Flip Wilson was a famous TV host and comedian known for The Flip Wilson Show. His real name was Clerow Wilson Jr. He was born on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He died on November 25, 1998, at age 64.
He stood 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighed about 77 kilograms. He hosted The Flip Wilson Show from 1970 to 1974. He won 2 Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award. His estimated net worth was $6 million at his death.
He started his career in the U.S. Air Force. He became a comedy legend on NBC. He married Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie in 1979. He was a father of 5 children. His catchphrases made him a global icon.
Flip Wilson Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Clerow Wilson Jr. |
| Stage Name | Flip Wilson |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1933 |
| Age in 2026 | Deceased (would have been 92) |
| Birthplace | Jersey City, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Comedian, TV Host, Actor |
| Category | Television Personality |
| Education | Dropped out in 8th grade |
| Partner / Spouse | Lavenia “Peaches” Wilson (m. 1957; div. 1967), Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie (m. 1979; div. 1984) |
| Children | 5 |
| Career Start | 1959 |
| Company / Label / Team | NBC |
| Major Works | The Flip Wilson Show, Geraldine |
| Achievements | 2 Emmy Awards, Golden Globe, Grammy Award |
| Net Worth | $6 million (at death) |
| Primary Income Source | Television, Stand-up, Acting |
| Social Media Presence | Not publicly active |
Flip Wilson Real Name
Flip Wilson was born as Clerow Wilson Jr. He was known professionally as Flip Wilson. His full name honored his father. He used his stage name for his career.
His nickname, Flip, came from his Air Force days. Fellow airmen gave him the name for his flippant humor. He was raised in a poverty-stricken family. His real name is documented in public records.
Wilson‘s name became a brand in comedy. His full name was Clerow Wilson Jr. He was proud of his New Jersey roots. His name reflected his authentic self.
Wilson‘s real name is often searched by fans. His stage name was a nickname from his military service. He did not use a pseudonym. His identity was tied to his flippant persona.
| Full Name | Clerow Wilson Jr. |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Flip |
| Name Origin | Air Force nickname |
| Professional Name | Flip Wilson |
Flip Wilson Early Life and Education
Flip Wilson was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on December 8, 1933. He grew up in extreme poverty. He was one of 10 children. His family was struggling.
Wilson was placed in foster homes as a child. His mother was absent from his life. He dropped out of school in the 8th grade. His early life shaped his resilience.
Wilson lied about his age to join the Air Force. He served for 4 years. He entertained his fellow airmen. He earned his nickname Flip there. His education was informal.
Wilson‘s education came from performing. He learned comedy on stage. His early life and education shaped his career. He excelled in his craft. He never forgot his humble roots.
| Stage | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| School | Dropped out in 8th grade | 1940s |
| Military | U.S. Air Force | 1950–1954 |
| Military Role | Entertained troops | Guam |
Flip Wilson Parents and Siblings
Flip Wilson was born to Clerow Wilson Sr. and Cornelia Bullock. His father was a handyman. He struggled during the Great Depression. His mother was absent from his life. His family was poor.
Wilson had 9 siblings. He was one of 10 children. His siblings were important to him. His family was large.
Wilson‘s parents struggled to raise the family. His father worked as a handyman. His family was supportive. His family was his support system.
Wilson‘s family life was difficult. His parents influenced his career. His family shaped his values. His siblings are important to his story.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Clerow Wilson Sr. | Father |
| Cornelia Bullock | Mother |
| 9 Siblings | Brothers and Sisters |
Flip Wilson Before Fame
Flip Wilson started his career after leaving the Air Force. He worked as a bellhop in San Francisco. He wrote and performed comedy in small clubs. He built a reputation as a comedian.
Wilson toured the country for a decade. He played mostly to Black audiences. He headlined at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. His talent was recognized.
Wilson made his Tonight Show debut in August 1965. He impressed Johnny Carson. He became a frequent guest. His career was taking off.
Wilson appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and Laugh-In. He starred in a variety special in 1968. The special led to his own series. His before fame story is inspiring.
| Job / Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Bellhop | San Francisco |
| Comedy Clubs | Small clubs |
| Tonight Show | August 1965 |
| Variety Special | September 1968 |
Flip Wilson Career
Flip Wilson hosted The Flip Wilson Show from 1970 to 1974. The show aired on NBC. He created iconic characters like Geraldine. The show reached number 2 in the Nielsen ratings. He became a household name.
