Andy Womack

Andy Womack was a successful Phoenix, AZ building contractor who developed and built the largest single housing project in Arizona using the assembly line process. His stint as three-time chairman of the Jaycees Rodeo of Rodeos in Phoenix sparked his interest in the sport, where he developed close friendships with other famous rodeo clowns Jasbo Fulkerson, Wilbur Plaugher George Mills, Wick Peth, and Leon Coffee in his later years. He had many close western actor friends through the years who were also rodeo stars, such as Ken Curtis (Fester, "Gunsmoke"), Michael Landon (Little Joe, "Bonanza"), Slim Pickens (film star) and Academy Award Winning actor, Ben Johnson. In 1939, Andy traded his construction company suit for greasepaint and a rodeo clown costume and began a second career as a professional rodeo clown and barrel-man specialist. He patterned his signature face makeup and costume similar to Fulkerson's, as a nodding tribute to his friend. His frantic dashes to the barrel and plunges into it inspired awe and huge applause from rodeo crowds nationwide. He was also the first clown to introduce a chimpanzee, "Cousin Hugo", as a "co-star" in his clown acts. Hugo did trick riding exhibitions along with "Dynamite" the mule, rode bucking horses, and worked the bull riding event from atop a hanging dummy. Andy and his animal partners worked Madison Square Garden, the Cow Palace, and hundreds of other rodeos, and frequently appeared in western stage shows along with Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Andy also appeared in the movies "Bus Stop" with Marilyn Monroe and "This Way Joe" with Elvis Presley. Throughout the 1930s to the 1990's Andy Womack continued to be a widely recognized force in the building/construction business in Metro Phoenix, and continued his rodeo clown act as a hobby. His rodeo and stage performances spanned nearly 60 years. When others would have contemplated retirement, Andy would put on the makeup and costume once more, and at age 84, he made his final performance in Phoenix, AZ at the Old Timers Rodeo Circuit.