Date of Birth: December 8, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: November 25, 1998
Biography
Clerow “Flip” Wilson Jr. was a groundbreaking African-American comedian and actor known for his charismatic personality and trailblazing work in comedy during the 1960s and 1970s. Born on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Wilson grew up in a challenging environment. His mother abandoned the family when he was seven, leading to his placement in foster homes. His comedic talent began to shine during his time in the Air Force, where he would entertain fellow servicemen. Wilson’s big break came in the late 1960s when he started appearing on popular talk shows, including “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His charm and wit quickly made him a favorite among audiences. In 1970, he launched “The Flip Wilson Show,” which became one of the highest-rated programs of its time and earned him a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards. The show was particularly notable for its diverse cast and Wilson’s portrayal of various characters, including the iconic Geraldine Jones. Wilson’s contributions to comedy were immense, paving the way for future African-American comedians. He passed away on November 25, 1998, but left behind a legacy of laughter and groundbreaking achievements in the entertainment industry.
5 Interesting Facts about Flip Wilson
1. Flip Wilson was the first African-American to host a successful variety show on American television.
2. His catchphrase “The Devil made me do it!” became a national sensation.
3. Wilson won a Grammy Award for his comedy album “The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress.”
4. He was the first African-American to be nominated for an Emmy in the category of “Outstanding Variety or Musical Series.”
5. Despite his fame, Wilson was known for being shy and reserved offstage.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Flip Wilson
1. “The Devil made me do it!”
2. “What you see is what you get!”
3. “If I owe you a grudge, you’ll never be broke!”
4. “You can’t expect to hit the jackpot if you don’t put a few nickels in the machine.”
5. “Funny is an attitude.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Flip Wilson’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million.
Children
Flip Wilson had five children: four daughters, Tamara, Stacy, Michelle, and Maureen, and one son, Kevin.
Relevant Links
1. [Flip Wilson Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/performer/flip-wilson
2. [Flip Wilson on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0934457/
4. [Flip Wilson quotes on BrainyQuote](https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/flip-wilson-quotes
5. [The Flip Wilson Show on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flip_Wilson_Show