Wilson won 2 Emmy Awards in 1971. He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor. He won a Grammy Award in 1970. He became the first Black superstar on TV. His career spanned decades.
Wilson hosted Saturday Night Live in 1983. He hosted People Are Funny in 1984. He starred in Charlie & Co. from 1985 to 1986. He continued to perform and act. His career is legendary.
Wilson kept performing until the 1990s. He worked at a reduced schedule. He died from cancer in 1998. His career is legendary.
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1970 | The Flip Wilson Show premiered |
| 1971 | 2 Emmy Awards won |
| 1972 | Time magazine cover |
| 1983 | Saturday Night Live host |
| 1984 | People Are Funny host |
| 1998 | Net worth of $6 million |
Flip Wilson Family
Flip Wilson married Lavenia “Peaches” Wilson Dean in 1957. They divorced in 1967. He married Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie in 1979. They divorced in 1984. He had 5 children.
Wilson had 4 children with his common-law wife Blonell Pitman. He had 1 child with Cookie MacKenzie. He won custody of his 4 children after his divorce.
Wilson was a devoted father. He wanted to devote the same time to his kids as he had to his show. He balanced work and family. His children were his priority. His family was close-knit.
Wilson‘s family life was private. He lived in Malibu, California. His children were the center of his life. His family was his priority. His children were his joy.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Lavenia “Peaches” Wilson Dean | Ex-Wife (1957–1967) |
| Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie | Ex-Wife (1979–1984) |
| Blonell Pitman | Partner |
| 5 Children | Sons and Daughters |
Flip Wilson Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Flip Wilson was married twice. His first wife was Lavenia “Peaches” Wilson Dean. They married in 1957 and divorced in 1967. His second wife was Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie. They married in 1979 and divorced in 1984.
Wilson‘s partner Blonell Pitman was his common-law wife. They had 4 children together. Their relationship ended in 1976. His love life was complicated.
Wilson remained devoted to his children. He won custody of his 4 children. He focused on his family. Their bond was unbreakable.
Wilson and Cookie had 1 child together. He raised his family in California. He focused on his privacy. His relationships were private. His marriages were admired.
| Partner | Relationship | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Lavenia “Peaches” Wilson Dean | Wife | 1957–1967 |
| Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie | Wife | 1979–1984 |
| Blonell Pitman | Partner | 1959–1976 |
Flip Wilson Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Flip Wilson died at the age of 64. He was born on December 8, 1933. He stood 5 feet 11 inches tall. He weighed approximately 77 kilograms. He had an average build.
Wilson had dark brown eyes. He had dark hair. He had a distinctive smile. He had a dark skin tone. His appearance was recognizable.
Wilson maintained a clean and professional look. He wore suits on his show. He had a signature style. His style was classic. He looked distinguished.
Wilson‘s physical presence was commanding. He used his height to engage with audiences. He was charismatic and expressive. His body language was open. His appearance matched his personality.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | 77 kilograms (170 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark |
| Body Type | Average |
| Skin Tone | Dark |
Flip Wilson Social Media Presence
Flip Wilson was not active on social media. He died before platforms became dominant. He preferred traditional communication. His team managed his public appearances. He did not have personal accounts.
Wilson‘s legacy is preserved through archives. Fans share his sketches on YouTube. His quotes are shared on social media. He remains influential online. His digital presence is indirect.
Wilson did not engage with fans on social media. He valued his privacy. He focused on his work. His absence from social media was notable. He remained a public figure through TV.
Wilson‘s social media presence is minimal. He relied on traditional media. His interviews are still watched. His influence persists. His legacy is secure.
| Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|
| None | Not publicly active |
| Archives | Sketches preserved |
Flip Wilson Awards and Achievements
Flip Wilson won many awards. He won 2 Emmy Awards in 1971. He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor. He won a Grammy Award in 1970. His achievements are numerous.
Wilson was named “TV’s first black superstar” by Time magazine. He appeared on the cover of Time in January 1972. His awards reflect his impact. He is a legend in comedy.
Wilson won an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing. He became the first African American to host a hit variety series. His awards reflect his impact. He is a legend in TV.
