Built for Entertainers, Designed by One
Leon’s History
1969
1970
Leon McBryde always dreamed of being a clown. As a teen, he never told anyone about his lifelong ambition, so he surprised many when he gave up his press relations job in 1969 to attend Ringling Clown College. How did he even consider running away with the circus? While working on advertising for Coco the Clown, Leon met the legendary performer, who encouraged him to travel to Venice, Florida, to attend Clown College and its rigorous training in juggling, skits, acrobatics, comedy, and makeup.
After five weeks of intense instruction, the day of reckoning arrived. Out of a class of 35, only three would be chosen to continue—and Leon was one of them. In his first year with the show around 1970, he was interviewed by the Toledo Blade. Leon said, “You have to love people and your work, and be a good actor at the same time. Clowns wear big smiles,” but he added, “Clowns aren’t always happy, you know.” He continued, “As far as I’m concerned, I won’t be a clown for another five years, although I’ve already spent a year doing this.”
Leon rose through the ranks at Ringling. After one year as a working clown with the Blue Unit, he was selected to represent the circus as a Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, he went ahead of the show, making TV appearances and visiting malls, schools, hospitals, and other venues to promote the circus and engage the community.
Leon also became a valued member of the Ringling Clown College staff in Florida, where he trained many aspiring Ringling clowns.
His dedication to the art of clowning brought smiles and laughter to children of all ages. Leon believes that children view clowns the same way they see Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Sleeping Beauty—as magical myths.
1978
1980 - 1983
1984-1991
1987
1996
1999-2006
Leon founded Fantasy Factory, Ltd., a multi-faceted corporation through which he developed children’s television programming.
For nine years, Leon appeared on WCFC-TV in Chicago as his unique clown character “Buttons” on the children’s show Toddler’s Friends. He created, wrote, and produced over 100 segments for the show, which continue to be enjoyed worldwide. In 1985, Toddler’s Friends received an Angel Award for excellence. Leon’s gentle clown persona was a beloved part of the program.
In 1980 and again in 1983, Leon produced educational shows for McDonald’s Corporation: The Ronald McDonald School Safety Show and The Big Red Shoe Review.
Leon shared his talent as an instructor and performer at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse’s Clown Camp. In 1990 Leon was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame.
Launched ProKNOWS®, a business producing a wide variety of high-quality clown noses in different shapes, colors, and finishes.
Introduced the ProFACE makeup line for professional clowns.
Leon continued to perform as Buttons, be a headline instructor for over 30 clown conventions, and create additional product lines for ProKNOWS® and ProFACE®. One of products he created during this time were the practice heads for professional face painters. One of the most amazing moments during this time period for Leon was when his beloved son, Adam McBryde, dressed as Leon’s clown character Buttons. They looked identical and lucky for us, we have it on video!
2006
2007-2023
2017
Leon, through a blessing in disguise, found the role of Santa Claus. During a stretch of time, Leon realized he could grow a natural, snowy white beard. With the help of his close friend, Marcela Murad, Santa Noel was born. Leon would go on to create an amazing clientele of customers in South Florida. Leon was the official Santa Claus for the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, several high profile clients, but his heart was working the Nicklaus Children’s hospital as well as other medical facilities in Miami.
Leon’s first advertising piece as Santa Claus
Leon dedicated every waking moment of his remaining life to elevating the portrayal of Santa Claus. Leon was an integral teacher in the shift of Santas from being “chair sitters” to being what he coined “Performance Based Santas”. With the help of his best friend, Steve Gillham, the two would travel across the United States teaching hundreds of Santas and their spouses about being the best possible performers they could be. He created the industry’s first complete makeup kit for Santas, he helped Steve create the “Smart Santa System”, and developed the best eyebrow whitener on the market today.
Leon McBryde was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. In the same induction was Leon’s partner in crime, Steve Gillham. Steve and Leon would travel the country teaching their “The Brothers Claus” workshops. Steve and Leon were inseparable and were the ultimate teaching pair. They were the perfect blend of comedy and instruction that will never be recreated. Steve still carries the torch for his beloved cohort Leon.
June 18th, 2024 — A Legacy of Love and Laughter
This was the day Leon’s working tools were laid down, and he went home to be with his Heavenly Father. The impact that Leon McBryde had on this world is immeasurable. He was the ultimate giver, and the most loving man.
If you would like to read Leon’s full obituary please click here.
Let the Laughter Loose
Leon had a vision: to send teams of entertainers into areas impacted by natural and economic disasters to bring laughter and reduce stress for those in crisis. In 1990, that dream became reality in Galveston, Texas, with the launch of “Let the Laughter Loose.”
That same year, Leon received one of the highest honors in the clowning world—induction into the Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center in Delavan, Wisconsin.
Leon’s passion for clowning also led him to become a teacher and mentor to thousands. He spoke at conventions, led workshops around the globe, and founded the Advanced Studies Clown School, offering deeper training for performers. From 1992 to 1999, and again in the 2000s, his school helped elevate the art of clowning with world-class instructors and a commitment to excellence.
When not on the road, Leon lived near Roanoke, Virginia, on the James River with his wife, Linda—creator of the Department of Clown Registry Egg Collection. They had two sons: Casey, a mechanical engineer, and Adam, who works in computer graphics and multimedia presentations.
Comedy & Clowning
In Leon’s Words
In an earlier interview Leon spoke about Comedy and Clowning.
Leon says, “The clowning we do is based on psychology. We get laughs by invoking the big three – Stupidity, Mockery or the Element of Surprise. These things can bring comedy based on what appeals to the audience. We analyze our audience and see where they respond best. Then we adapt to bring the audience what makes them laugh more."
In clowning Leon says that we mock ourselves to get a laugh. “We are not making fun of someone else or making fun of them, we are after clean fun.” Element of surprise is the comic process of taking someone down a path and they think they know the outcome of the situation, and then we give them a completely different ending. The surprise gets the laugh. “So, they laugh because their mind is expecting a certain ending, and they then think ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ and laughter results.”
“My Auguste clown in the circus played it a bit stupid.” People laughed because they saw that he was about to make a big mistake and sure enough he did. “Kids like it because they like to be smarter than the clown.” It is funny to them. “The child has a sense of euphoria because he knew what was going to happen before the clown made the mistake.”
To make someone laugh is a great joy to Leon. “Our comedy is more sophisticated today… God has made us all different in the way we see things as funny.”
Leon likes to make his audience feel comfortable and have a positive experience. “Maybe there is someone in the audience who has big feet and is embarrassed or there is someone who thinks they are having a bad hair day. Then I come into the circus ring with my huge feet and crazy wig, and they think I am funny and that gives them a bit of relief and they laugh. Whatever you need from me to make your day better, I am here to serve.”
Leon says, “When I step into the circus ring, I am on my playground. I would love to have fun with everyone. I am inviting the audience into my world, come and play, come and have fun, come and laugh. What a God given talent that is.”