Red Skelton

Re “Red Skelton, TV and Film’s Quintessential Clown, Dies,” Sept. 18: When I was a child, I remember watching my share of television; of the things I remember best, I remember Red Skelton. Such an integral part of my childhood was he that it’s difficult for me to say goodbye.

I remember watching him and thinking that there could be no better job in the world than making people laugh, and I wanted to grow up to be a comedian. Of course, after I grew up and found out how cutthroat is the business we call “show,” I took another path; but the joy that Red brought to me as a child stays with me, and I still enjoy making people laugh, though not professionally.

Remembering him brings back fond memories of Tuesday nights watching his portrayals of Freddie the Freeloader, the Mean Widdle Kid and my favorite, the sea gulls, Gertrude and Heathcliff. I remember rolling on the floor (literally), laughing at his antics. To those who missed seeing him, you missed a classic.

To Red I can only say, good night, and God bless.

KEVIN GOULD

Whittier

* Clowns aren’t programmed for dying, so after writing over six years of sketches for Skelton, with partner Artie Phillips, I send my sympathy to Freddie the Freeloader, Clem Kadiddlehopper, Sheriff Deadeye--hope we meet again on the tube--and recall a rare serious moment with Red.

He said, “I won’t mind dying if I can tell St. Peter a joke he hasn’t heard.”

I may find myself looking skyward for an angel with a putty nose.

LARRY RHINE

Los Angeles