GQ: Are you aware of the scary clown sightings? What do you think?

Wrinkles: Honestly, I think it's comical. As long as nobody is getting hurt, what's wrong with some kids dressing up and scaring their friends? Also how much of it is really true? They are busting people left and right with false sightings. Everyone needs to relax, for Christ's sake. The only clowns anyone needs to worry about right now are the two running for office.

Have you seen an increase in business as a result?

It's hard to know because of the hundreds of prank calls I have to weed through every day. I wouldn't say it's bringing more business, but it keeps the calls steady. I am booked through December, so I would say business is pretty good at the moment.

The only clowns anyone needs to worry about right now are the two running for office.

What do you think is causing it?

They probably see things in the news. Here's the thing though: there's a difference between scary and violent. You can be scary without being violent, but I don't think these kids nowadays are able to grasp that. Once you start threatening to kill people at school, you've taken it to a different level, clown costume or not.

How much do you charge for what you do?

I'm $150 an hour for parties. Children's behavioral stuff varies, since it's more involved. I'm cash only and mostly do gigs within a couple of hours of where I stay in Florida. [I've] been thinking about taking the show on the road, but we'll see what happens with that.

When a parent hires you to scare their kids, how do you make sure you’re not causing damage to the children? Is that ever a concern?

I'm more concerned about my safety than theirs, to be honest. [If a neighbor] happens to look outside and see me creeping around, he doesn't know mom and dad just paid me cash to scare the shit out of their kids. In Florida, they shoot first, ask questions later. That's way more frightening than anything I'm doing.

Who's your average client?

It's a mixed bag. I've had famous people (their agents or management) contact me for parties. I've had regular Joes that just want to prank their wife or friend. I get fed up single mothers tired of the kid's shit. You name it, they're calling me.

Do you only show up at events you’re invited to, or do you sometimes just wander around as Wrinkles?

I don't wear that thing any more than I have to. It's hot down here. Add rubber gloves, a polyester clown suit and a mask, and things get sweaty and uncomfortable real quick. I wear it to gigs and the minute I'm able to, I take it off and get back into regular clothes.

Is there anything you won’t do for a client?

Yeah, there's a long list of things I won't do. Also, it's 21+ to hire the Wrinkles, so all you kids that keep calling me to show up at your school during recess, it's not going to happen.

What inspired Wrinkles?

No matter where you are from, there is some story about "that guy" that will get you if you're being bad. When I was a kid, I was scared to death of the Sandman. My father told me that if I stayed out past the time the street lights came on, the Sandman would get me and I'd never see the light of day again. That scared me until I was old enough to start chasing pussy.

I get calls all day of kids saying, "we saw your number on Facebook, you're ugly and should kill yourself." If that's what fame is, then, yeah, I guess you could say I'm famous.

I know someone started a Kickstarter for a documentary about you. Can you tell us if that’s still happening?

A couple of guys approached me about a documentary, but nothing really came of it. Recently I've been talking with another production company in LA, and they seem to be much more put-together and motivated about doing a picture. We'll see how that goes.

Did you hope to become an Internet celebrity when you first started?

I get calls all day of kids saying, "We saw your number on Facebook, you're ugly and should kill yourself." If that's what fame is, then, yeah, I guess you could say I'm famous. I'm not that great at the Internet, and can barely use my phone, so I take no responsibility for any Internet fame.

Will you be very busy on Halloween?

Halloween is always a busy time. Not just the day of, but the whole month leading up to it. Last two years I was down in some fancy schmancy neighborhood in Naples, but this year I have a private party I'm doing for some big wig in town.

Last question, can you send us a photo of yourself?

JT Photography

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.