Who was Flip Wilson? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Clerow Wilson Jr.

Died At Age: 64

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Lovenia Patricia Wilson (m. 1957–1967), Tuanchai MacKenzie (m. 1979–1984)

father: Clerow Sr.

mother: Cornelia Wilson

children: David Wilson, Kevin Wilson, Michelle Trice, Stacy Wilson, Tamara Wilson

Born Country: United States

African American Men African American Actors

Died on: November 25, 1998

place of death: Malibu, California, United States

: Liver Cancer

City: Jersey City, New Jersey

U.S. State: New Jersey

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What were Flip Wilson's most popular comedy sketches?

Some of Flip Wilson's most popular comedy sketches were "The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress," "Geraldine Jones," and "Reverend Leroy."
2

Who were some of the famous guests on Flip Wilson's variety show?

Some of the famous guests on Flip Wilson's variety show included Richard Pryor, Ray Charles, and Johnny Cash.
3

What impact did Flip Wilson have on African American representation in television?

Flip Wilson was one of the first African American comedians to have his own successful television show, paving the way for more diverse representation in the industry.
4

How did Flip Wilson's comedy style differ from other comedians of his time?

Flip Wilson was known for his clean and family-friendly comedy, which was a departure from the more explicit humor of many comedians in the 1960s and 1970s.
5

What inspired Flip Wilson to pursue a career in comedy?

Flip Wilson was inspired to pursue a career in comedy after serving in the Air Force and finding success as a stand-up comedian in clubs and on television.

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Childhood & Early Life

Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 as Clerow Wilson, Jr. to Clerow Wilson, Sr. and Cornelia Wilson. His father worked as a handyman, and was often out of work during the Great Depression.

His mother abandoned the family when he was seven. Unable to take care of the children his father placed them in foster homes. His childhood was spent in foster homes, and then reform school.

Aged 16, Wilson joined the US Air Force. His outgoing personality made him popular. He was asked to tour military bases to boost the morale of servicemen.

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Career and Later Life

Wilson’s barrack mates gave him the nickname “Flip” as he was always “flipped out”. He was discharged in 1954. He then started working as a bellhop in San Francisco’s Manor Plaza Hotel.

He found extra work by playing a drunken patron in between the scheduled acts at Manor Plaza’s nightclub. The inebriated character he portrayed proved popular, and he began performing it in clubs throughout California.

Initially he would simply ad-lib on stage, but soon he began adding scripts to his acts to make them more sophisticated. He performed regular shows at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

He caught Hollywood’s attention with a routine titled “Columbus” from the album “Cowboys and Colored People” in which he tells the story of Christopher Columbus with modern characters mentioned in the acts anachronistically.

Flip Wilson hosted “The Flip Wilson Show”, a variety series that debuted on NBC in 1970. He hosted many African-American entertainers, including The Jackson Five and The Temptations, and performed in comedy sketches.

The “Flip Wilson Handshake”, with four hand slaps, two elbow bumps and finally two hip-bumps, with which he greeted guests, became famous. George Carlin, one of the show’s writers, appeared on the show frequently.

Wilson appeared in Carlin’s news-weather-sports satire. Wilson’s characters included Reverend Leroy, a materialistic pastor of the “Church of What’s Happening Now”, and Geraldine Jones, who always referred to her boyfriend, “Killer”.

Ed Sullivan often invited Wilson to perform on his popular Sunday night show, and was his biggest career boost. The movies he acted in include “Uptown Saturday Night” and “The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh”.

In 1976, he appeared in a television musical adaptation of “Pinocchio” as the Fox, with Sandy Duncan starring as Pinocchio and Danny Kaye as Mister Geppetto, with songs by Laugh-In composer Billy Barnes.

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American Film & Theater Personalities

Major Works

After “The Flip Wilson Show” ended its run, Wilson made guest appearances on many TV comedies and variety shows, such as “Here’s Lucy” starring Lucille Ball, and “The Dean Martin Show”.

In 1984, he hosted the remake of “People Are Funny”. He then played the lead role in the CBS sitcom “Charlie & Co.” His last role was a cameo in the sitcom “Living Single”.

Awards & Achievements

The Flip Wilson Show aired from 1970 to 1974. It gained in popularity winning high ratings from its viewers, and critical acclaim. During its run, it won two Emmy Awards out of eleven nominations.

In 1970, he won a Grammy Award for his comedy album “The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress”. The following year, “The Flip Wilson Show” won him a Golden Globe for Best TV Actor.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1957, Flip Wilson married Lovenia Patricia Wilson. After ten years of married life, the couple split ways, and divorced. They did not have any children.

Thereafter, he married Tuanchai MacKenzie, and their marriage lasted from 1979 to 1984 when they divorced.

He won custody of his children in 1979, and cut down on his performances so that he could spend more time with his family.

He died of liver cancer on November 25, 1998.

Facts About Flip Wilson

Flip Wilson's real name was Clerow Wilson Jr., and he got the nickname "Flip" from his grandfather.

Wilson was the first African American to host a successful variety show on television, "The Flip Wilson Show," which aired in the early 1970s.

He created the popular character "Geraldine Jones," a sassy, outspoken woman who became a fan favorite on his show.

Wilson was known for his clean, family-friendly humor that appealed to a wide audience and helped break down racial barriers in entertainment.

In addition to his success on television, Wilson was also a talented actor and comedian who won a Grammy Award for his comedy album.

1971	Outstanding Variety Series - Musical	Flip (1970)
1971	Outstanding Writing Achievement in Variety or Music	Flip (1970)

Flip Wilson Biography

You wanted to know

What were Flip Wilson's most popular comedy sketches?

Who were some of the famous guests on Flip Wilson's variety show?

What impact did Flip Wilson have on African American representation in television?

How did Flip Wilson's comedy style differ from other comedians of his time?

What inspired Flip Wilson to pursue a career in comedy?