Was there a funnier, more groundbreaking comedian in the 1970s than Flip Wilson? The impact of Flip Wilson on American comedy and television is undeniable; he shattered barriers and brought laughter to millions with his unique brand of humor.
Born Clerow Wilson Jr. on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Flip Wilson rose from humble beginnings to become a household name. His journey, marked by both hardship and determination, shaped the comedic genius that would captivate a nation. The young Clerow's life took a difficult turn when his mother abandoned the family, leaving his father, Clerow Wilson Sr., overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for ten children. Unable to cope, Wilson Sr. made the heartbreaking decision to place his children in foster homes, scattering the family and forcing young Clerow to navigate a challenging childhood.
| Flip Wilson: Biographical and Career Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Clerow Wilson Jr. |
| Stage Name | Flip Wilson |
| Born | December 8, 1933, Jersey City, New Jersey, USA |
| Died | November 25, 1998 (aged 64) |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor, Writer |
| Years Active | 1960s - 1990s |
| Spouses | Cookie Mackenzie, Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson |
| Children | Five |
| Career Information | |
| Notable TV Show | The Flip Wilson Show (1970-1974) |
| Key Characters | Geraldine Jones, Reverend Leroy |
| Catchphrase | "Here comes da judge!" |
| Awards | Two Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Award |
| Comedy Hall of Fame | Inducted in 1996 |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $4 Million (USD, in 2020 - based on online sources) |
| Early Career | Nightclubs, Apollo Theater |
| Albums | Flippin (1961), Flip Wilsons Pot Luck (1964) |
| Notable Film Appearances | |
| Films | Flip (1970), Uptown Saturday Night (1974), The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) |
| Early Life & Military Service | |
| Military Service | United States Air Force (Joined at 16 by falsifying age) |
| Origin of Stage Name | Derived from military friends |
| Reference | Biography.com - Flip Wilson |
