Miliki's 91st Birthday

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Spain-based guest artist Cinta Arribas, celebrates Spanish clown, actor, director, writer, singer, and composer Emilio Aragón Bermúdez, known fondly by his stage name Miliki. Among his many artistic accomplishments, Aragón starred in the Spanish children’s program “El Gran Circo de TVE” (“TVE’s Great Circus”) which is widely considered one of the most iconic shows in the history of Spanish television. 

Emilio Alberto Aragón Bermúdez was born on this day in 1929 in the town of Carmona in southwestern Spain. The son of a clown and an equestrian acrobatics specialist, Aragón honed his talent for performance art as a child surrounded by entertainers. Determined to carry on the family tradition, Aragón launched his clowning career by the age of 11, performing with his brothers at venues like Madrid’s legendary Circo Price (Price Circus). 

The siblings moved to Cuba in the 1940s and achieved fame over the following decades as they showcased their endearing talents across the Americas. They found their way back to Spain in 1972 and the very next year, they took Spanish television by storm as the hosts of the children’s show which eventually became known as “El Gran Circo de TVE.” 

After a hugely successful decade on air, Aragón moved beyond his identity as a clown and throughout the rest of his career explored new endeavors as a writer, TV presenter, filmmaker, and recording musician—a talent which earned him two Latin Grammy Awards.

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Miliki!

Guest Artist Q&A with Cinta Arribas

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Spain-based guest artist Cinta Arribas. Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: I grew up with Miliki's songs, he is a well-known personality in Spain.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: I was inspired by the joy of children who participated in his show, and also in his song "La Gallina Turuleca".

Q: What do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: I hope that people can understand the atmosphere of the show and see how kids had a great time watching it.