One of the world's most polarizing forms of entertainment, clowns have built up quite the reputation over the centuries. From their beginnings as fools and dunces in the plays of the Middle Ages, to beloved figures of cheerfulness, to the image of terror itself, it has been quite a wild ride for performers and imposters alike. Of course, the differences between John Wayne Gacy and Ronald McDonald are innumerable, but somehow they still share a common history.
Want to find out more? Read on to learn about the history of clowns.