Who Is Flip Wilson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Flip Wilson, born on December 8, 1933, left an indelible mark on American comedy and television before passing away on November 25, 1998. He gained fame in the 1960s and 70s with his groundbreaking variety show, “The Flip Wilson Show,” which showcased his dynamic talent as a comedian, actor, and producer. Known for creating iconic characters such as Geraldine Jones, Wilson broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry, paving the way for future generations of entertainers.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1933 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 25 November, 1998 |
| Died Place | Malibu, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Flip Wilson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details on Flip Wilson's height and weight are not typically highlighted, it is known that during his prime, he had a robust stage presence that complemented his comedic style. Flip stood at around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), contributing to his authoritative yet charismatic presence in front of the camera.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Flip Wilson was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage to Mary Alice Brooks lasted from 1957 to 1967 and resulted in three children. Wilson’s second marriage was to a model and actress, and together they had a son. While his romantic life was often kept private, he was known to have had significant relationships throughout his life, demonstrating a deep appreciation for family and companionship.
Born Clerow Wilson Jr. in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was one of ten children born to Cornelia Bullock and Clerow Wilson Sr. His father worked as a handyman but, because of the Great Depression, was often out of work. When Wilson was seven years old, his mother abandoned the family. His father was unable to care for the children alone and he placed many of them in foster homes.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Flip Wilson's net worth was estimated to be around $20 million, primarily amassed through his successful career in television and stand-up comedy. His legacy continues to resonate within the industry, and his contributions have ensured a lasting financial legacy. Today, his estate still benefits from royalties and rights associated with his memorable work in television.
Career, Business and Investments
Flip Wilson's career skyrocketed with the launch of his own variety show in 1970, which won numerous awards, including two Emmy Awards. His ability to combine humor with social commentary allowed him to reach a broad audience. Beyond television, Wilson also appeared in films and stage productions, such as “Uptown Saturday Night” and “The Devil’s Daughter.” Furthermore, Flip was known for his smart investments, including real estate, which bolstered his financial portfolio.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Wilson toured regularly through nightclubs with a black clientele in the so-called "Chitlin' Circuit". During the 1960s, Wilson became a regular at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
An unexpected break came in 1965, when comedian Redd Foxx was a guest on The Tonight Show and host Johnny Carson asked him who the funniest comedian at the time was; Foxx answered, "Flip Wilson". Carson then booked Wilson to appear on The Tonight Show and Wilson became a favorite guest on that show as well as on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Wilson later singled out Sullivan as providing his biggest career boost. Wilson also made guest appearances on numerous TV comedies and variety shows, such as Here's Lucy (in which he played the role of "Prissy" in a spoof of Gone with the Wind with Lucille Ball as Scarlett), Laugh-In, and The Dean Martin Show, among others.
Social Network
In terms of social media, Flip Wilson may not have had official accounts since his era predated the digital age; however, his legacy has found a home on various platforms where fans and historians celebrate his contributions to comedy. Tribute pages and fan accounts share clips of his iconic performances, allowing new generations to discover and appreciate his influence.
Wilson's warm and ebullient personality was infectious. Richard Pryor told Wilson, "You're the only performer that I've ever seen who goes on the stage and the audience hopes that you like them."
Education
Flip Wilson attended the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science but ultimately pursued a career in entertainment rather than following a traditional academic or professional path. His early experiences in the military and various odd jobs paved the way for his interest in comedy, showcasing that sometimes a formal education is not the only pathway to success.
After bouncing from foster homes to reform school, sixteen-year-old Wilson lied about his age and joined the United States Air Force. His outgoing personality and funny stories made him popular; he was even asked to tour military bases to cheer up other servicemen. Claiming that he was always "flipped out", Wilson's barracks mates gave him the nickname "Flip", which he used as his stage name.
