Born in Ohio, George Carl began his career as a circus performer while still in his teens. He eventually attained international fame as a clown, vaudevillian, and slapstick comic. The Circus of Monte Carlo honored him with an award for his clowning, presented by Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco. George Carl made his screen debut at the age of 79, portraying an eccentric music-hall comedian in Les drôles de Blackpool (1995).