Red Skelton Death Date: When Did He Pass?

A critical date in the life of a beloved entertainer. Understanding the passing of this iconic figure provides insight into the entertainment landscape.

The date of Red Skelton's death marks a significant point in the history of comedy. Determining this date allows for a retrospective on his career and impact, placing his work within a broader historical context of entertainment. Understanding the time of his passing adds another layer to the study of his life and the history of American comedic performance.

This date is important for several reasons. Understanding the time of death offers a clear reference point for analyzing Red Skelton's career trajectory, examining the cultural climate of the time, and comprehending the impact of his work on subsequent generations of comedians. His passing, like the lives of all notable figures, shapes the historical record and allows for the examination of how various cultural elements were present in his career. Recognition of when he passed illuminates the historical context of his time and career.

Moving forward, exploring the full context of this date can illuminate several broader themes, including the evolution of comedy, the role of entertainers in society, and the enduring legacy of comedic performance.

When Did Red Skelton Die?

Understanding the date of Red Skelton's death offers a crucial historical marker in the evolution of American comedy, providing context for his impact and legacy. This date anchors the examination of his career and enduring influence.

• Date of death
• Career culmination
• Cultural context
• Impact on comedy
• Enduring legacy
• Historical record
• Entertainment evolution

The date of Red Skelton's death, November 20, 1997, signifies the end of a remarkable career. It marks the culmination of his comedic style and his contributions to American entertainment. Understanding this date within the context of his career arc illuminates the evolution of comedy, including the cultural context of his time. His influence on later comedians is undeniable, and the historical record affirms his significance. The date also provides a clear point for examining the evolution of entertainment styles. For example, comparing his performances with those of later comedians reveals changes in comedic approaches.

1. Date of Death

The date of death, a crucial element in understanding a person's life and contributions, assumes particular significance when examining the life and career of a prominent figure like Red Skelton. "When did Red Skelton die?" prompts consideration of the temporal context surrounding his passing, which directly impacts how his legacy is understood and evaluated.

• Temporal Context and Historical Significance
  

  Knowing the date of death situates Red Skelton's career within a specific historical period. This period encompasses the cultural landscape, including prevalent comedic styles, societal values, and the overall evolution of entertainment. The date provides a benchmark for evaluating the era's impact on his career and, conversely, how his career reflected the era. For example, contrasting his era with later periods in comedic history provides a framework for analyzing changes in comedic approaches and societal attitudes towards humor.

• Career Evaluation and Legacy Assessment
  

  The date of death establishes a terminal point in Red Skelton's career. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of his contributions, including his impact on comedy, the breadth of his work, and his overall cultural influence. For example, analyzing his career before and after this date aids in understanding the shifts in public tastes or the evolution of his comedic style. This evaluation is crucial for placing him within the larger narrative of comedic history.

• Cultural Impact and Historical Analysis
  

  Understanding the date of death facilitates a more profound analysis of Red Skelton's cultural impact. Comparing his life and work against other entertainers from his era and beyond adds another layer of analysis. This approach provides insight into larger cultural shifts and trends, like changing societal views on humor and the evolving role of entertainers in society. For instance, evaluating his career alongside those of contemporaries illuminates similarities and differences in their comedic approaches and their reception by the public.

• Impact on Subsequent Generations
  

  The date of death frames understanding of Red Skelton's influence on future generations of comedians and entertainers. Assessing his work through the lens of time allows for a more comprehensive view of his potential influence on comedic styles. An examination of how subsequent comedians might have borrowed from his approach, or reacted to his work, can enhance a complete understanding of his impact.

Ultimately, knowing the date of Red Skelton's death offers a crucial element in understanding his full significance. It provides a critical point of reference for evaluating his career, placing it within its historical context, and comprehending his influence on later generations of entertainers and comedians. The date, thus, anchors a deeper understanding of Red Skelton's lasting legacy in American entertainment history.

2. Career culmination

The concept of career culmination, particularly relevant to figures like Red Skelton, is intricately linked to the date of their death. The final period of a career, leading up to and including the cessation of professional activity, offers significant insights into the totality of a performer's contributions and the legacy they leave behind. Understanding this period illuminates the full scope of their artistic journey and societal impact.

• Final Performances and Creative Output
  

  The nature of a performer's final work provides a window into their creative state at the time. Analyzing the content, style, and reception of performances near the end of a career can reveal evolving approaches, reflect on the artist's response to changing cultural trends, and highlight the impact of their overall work. A career's culmination can reveal if an artist stayed true to their core style or adapted to contemporary tastes.

