Emmett Leo Kelly ( December 9 , 1898 -- March 28 , 1979 ) was an American circus performer , who created the memorable clown figure `` Weary Willie '' , based on the hobos of the Depression era .
Emmett Leo Kelly ( December 9 , 1898 - March 28 , 1979 ) was an American circus performer . He created the clown , `` Weary Willie '' .