Born on May 7, 1922, in Kirkman, Iowa, Lew Anderson became a beloved American entertainer best known as Clarabell the Clown on TV’s Howdy Doody Show. Raised in Shelby County, Anderson picked up the clarinet after his sister gave it up, and by high school, he had formed his own dance band. His musical talents led him to community college in Fort Dodge and later to Drake University.
During World War II, Anderson served aboard the USS Howard W. Gilmore, forming a Navy band while enlisted. After the war, he joined vocal group “The Honey Dreamers,” appearing on popular shows like The Ed Sullivan Show. His big break came when Buffalo Bob Smith cast him as Clarabell, a role that made him a household name.
Beyond television, Anderson made a mark in advertising, writing jingles for brands like Pepsi and Buick. He later returned to his jazz roots, leading the 16-piece Lew Anderson All-American Big Band in New York until his passing in 2006.