• Critical Reception and Public Response
  

  The critical and public reception surrounding a performer's final works contributes to the overall evaluation of their career culmination. Favorable or unfavorable reactions, commentary, and reviews offer valuable insights into how the public perceived their work in the final stages. This public response, often combined with critical appraisals, provides valuable context for evaluating the trajectory and impact of the artist's work.

• Personal Factors and Career Trajectory
  

  Factors such as health, personal struggles, or changes in career focus can play a role in how the artist's final period is defined and perceived. The culmination of a career may be affected by decisions or circumstances beyond the performer's control. A study of the personal context surrounding the end of a career can offer insights that a purely objective assessment may miss.

• Legacy Building and Impact Assessment
  

  Understanding the culmination of a career allows for assessing its full impact. The end of a career, marked by death, prompts reflection on the artist's contribution and enduring legacy. The final years can highlight the continued appreciation or the fading influence of the artist's work and provide a crucial perspective for historians and future performers.

In the case of Red Skelton, understanding the date of his death allows for a comprehensive evaluation of his career culmination. It offers insight into his final creative output, the critical reception to his later work, and personal factors influencing this period. Ultimately, this perspective enriches the overall understanding of his legacy and the evolving nature of entertainment. His careers final chapters are a vital part of evaluating his contributions to comedy and provide a clear context within the broader landscape of American entertainment.

3. Cultural Context

The cultural context surrounding Red Skelton's death, November 20, 1997, is essential for understanding his legacy. This date situates his career within a specific historical moment, marked by evolving comedic tastes, shifts in societal values, and the emergence of new forms of entertainment. The cultural milieu significantly influenced his career trajectory, both in terms of his audience reception and his creative choices. For example, the rise of television comedy and the shifting demographics of the audience impacted how Skelton's material resonated with audiences.

Analyzing the cultural context of Skelton's death necessitates examining the broader societal changes occurring during his final years. The media landscape was transforming, with cable television and new forms of media emerging. These shifts likely impacted the reception of his work, possibly making it less accessible or appealing to some audiences. Comparing Skelton's style to comedic trends of the era, such as stand-up or sketch comedy, reveals differing approaches to humor and potentially highlights his enduring ability to connect with audiences despite evolving cultural trends. Understanding the cultural context surrounding his death permits a nuanced assessment of his influence on subsequent generations of comedians and entertainers.

In conclusion, understanding the cultural context surrounding Red Skelton's death provides a critical lens through which to analyze his career culmination and lasting legacy. The changing entertainment landscape, evolving comedic styles, and shifting social values all influenced how his work was perceived and received. This historical analysis allows for a more complete picture of his contributions to American entertainment, highlighting how he adapted to (or was challenged by) these shifts. A deeper understanding of these factors is crucial for accurately assessing Skelton's lasting impact on comedy and popular culture.

4. Impact on Comedy

The date of Red Skelton's death, a significant marker in comedic history, is inextricably linked to his impact on comedy. His career, spanning several decades, significantly influenced the evolution of comedic styles and approaches. Assessing his influence requires a nuanced understanding of the period in which he worked and how his work stood up to evolving comedic trends.

Red Skelton's impact transcended mere entertainment. His unique blend of vaudeville-inspired physical comedy, observational humor, and exaggerated character portrayals deeply affected subsequent generations of comedians. His distinctive style, often characterized by slapstick and a touch of eccentricity, served as a blueprint for many. The enduring popularity of his radio and television shows, spanning a long period, underscores his capacity to connect with audiences and shape comedic tastes. Examining the reception of his work during different periods, such as his transition from vaudeville to television, provides crucial insight into how comedic styles were adapted to various media. Furthermore, studying his influence on later comedic performers, both direct imitations and those who reacted to his style, reveals a clearer understanding of the cultural context and how comedy evolved. His influence can be seen in contemporary performers' techniques, suggesting his legacy persists in modern comedic endeavors. Analyzing this influence further, including exploring how his comedic traits impacted the styles of stand-up comedians or sketch performers, adds a further dimension to the discussion.

In conclusion, understanding "when Red Skelton died" is essential for comprehending the full scope of his impact on comedy. His distinctive style, his ability to adapt to changing media landscapes, and his enduring connection with audiences all contributed to his lasting influence. Analyzing his impact, therefore, illuminates not only the evolution of comedy itself but also the broader cultural forces shaping the art form over time. This understanding offers valuable insights into the development of comedic traditions and the continuous evolution of humor.

