In 1973, Sesame Street aired a surprisingly captivating segment featuring a clown slowly removing his makeup. What seemed like an ordinary routine became a fascinating transformation as the colorful face paint gradually disappeared, revealing the person behind the character. The moment perfectly demonstrated Sesame Street’s ability to turn simple... experiences into engaging educational television. Rather than relying on lengthy explanations, the show encouraged children to observe and discover how makeup and costumes can completely transform someone’s appearance. More than 50 years later, the clip remains a nostalgic example of the creativity and simplicity that made Sesame Street such an iconic part of childhood. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable television moments come from the simplest ideas.show more

It's a great clip. And they found the saddest-looking man in the world to remove the clown makeup. 😀☹️🤡

wild that this aired in 1973. five years later Gacy was arrested and “Pogo the Clown” ruined clowns for an entire generation

I remember watching this in day care and was shocked how sad the guy looked without his makeup. Conditioned me to distrust anyone with a mask.

The clown is not taking off his makeup. The video is being run in reverse.

I thought it was Dustin Hoffman for a min, but I looked it up. It’s Dennis Allen from Laugh-in.

Just a clown taking off his makeup, and somehow I can't look away. 😆

Why no one noticed that its a reversed video of person making make-up 🤡 Look this and it appears more natural!

I like how Sesame Street became a kind of video production lab where they experimented with different techniques to make a show a lot more fun than it otherwise would have been, and a great first stop on a film career.

I never liked Sesame Street as a kid and this video clip epitomizes precisely why. Just creepy all the way around.

The simplest moments often teach the biggest lessons. That's the beauty of timeless storytelling.

I remember this. Thank heavens that I got to exist in a time in history when Sesame Street was a thing.

I totally remember this. :)

In my mind I remembered this as the clown putting the makeup ON!🤯🤣

This terrified me as a kid.

When my daughter was born 20 years ago, I was so excited to have her watch Sesame St. I didn't realize Elmo was a thing — a loud, screaming thing. It's when I became a fan of the Teletubbies. Rag on them all you want, but they're colorful and quiet.

old kids tv had zero fear of giving a four year old a reason to need a night light

1973 kids' TV: a man calmly takes off clown makeup. No music drop, no jump cuts. Somehow more gripping than half of what autoplays today.

Joseph Grimaldi gave clowns that face. Around 1800 the London star painted his white with red cheeks, and clowns are still called "Joeys" after him. His stunts wrecked his body so badly that at his 1828 Drury Lane farewell he was carried on in a chair and performed sitting down.

OMG I remember this!

I remember watching this!! Wow. It might have freaked me out cause I've always, always disliked clowns. 🤔

It was probably enough to terrify a four year old. This segment was a bit before my time so I never saw it.

kinda the opposite of every horror movie clown lol

He’s still a clown. With or without the makeup.

YTP before YTP

I don’t care, I am still terrified of clowns. Can’t even watch this..

The points around the mouth... Oh... 😨

For a clown he seems absolutely miserable

I remember this!

Mirwais lo hizo mejor allá en el 2000 con Naive Song

john gacy makeup too check under desame street

Actually it is him applying makeup in reverse