Oleg Popov

Russia produced the renowned circus clown Oleg Popov. Before deciding to make a career out of clowning, he was an apprentice typewriter. Popov joined the Moscow Circus and traveled around Europe before heading across the Atlantic to perform in America. During his act, Popov integrated a number of various abilities. His show included tightrope walking, mime, and juggling.

Popov combined his skills as a tightrope walker, juggler, and mime to perform as a clown. He was honored for his outstanding career by receiving the prestigious Gold Clown medal at the 8th International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo in 1981. His clown persona adhered to the tradition of the Russian folk figure "Ivanushka," who plays practical jokes on others while also receiving taunts. Known as the “Sunshine Clown,” Popov created a “positive character,” one who was noted for his optimism.

He lived in Germany for a while after touring there for a number of years with a Moscow Circus unit in the early 1990s following the fall of the Soviet Union. Later, he gave several performances in Germany, whether it was with his own touring show, in circus performances, or on television. In 1991, he wed German circus performer Gabriela Lehmann. Popov accepted an invitation to perform in the 30th Monte Carlo International Circus Festival in 2006. He received a standing ovation at the age of 75. The Russian clown performed and traveled the world up until his untimely death in 2016 at the age of 86.