Wavy Gravy (born Hugh Nanton Romney) (born May 15, 1936) is an American entertainer and activist for peace, best known for his hippie appearance, personality and beliefs. His moniker (the name he uses day to day) was given to him by B.B. King at the Texas International Pop Festival in 1969. "It's worked pretty well through my life," he says, "except with telephone operators – I have to say 'Gravy, first initial W."
Romney's clown persona resulted from his political activism. Frequently being arrested at demonstrations, he decided he would be less likely to be arrested if he dressed as a clown. "Clowns are safe," he said. He does, however, enjoy traditional clown activities such as jokes, magic tricks and entertaining children.
Romney founded and co-founded several organizations, including Camp Winnarainbow, the Seva Foundation and the Hog Farm, an activist commune. He was also the official clown of the Grateful Dead and has two radio shows on Sirius Satellite Radio's Jam On station.
A major film documentary on Wavy Gravy's life, Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy Story, was released in late 2010 by Ripple Effect Films. The film, directed by Michelle Esrick, received excellent reviews.
Read more about Wavy Gravy: Biography
Famous quotes containing the words wavy and/or gravy:
“At fifteen I visualized myself as a world-famous author of seventy with a mane of wavy white hair. Today I am practically bald.”
—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)
“There will be mud on the carpet tonight
and blood in the gravy as well.
The wifebeater is out,
the childbeater is out
eating soil and drinking bullets from a cup.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)