Catlettsburg — The circus world is mourning the passing of one of its legendary figures.
Michael Polakovs, a.k.a. Coco the Clown, died Sunday night in the intensive care unit at. King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was 86.
Polakovs died of complications from a stroke. According to his daughter, Michelle, his death was caused by a massive brain bleed that followed a stroke.
“He went the way he would have wanted — quick and pain-free with family around,” she said.
Polakovs, who lived in southern Boyd County, was a giant in the world of clowning.
He spent his entire life performing in circuses, was highly respected by his peers and was major source of inspiration for several generations of clowns. A number or the routines he developed are still used by clowns worldwide.
His back story was as colorful and interesting as his long circus career.
Polakovs was a second-generation circus clown. He inherited the Coco character from his father, Nicolai Polakovs, who was known as the King of Clowns in Europe and was decorated by the Queen of England for his achievements.
Michael Polakovs was born in Latvia, backstage at a circus where his father was performing. He grew up in England and joined his first circus at 14.
Polakovs was brought to America by the Mills Brothers Circus and joined Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1961. He performed center ring for five seasons before becoming the circus’ advance clown — a position that involved going to towns where the circus would be performing to promote it in the local media. That job landed him on numerous radio and television programs.
But Polakovs was perhaps best known for his role in developing a clown that would become an enduring cultural and advertising icon.
In 1966, the McDonald’s Corp. hired Polakovs to design Ronald McDonald. He designed the outfit and makeup that is worn by the character to this day. He also appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as Ronald McDonald and appeared in the first eight TV commercials that featured the character.
Polakovs also was instrumental in the founding of the Ringling Brothers Clown College. Last year, during a 40-year reunion, the college presented Polakovs with a lifetime achievement award voted on by its alumni.
Polakovs and his wife, Hazel, traveled to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wis., for the ceremony at which Polakovs received the award.
In an interview prior to the trip, Polakovs said he was essentially retired from clowning. He said at the time that he hadn’t donned greasepaint in about two years, the last time being when he performed at a birthday party for his doctor’s daughter.
In addition to his wife and daughter, Polakovs’ survivors include two sons, both of whom are clowns themselves. His eldest son, Graham, is known as Coco Jr., and youngest son David performs under the name Coconut. David Polakovs adopted that moniker because of a decree by Nicolai Polakovs that there be only one Coco per generation.
Neal Funeral Home is in charge of Polakovs’ arrangements. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. and an hour before Friday’s funeral at 1 p.m.
KENNETH HART can be reached at khart@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2654.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Michael Polakovs, a.k.a. Coco the Clown, sits for a portrait in November 2003 before throwing the switch for the Winter Wonderland of Lights in Ashland’s Central Park. Polakovs died at the age of 86 on Sunday. John Flavell
Discussion
Michael Polakovs, a.k.a. Coco, dies at 86
- Local News
-
-
Police beat: 5/23/13
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Local in brief: 5/23/13
A Rowan Circuit Court jury deliberated six hours here Tuesday before reporting it was hopelessly deadlocked in the case of Dallas Carpenter, 60, of Emerson in Lewis County, who was on trial for murder in the May 2010 traffic deaths of a Clearfield couple.
-
Hopefest planned in Olive Hill
It looked like a peaceful early Monday evening at J.A. “Skinny” Raybourn Park.
-
Man accused of stealing at Raceland graduation
A 59-year-old man is accused of stealing from students during Raceland-Worthington High School's graduation on Tuesday night.
-
Legion post busted for alcohol, gambling
American Legion Post 43 in Raceland is facing charges it illegally promoted gambling and sold alcohol at its clubhouse.
-
Carter considers new inmate healthcare plan
Carter County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Tuesday to consider a proposal for a change in health care providers for the jail and to conduct regular monthly business.
-
Thefts, assaults reported to APD
Second Hand Rose Furniture in the 3200 block of 13th Street reported the theft of a compact disc and an audiobook. Store workers told police they saw the man leave the store and remove the items from his pants leg outside.
-
11th annual Northeast Ky. Red Cross raffle scheduled
Tickets for the final raffle to benefit the Northeast Kentucky American Red Cross are for sale and local officials hope there will be no empty seats for their only annual fundraiser.
-
Ben Williamson bridge damaged
A temporary 10-ton weight restriction is in effect on the Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge, which brings traffic from U.S. 52 into Ashland.
-
Getting involved
A group of third-generation bricklayers is more than willing to give back to the Ashland community this week.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Police beat: 5/23/13
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
