by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Pony le Clown, aka Michel Granger

Age: 30

Bio: This hunky Côte-des-Neiges resident had been employed as a social worker, but, in 1999, overwhelmed by all the grief he regularly had to bear witness to in said occupation, decided to throw caution to the wind and become a full-time clown instead. Working children's parties, festivals and the shopping mall circuit, Pony is quite possibly one of the most enthusiastic clowns since John Wayne Gacy and is said to be able to craft a balloon animal like it was nobody's business.

Is he a happy clown or a sad clown? A happy clown, always.

How he gets to his gigs: Driving in full clown gear in his souped up Mustang convertible with a three-foot-high plastic horse head attached to his trunk. "When I drive, the horse, she's laughing, her mouth goes up and down, her teeth shaking. It was an expensive thing to buy, but I like all the attention it gets."

Do the Cirque du Soleil clowns tend to look down their noses at traditional clowns like him? "I don't know, I've never met one. But most clowns are pretty supportive of one another."

Does he think people generally underestimate how much skill is required to become a Class-A clown? Yes. "And I am a very good clown. I've done a lot of research and spent a lot of money to become the best. You need more than just charisma, you need to be able to hold everybody's attention and to touch them [emotionally]."

How he keeps on top of all the latest developments and techniques in clown world: Pony regularly gets together with other members of the Clown Association of Quebec and they compare notes and pass on tips of the trade to one another. "Last month there was a clown convention in St-Jérôme and I participated in many seminars there. Like, not how to just make a very beautiful balloon animal, but how to make the very best balloon animal possible. You know, not just like some little dog and that's it."

Something that has happened to his girlfriend: After approximately one year of sharing a bed with Pony, she too has gradually become passionate about the art of clowning. "She's bought the hair and the nose and loves being a clown now. She is a very beautiful clown."

Do they ever put on their clown costumes before engaging in a night of passionate lovemaking? No.

Have any chicks ever inquired as to whether Pony might be willing to put on his clown suit before fucking their brains out? "Yes, I had a girlfriend that used to want this. But I didn't like it. I think she only wanted the clown, and not me. "

How to reach him: ponyleclown@videotron.ca

Childhood ambition: To become a teacher.

Literary preferences: "How to" books.

A recent film he dug: Anger Management.

Musical preferences: Martin Deschamps, Garou, Bon Jovi.

Words of wisdom: "Enjoy your life and make good times with the people."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca