1. Norbert Locke, better known as Ned Locke, was an American television personality and radio announcer, best known for the role of "Ringmaster Ned" on WGN-TV's Bozo's Circus from 1961 - 1976.
12 Facts About Ned Locke
1. 2.
Ned Locke performed in various theater companies after his high school graduation and became a radio announcer for WHO in Des Moines, Iowa.
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An avid pilot who both operated two Des Moines area airports and trained pilots, Locke initially commuted to Chicago for his weekly radio program.
4.
Ned Locke served as the director of aeronautics for the state of Iowa for seven years.
5.
Ned Locke worked there and at local ABC affiliate WENR appearing in teledramas, musicals, commercials and even writing a teleplay called Jet Pilot.
6.
Ned Locke wrote over 2,500 radio and television shows during the course of his career.
7.
Ned Locke moved over to WGN-TV in 1956, where he was a weather forecaster; co-starred on the children's series Lunchtime Little Theater; and later wrote, produced and starred in the children's program Paddleboat; Roy Brown served as the show's puppeteer.
8.
Ned Locke got the role of Ringmaster Ned, for which he is best remembered, on September 11,1961 when Bozo's Circus made its debut.
9.
Ned Locke received his ringmaster costume for the show on the last episode of Paddleboat.
10.
Ned Locke stayed on until he retired from television in 1976.
11.
Ned Locke temporarily came out of retirement and made appearances as Ringmaster Ned for the 25th and 30th anniversaries of the show.
12.
Ned Locke was survived by his late wife, Rose, sons Norbert, Jr.