Philippe Gaulier may be the world’s most famous clown. He’s certainly the founder of the world’s most famous clown school. Since 1980, École Philippe Gaulier in Étampes, France, has taught hundreds of students who come from around the world to learn le jeu (the game); a great actor, Gaulier has written, is “one who never lets the game die.” 

In January 2014, Gaulier was hospitalized for three months following a stroke and has since stopped teaching on the advice of his doctor. His wife, Michiko Miyazaki Gaulier, a former student, is now running the school in his stead. On the school’s website, he reassures his well-wishers: “The funeral is still a long way off.” 

Elle Hunt: Can anyone be a clown, or do you have to have particular skills or attributes?

Philippe Gaulier: No. Not everyone can be a clown. You need to have a sense of humor. If you don’t have a sense of humor, you will never be a clown.