Boffo the Clown, portrayed by Pat McMahon, was certainly no Bozo. A surly, ill-tempered character, Boffo hated everything that came with being a clown: kids, laughter, birthday parties, and especially kids laughing at birthday parties. His idea of a fun time was often ruining celebrations with physical violence and chaos.

Known for his gruff demeanor, Boffo frequently found himself in trouble. He proudly told Slats (his nickname for Ladmo) that he would never have to go to court again, after being dragged there too many times for assault, intimidation, and disturbing the peace. The Arizona State Attorney General even declared him too expensive to prosecute. “Stay on my good side, folks. Justice may be blind, but it’s a lot better when it’s broke,” he’d threaten.

Boffo made his first appearance on the show in the mid-1960s, quickly becoming a fan favorite for his grumpy antics and love of wreaking havoc wherever he went.