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 Cecil Blount DeMille (; August 12, 1881January 21, 1959) was an American film director, producer and actor. Between 1914 and 1958, he made 70 features, both silent and sound films. He is acknowledged as a founding father of the American cinem ...

'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.

References

1886 births 1964 deaths American circus performers People from Barnesville, Ohio {{Florida-bio-stub