Discover The Life & Legacy Of Flip Wilson: Comedy Icon

Ever wondered who shattered the television color barrier with a wink and a wardrobe full of unforgettable characters? It was none other than Flip Wilson, a comedic force who not only tickled funny bones but also paved the way for future generations of Black entertainers.

Born Clerow Wilson, Jr. on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Flip Wilson’s life began with adversity. One of ten children born to Clerow Wilson, Sr., his childhood was upended when his mother left the family. Unable to care for such a large family alone, his father made the difficult decision to place the children in foster homes. This early experience of instability would profoundly shape Wilson’s life and, in some ways, fuel his comedic drive. He ran away from those foster homes frequently ending up in reform school. He later served four years in the Air Force, where he earned the nickname "Flip," a moniker that would eventually become synonymous with laughter and groundbreaking television.

Flip Wilson: Biographical and Career Highlights
Full Name Clerow Wilson, Jr. (Professionally known as Flip Wilson)
Date of Birth December 8, 1933
Place of Birth Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
Date of Death November 25, 1998
Place of Death Malibu, California, USA
Cause of Death Liver Cancer
Occupation Comedian, Actor, Writer
Years Active 1960s - 1990s
Spouses Cookie Mackenzie (m. ?, div. ?), Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson (m. ?, div. ?)
Children Several children, names not always publicly available
Notable Works
  • The Flip Wilson Show (1970-1974)
  • Uptown Saturday Night (1974)
  • The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979)
Awards and Recognition
  • Golden Globe Award for Best TV Show - Musical/Comedy (The Flip Wilson Show)
  • Primetime Emmy Awards (Two) for The Flip Wilson Show
Signature Characters Geraldine Jones, Rev. Leroy
Legacy First successful Black host of a television variety show, broke racial barriers in entertainment.
Reference Link Flip Wilson on IMDb
Flip Wilson

Flip Wilson

Comedian Flip Wilson's Son David Has Been Paralyzed from the Shoulders

Comedian Flip Wilson's Son David Has Been Paralyzed from the Shoulders

Flip Wilson with a surprised face Photo Print (8 x 10) Walmart

Flip Wilson with a surprised face Photo Print (8 x 10) Walmart

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