Red Skelton gradually stepped back from show business primarily due to the changing television landscape, where his traditional, family-oriented humor felt outdated in an era shifting towards modern and edgier content.

Red Skelton gradually stepped back from show business primarily due to the changing television landscape, where his traditional, family-oriented humor felt outdated in an era shifting towards modern and edgier content. The cancellation of “The Red Skelton Hour” in 1970 after a 20-year run marked a significant point in his career decline, as CBS aimed to attract younger demographics. Additionally, health issues, including asthma and emphysema, contributed to his reduced workload. In his later years, Skelton focused on his passion for painting and writing, achieving notable success as an artist, especially with his clown paintings, while still occasionally performing live shows and making television appearances until his death in 1997