Jake O'Jay trained as a dancer but found that a foot injury at the age of two left him badly scarred, both physically and mentally.  Unable to dance for a living he turned to singing, but due to a serious throat infection at the age of six he was forced to give up his dream of singing on cruise liners.  O'Jay moved on to sculpting and showed a real talent until it was discovered that he was allergic to modelling clay and he was forced to abandon the idea.  Looking for a new challenge he started working at a nearby zoo.  The youngest member of the staff at the age of eight he was a favourite with both the visitors and the chimpanzees.  His popularity spread and he eventually came to the notice of a circus promoter who persuaded him to join his troupe.  So it was at the age of ten that he first got the taste for playing the clown.