About Charlie Bell
Lived 1886 – 1964 (aged 78). Charlie Bell was an American circus performer, clown, acrobat and animal trainer.
Charles D. Chase (1886 – September 26, 1964), known professionally as Charlie Bell, was a circus performer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus known for his work in Cecil B. DeMille's The Greatest Show on Earth. Known early in his career as the "world's greatest tumbler," he was part of an acrobatic troupe known as Rice, Bell and Baldwin. He joined Ringling Brothers in 1921 and worked there until his retirement in 1956. He was inducted into the International Circus Hall of Fame in 1969. He was also one of four clowns featured on boxes of Kellogg's Honey Smacks cereal in 1956. Bell would often perform with small dogs, Trixie and Honey Boy, which he would dress up to look like other animals such as a rabbit or an elephant.
Personal life Bell married Getrude Bell and had one daughter Charlotte Bell Kora. His two granddaughters, Tessie and Tosca Kora Fornasari, were both circus performers as is his great granddaughter Nicolette Fornasari.
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Important facts
People in Charlie Bell's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Charlie Bell's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Charlie Bell?
American circus clown (1886–1964)
When was Charlie Bell born?
Charlie Bell was born on 4 August 1886 in Barnesville.
When did Charlie Bell die?
Charlie Bell died on 26 September 1964 in Sarasota.
What was Charlie Bell's occupation?
Charlie Bell was a circus performer, clown, acrobat and animal trainer.
What nationality was Charlie Bell?
Charlie Bell was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Charlie Bell (clown)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Charlie Bell. https://biography.guide/charlie-bell-circus-performer/
MLA: "Charlie Bell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/charlie-bell-circus-performer/.
Chicago: "Charlie Bell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/charlie-bell-circus-performer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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