Marceline was one of the most influential comedians of the early 20th century. He was born an entertainer, becoming an acrobat by the age of 7. Marceline grew up in a very poor family, and when he was hired as a clown at age 13, he had to borrow money to buy his first dress coat.
Marceline toured all over Europe, wowing audiences with his dazzling acrobatics. At the peak of his career, he was known as “the world’s greatest clown.” His work inspired the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