5. Enduring Legacy

The date of Red Skelton's death serves as a critical juncture for understanding the enduring legacy of his comedic artistry. His influence on the world of entertainment, particularly the evolution of comedic styles, remains palpable, even decades after his passing. This enduring legacy extends beyond mere historical recognition and is interwoven with the cultural and artistic fabric of American entertainment.

• Influence on Subsequent Comedians
  

  Red Skelton's distinctive style, blending physical humor with observational wit and character portrayals, left an indelible mark on subsequent generations of comedians. His unique approach, often characterized by exaggerated gestures and a touch of whimsy, influenced many performers who followed. Examples of this influence can be observed in the work of comedians drawing inspiration from his brand of eccentric humor. The analysis of his comedic techniques and style provides a clear demonstration of his contribution to evolving styles and techniques.

• Impact on Television and Media
  

  Red Skelton's transition from vaudeville and radio to television fundamentally shaped the landscape of comedic entertainment. His ability to adapt to the new medium, retaining his unique comedic voice, demonstrated an adaptability critical to success in a rapidly changing media environment. Examining the reception of his television work, specifically how audiences responded to his evolving style and approach, provides a clear indication of his impact on the development of television comedy. This includes understanding how the development of television comedy potentially influenced his performances.

• Enduring Popularity and Recognition
  

  Despite the passage of time, Red Skelton's work remains fondly remembered and his performances continue to generate interest and admiration. The continuing appreciation of his comedic style across generations, and the frequency with which his name surfaces in conversations about comedy, attest to the lasting appeal of his artistry. Assessing the frequency of his name or material in contemporary discussions, analysis of fan and critic response, and recognition in modern comedic culture all contribute to an understanding of his continuing influence and appeal.

• Cultural Significance and Historical Context
  

  Red Skelton's career is intrinsically tied to a specific historical period, and his artistry reflected the social and cultural values of his time. Understanding the cultural context surrounding his career allows for a nuanced analysis of his performance and impact. Studying the social commentary or the particular cultural trends embedded in his work, while considering how his approach might be understood today, provides context for a more profound and nuanced perspective on his work. This historical dimension emphasizes that his legacy isn't solely about comedic techniques, but about a broader cultural perspective.

Ultimately, "when Red Skelton died" marks a point in time that contextualizes the enduring legacy of his comedic genius. His work continues to resonate with audiences, influencing generations of comedians and entertainers. His adaptability, unique style, and enduring popularity are testaments to the depth of his impact on comedic arts and American entertainment history.

6. Historical Record

The historical record surrounding Red Skelton's death, November 20, 1997, is crucial for several reasons. This date anchors his career within a specific timeframe, allowing for the analysis of his work in relation to evolving cultural trends, comedic styles, and societal attitudes. The record encompasses not only the date itself but also the circumstances surrounding his passing and the immediate reactions from various sourcesnewspapers, magazines, and obituaries. This record establishes a baseline for evaluating the cultural impact of a performer whose career spanned several decades. For instance, comparing the reception of his work during his peak popularity with the period closer to his death can highlight evolving tastes in comedy. The historical record also serves as a point of reference for studying the development of comedic techniques and approaches within the wider context of American entertainment history.

Beyond the immediate context of his death, the historical record provides a framework for studying the broader legacy of performers. Documentation of reviews, critical analyses, and public discoursewhether praise or critiqueoffers insights into his influence on subsequent generations of comedians and entertainers. For example, if the historical record suggests a decline in critical reception, it might illuminate shifting preferences in comedy over time. An examination of obituary notices and contemporary news coverage can offer clues to the cultural standing of the performer at that moment. This contextualization, in turn, shapes how Red Skelton's career can be understood as a whole, considering various factors impacting how he was perceived at the time and how that perception evolved.

In essence, the historical record surrounding Red Skelton's death provides vital context for understanding his contributions to American entertainment. This record encompasses the date, immediate reactions, and broader cultural environment. By examining this record, researchers and enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the evolution of comedic styles, cultural attitudes, and the lasting influence of a significant figure in American show business. Challenges in accessing or interpreting this recordsuch as incomplete archives or varying perspectivesrequire researchers to utilize available resources carefully and critically. By acknowledging these challenges and using available resources carefully, historians and enthusiasts can draw a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of Red Skelton's enduring legacy.

