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Ever wondered how a kid from a broken home, navigating reform school and the harsh realities of abandonment, could become one of America's most beloved comedians? Flip Wilson didn't just tell jokes; he shattered barriers, becoming the first African-American to host a successful weekly variety show on network television, forever changing the landscape of comedy and entertainment.
The journey of Clerow "Flip" Wilson Jr., born on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Clerow Wilson Sr., was far from a laughing matter in its early stages. His childhood was marred by adversity. One of ten children, Wilsons life took a drastic turn when his mother left the family in 1940. Unable to care for all the children, his father placed them in various foster homes. Young Clerow frequently ran away, leading to his eventual placement in reform school. It was a turbulent beginning, but one that would inadvertently shape the comedic genius within him. It was this ability to transform adversity into humor that would later captivate audiences nationwide.
| Flip Wilson: Biographical and Career Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Clerow Wilson Jr. |
| Nickname | Flip |
| Birth Date | December 8, 1933 |
| Birth Place | Jersey City, New Jersey, USA |
| Death Date | November 25, 1998 |
| Death Place | Malibu, California, USA |
| Cause of Death | Liver Cancer |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor, Writer |
| Years Active | 1960s-1990s |
| Spouse(s) | Lavenia Dean (m. 1957-1976), Tuanchai "Cookie" Wilson (m. 1979-1984) |
| Children | 5, including David Wilson |
| Education | None (Dropped out of school at 16) |
| Military Service | United States Air Force |
| Notable TV Shows | The Flip Wilson Show, Flip, The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh |
| Awards | 2 Primetime Emmy Awards, 1 Golden Globe Award |
| Signature Characters | Geraldine Jones, Reverend Leroy |
| Comedy Style | Storytelling, Character-based, Observational |
| Albums | Flippin' (1961), Flip Wilson's Pot Luck (1964) |
| External Links | |
| Flip Wilson on IMDb |
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