Tommy the Clown

About

Thomas Johnson, also known as Tommy the Clown, is an American dancer best known as the inventor of the “clowning” style of dance, which evolved into krumping. Johnson invented the style in 1992 to enhance birthday party clown acts, thereby creating the concept of “hip-hop clowns”. Johnson and his followers have performed at birthday parties ranging from inner city communities to celebrities like Madonna, Pamela Anderson, and Cedric the Entertainer. He achieved international acclaim as the focus of David LaChapelle’s 2005 documentary Rize. Tommy the Clown also danced with Ray Ray, of Mindless Behavior fame.

Thomas Johnson was born in Detroit, Michigan, and was raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. Growing up, he was often in and out of trouble. After Johnson spent five years in jail, he realized that his lifestyle needed a significant change. He acquired a job as a typist clerk until 1992 when he received his first opportunity to perform; a co-worker asked him to be a clown at her child’s birthday celebration because of his entertaining personality. He accepted the job, thus creating his Tommy the Clown persona. After this event, Tommy the Clown led the way…