The Ed Sullivan Show", and "The American Bandstand". Of course, he would watch his favorite cartoons ae well. From what certain family membershad told him, he had to be carried from place to place. Back then there were no public handicap access to certain public establishments. When he was eight years old he regain his strength in his hips and legs. By watching certain variety shows and mimicing the mal;e solo dancers, that is how he was able to dance by learning and watching the male professional dancers.
His primary goals in life as a professional clown are as follows: He would like to have his own local television show, a family of clowns (i.e., a clown wife and a child or children who would be willing to follow in his footsteps), a school to educate those who are less fortunate in the art of clowning, and to leave a legacy of his accomplishments as a person and as a clown. these goals are not necessarily in order.
Mister funnybonz spoke with me about a particular topic the other day. He told me that there are some people in this world are still afraid of clowns. There are certain family members who would force a scared child into meeting a clown face to face for the first time. This is a big no-no, never force a child to do something that he or she is afraid to do. Try to convince a child that clowns are a good role model and that clowns are no more than a life-size or human cartoon.
