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CHICAGO — A familiar name is now the owner of one of WGN-TV and Chicago’s most beloved characters.

For the first time in 64 years, the ownership rights to the Bozo character have been sold to actor David Arquette. He’s been a life-long fan of the character and purchased the rights from Larry Harmon Pictures, who bought it from Capitol Records that created Bozo back in 1946.

At one time, there were Bozo shows on TV stations all over America and even around the world.

Arquette said, “Bozo represents a world of love, light, and laughter. Something we can all use more of right now.”

For now, Arquette is planning to create a circus interactive experience that will include Bozo. “Empire Circus” will debut in Brooklyn in November.

WGN has licensing rights to the character in Chicago since 1959.

WGN-TV’s Bozo show had a 40-year run with a 10-year waiting list for studio audience tickets and is recognized as the most popular and successful locally produced children’s show in the history of television.