Rafael Padilla

Chocolat was the stage name of Rafael Padilla (ca. 1865/68 – 4 November 1917), a clown who performed in a Paris circus around the turn of the 20th century. Rafael was of Afro-Cuban descent and was one of the earliest successful black entertainers in modern France. He was the first black clown to play a lead role in a circus pantomime act, and with his longtime partner George Foottit they revolutionized the art of clowning by pairing the sophisticated white clown with the foolish auguste clown.

Known For

Chaise en bascule

Foottit et Chocolat, IV. Guillaume Tell

Guillaume Tell

Phono-Cinéma-Théâtre

Foottit et Chocolat, II. Acrobates sur la chaise