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Reno Casino Clowns Laid Off

RENO, Nevada – As reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal: "The Circus Circus Reno hotel-casino has told its two circus clowns to take a walk in their big, floppy shoes.

"The clowns, Cuddles and Canoli, are the latest casualties in a round of layoffs of upper- and middle-management at the casino, which has suffered significant financial losses during the past year. The resort's hotel director, hotel manager, entertainment director and publicist have all been let go in recent months, a corporate spokesman confirmed.

"The two actors portraying the clowns were Circus Circus veterans earning full-time salaries and benefits. They had performed as a team for a decade, they said.

"…Circus Circus Reno is owned by Las Vegas-based Mandalay Resort Group, and suffered significant net losses during 2003, compared with the previous year, according to Mandalay's financial statements.

" …[Doug Mattice, who portrayed Canoli full time since 1990,] said he and Cindy Hammond, who portrayed Cuddles, were told of the layoff April 2.

"…'"With all of the goodwill we have produced for them, it was a bad move for the community,' Mattice said Monday from his home in Virginia City. 'We've done all the charities in Reno. I don't know what agencies you could call where we haven't done something for them.'

"…'"We were the ambassadors of goodwill for Circus Circus.'

"…Hammond, 46, who had been with Circus Circus for 24 years, said the pink slip was especially surprising because she had just been given a raise that week, along with expensive new clown shoes. She was already made up and in costume when informed she was being let go…"

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