Paul Fratellini

Italian circus performer

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June 26, 2026

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Paul Fratellini was an Italian circus performer, best known as one of the Fratellini Brothers, a famous clown trio. Alongside his brothers François and Albert, Paul achieved significant fame in post-World War I Paris, revitalizing interest in the circus.1

The Fratellini family had a long history in the circus, with their father Gustavo being a trapeze artist and acrobat. Paul initially performed as a clown with his brother Louis. After Louis's death, Paul, François, and Albert formed a unique triple act. François played the elegant white-faced clown, Albert developed the iconic Auguste clown makeup, and Paul took on the role of the "notary," a character with minimal makeup and a style between his brothers' performances. Their act was highly admired, influencing subsequent clowns and even inspiring characters in literature by writers like Jean Cocteau. The family tradition continued with Paul's son Victor and his granddaughter Annie also becoming successful clowns.1

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Fratellini Family
…Fratellini Brothers, a clown trio—Paul, François, and Albert (respectively, b. 1877—d. 1940; b. 1879—d. 1951; b. 1886—d. 1961)—whose wit, charm, and superb acting techniques were widely admired and brought about a resurgence of interest in the circus in post-World War I Paris.
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…Fratellini Brothers, a clown trio—Paul, François, and Albert (respectively, b. 1877—d. 1940; b. 1879—d. 1951; b. 1886—d. 1961)—whose wit, charm, and superb acting techniques were widely admired and brought about a resurgence of interest in the circus in post-World War I Paris.
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