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 |
|
| Awards and Recognition |
|
| 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 |
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