I think you have a good idea of trying to bring your clown character to your uncle Sam character. I also think that if you just change the beard that won't be enough to get that point across. Thats like me saying I want to do a Aanta for Christmas and change the beard blue because DJ has blue hair. If I did this people won't then think DJ they just think Santa with a messed up blue beard. I also don't think you want to mess with a character that stands for the US in that way because you are confusing the audience and the image of uncle Sam. I mean when I think of uncle Sam, I think red, white and blue suit with a tall red, white and blue hat and a long face with a long white beard. This is the image most people have of him. As a entertainer, you don't want to confuse your audience and change the image of such a well know character. Instead try bring you clown heart to the character and be Willace with out the beard that way you can tell the two apart and not confuse the image of Uncle Sam. I hope this helps and good luck.