7. Entertainment Evolution

Red Skelton's death marks a point in the evolution of entertainment, specifically comedy. Understanding this date requires considering the interplay between comedic styles, technological advancements, and shifting cultural preferences. The rise of television, for example, significantly altered the landscape of entertainment. Skelton's transition from vaudeville and radio to television exemplifies this shift. Analyzing his career trajectory reveals how performers adapted to new technologies and media forms. Examining the reception of his work during different stages of his careerfrom the early days of radio to his later television appearanceshighlights audience preferences and the impact of technological innovation on entertainment styles. Changes in comedic sensibilities, often influenced by technological advancements, are crucial to understanding Red Skelton's enduring legacy.

The evolution of entertainment is not a linear progression; it's a complex interplay of factors. Skelton's style, rooted in vaudeville traditions, faced challenges as comedic standards evolved. The rise of stand-up comedy and more contemporary comedic approaches influenced audience expectations and preferences. Understanding this interplay is vital for evaluating Skelton's career and legacy, not just as a performer of his time, but also as a transitional figure reflecting changes in the entertainment industry. Further, comparing his techniques to those of contemporary comedians reveals both his distinctiveness and his ability to adapt to broader trends in humor. The relationship between his work and the evolving standards of comedy within specific historical periods is crucial for a comprehensive understanding.

In summary, the evolution of entertainment, particularly comedy, is integral to understanding the significance of Red Skelton's death. The interplay between his career trajectory, technological advancements, and shifting cultural preferences provides insight into the dynamic nature of entertainment and the enduring legacy of performers adapting to an evolving landscape. This understanding is crucial to avoid perpetuating a static view of entertainment history, recognizing instead the continuous adjustments performers and audiences make throughout time, ultimately shaping entertainments evolution. By examining the interplay between performer, technology, and cultural context, a clearer picture of Red Skelton's position in entertainment history emerges. This approach also emphasizes the complex relationship between the artist and the audience in a constantly changing entertainment landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Red Skelton's Death

This section addresses common inquiries regarding the death of Red Skelton, offering concise and factual information. Understanding these details provides context for appreciating his career and legacy.

Question 1: When did Red Skelton die?

Red Skelton passed away on November 20, 1997.

Question 2: What was the cause of Red Skelton's death?

Publicly available sources do not detail the specific cause of Red Skelton's death.

Question 3: Where did Red Skelton die?

Specifics regarding the location of Red Skelton's death are not widely reported in readily accessible sources.

Question 4: What was Red Skelton's career like leading up to his death?

Red Skelton's career spanned several decades, evolving from vaudeville to radio, and ultimately achieving significant success on television. His career shows a notable adaptation to changing media and comedic styles.

Question 5: How is Red Skelton's death significant in the history of entertainment?

Red Skelton's death marks the end of a prominent career and serves as a historical marker for analyzing changes in comedic styles, technological advancements in entertainment, and the evolution of popular culture.

The information presented here relies on publicly available data. Further research may yield additional details regarding Red Skelton's passing. This FAQ section, while comprehensive, does not cover all potential inquiries about his death.

Moving forward, a deeper look at Red Skelton's life and career is encouraged for a more thorough comprehension.

Conclusion

The date of Red Skelton's death, November 20, 1997, marks a significant point in the history of American comedy. This date anchors the examination of his multifaceted career, placing it within a specific historical context. Analysis of his work, both before and after this date, illuminates the evolution of comedic styles, the impact of technological advancements on entertainment, and the changing cultural landscape of the era. The date serves as a vital reference point for understanding the performer's adaptation to new media, the impact of his performances on subsequent comedians, and the overall cultural significance of his career. Further exploration of this date, in conjunction with a comprehensive analysis of his career, reveals the complex interplay of art, technology, and societal values in shaping the evolution of entertainment.

The exploration of "when Red Skelton died" underscores the importance of understanding historical context for evaluating artistic legacies. By examining the circumstances surrounding this date, a richer and more nuanced appreciation of Red Skelton's enduring impact on American comedy emerges. Further research could explore specific aspects of his career, including the reception of his work at the time of his death or his lasting influence on subsequent comedic generations. This analysis is valuable not only for appreciating individual artistic achievements but also for understanding the larger trends within the evolution of entertainment and the enduring relationship between artists and their audiences.