Which U.S. TV variety show host played the characters of Freddie the Freeloader, Willie Lump Lump, and Clem Kadiddlehopper?

The U.S. TV variety show host who played the characters of Freddie the Freeloader, Willie Lump Lump, and Clem Kadiddle Hoppe was Red Skelton (1913 - 1997). Red is best remembered hosting the comedy and variety television series "The Red Skelton Show" that ran for 20 years, from 1951 to 1971. Red Skelton's actual entertainment career spanned more than 70 years.

In 1951, "The Red Skelton Show" premiered on NBC as a comedy and variety show. Skelton played many characters: Clem Kadiddlehopper, Freddie the Freeloader, Willie Lump Lump, Sheriff Dead-Eye, Bolivar Shagnasty, Cauliflower McPugg, and Junior the Mean Widdle Kid. In 1952, Skelton won an Emmy as Best Comedian and "The Red Skelton Show" won an Emmy as Best Comedy Show. Skelton's show would move to CBS, and remain popular throughout its entire 20-year run.

Red always loved the fact that he could perform all of his personal characters before a live audience. When he had to do taped television or make films, he felt that he wasn't able to give his "best". He wasn't in situations where he could feed off the current and positive reactions of a live crowd. He wanted to face people, look in their eyes, and make them laugh! Red would always say, "Laughter is good medicine for all of us."

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

29 Comments

Cari G.

My Fatherwas a man of few words, but when Red Skelton came on, he would laugh til tears ran down his face. Wonderful memory.

Jim Gilbert

They don't make shows like that anymore much to my dismay.

Kevin Dale Streets

Funny man, but sometimes serious too, like when he explained each word of the Pledge of Allegiance. AWESOME!!!

filmnut

He was a funny, kindly man and closed his shows with a heartfelt “God Bless”.

Les Griffin

Always liked this guy, respect! Enjoyed his works

Carol Focht Cheney

Red Skelton was from a time when comedians didn't have to be filthy to be funny.

Richard D. Boyle

One of my pre-TV “Radio Days” biggest stars throughout the 1940s. Good entertainment for the entire family. During his entire career in radio, TV and personal appearances, Red was always polite,kind, generous, thoughtful and a perfect gentleman who never brought a hint of disrepute upon himself or his reputation. He was, in short, “a good and decent man.”

Francie Carlson

didn't have to scroll down to see what the answer choices were. LOVED THE RED SKELTON SHOW!

filmnut

Lindy There was a time in the “Golden Age of Television” when TV was seen to be the “Great Educator”.

filmnut

Kevin Dale Streets, Right On ! Somebody should sit down and explain the Oath of the President of the United States to Donald J. Trump . . . word for word.

Char

Sean Philips, yes he was a good clean funny

Char

Karen Mulhollem, I did

Char

Always loved the reruns of Red

Karen Riedel

Cari G., My father, too.

SeasonedAngel

An amazing man, comedian, & artist! He could make me laugh & cry. Absolutely loved Red Skelton & his multitude of characters! He would sometimes crack himself up & couldn't stop laughing. Wish they would show reruns of his show! ;-)