Wilson‘s achievements are numerous. He changed the face of TV comedy. He inspired a generation of comedians. His awards reflect his impact. He is a legend in TV.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Emmy Award | 1971 | Outstanding Variety Series |
| Emmy Award | 1971 | Outstanding Writing Achievement |
| Golden Globe | 1971 | Best Actor in a TV Series |
| Grammy Award | 1970 | Best Comedy Album |
Flip Wilson Net Worth
Flip Wilson had an estimated net worth of $6 million at his death in 1998. His wealth came from TV, stand-up, and acting. He earned millions from The Flip Wilson Show. His net worth reflects his success.
Wilson built his fortune through discipline. He earned millions from his TV show. He invested wisely. He saved his TV salary. His financial habits were smart.
Wilson‘s production company generated revenue. He owned property in California. His assets were valuable. His net worth reflects his success.
Wilson‘s net worth is documented by Celebrity Net Worth. He is one of the wealthiest comedians. His fortune reflects his career. His income was strong until his death. He was financially secure.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Television | The Flip Wilson Show |
| Stand-up | Comedy tours |
| Acting | Films and TV |
| Endorsements | Brand partnerships |
Flip Wilson Nationality and Religion
Flip Wilson was an American citizen. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was proud of his country. He traveled the world. He represented American comedy abroad.
Wilson was raised in a Christian household. He identified as Christian. He did not publicly practice a religion. His faith was private. He focused on his career.
Wilson was open about his beliefs. He respected all religions. He explored spirituality through his work. His religion was personal. He focused on his family.
Wilson‘s nationality was American. His heritage was African-American. He embraced his roots. His background shaped his perspective. His identity was complex.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
Flip Wilson Public Image
Flip Wilson had a positive public image. He was a beloved comedian. He was respected by peers. He was seen as a hard worker. He was a role model.
Wilson was known for his clean comedy. He appealed to all ages. He was both admired and loved. His image was powerful. He was a household name.
Wilson was a role model for comedians. He broke barriers in comedy. He inspired countless performers. He was a household name. His public image was positive.
Wilson was beloved by fans. He was respected by colleagues. He won awards for his work. He left a lasting impression. His public image is legendary.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 1960s–1970s | TV Superstar |
| 1980s–1990s | Beloved Comic |
| Posthumous | Beloved Legend |
Flip Wilson Legacy and Impact
Flip Wilson left a profound legacy. He changed the face of TV comedy. He opened doors for comedians. He inspired generations. His impact is global.
Wilson reshaped the variety show format. He combined comedy with social commentary. He made comedy accessible. He set a new standard. His legacy is secure.
Wilson created The Flip Wilson Show. The show continues to inspire. It features his comedy segments. It won awards. The show is his enduring legacy.
Wilson‘s death was mourned by many. His colleagues praised his work. His family honors his memory. His legacy is everlasting. He is deeply missed.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Comedy | Revolutionized the genre |
| TV | Inspired generations |
| The Flip Wilson Show | Emmy-winning show |
| Catchphrases | Cultural impact |
Flip Wilson Future Plans and Goals
Flip Wilson had many future plans before his death. He wanted to continue performing. He planned more TV shows. He wanted to write more books. His goals were ambitious.
Wilson dreamed of expanding his production company. He wanted to explore new projects. He planned to spend more time with his children. He hoped to find peace. His future was cut short.
Wilson wanted to use his platform for good. He supported charity work. He advocated for equal opportunity. He believed in hard work. His plans were meaningful.
Wilson‘s goals are now carried on by others. His legacy continues through The Flip Wilson Show. His family honors his memory. His impact lives on. His dreams inspire us.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Television | More shows |
| Writing | More books |
| Family | Time with children |
| Charity | Equal opportunity |
Flip Wilson TV Host Career
Flip Wilson was a pioneering TV host. He started with The Flip Wilson Show in 1970. He hosted until 1974. He hosted People Are Funny in 1984. He created a new format for TV.
Wilson traveled the world for his shows. He met world leaders and celebrities. He explored cultures deeply. He avoided superficial questions. His approach was unique.
Wilson won Emmy Awards for his hosting. He won 2 Emmys in his career. He was a critically acclaimed host. His shows were groundbreaking.
Wilson changed the TV landscape. He inspired other comedians. He showed that comedy could work on TV. He made TV accessible. His career as a host is legendary.
| Show | Years | Network |
|---|---|---|
| The Flip Wilson Show | 1970–1974 | NBC |
| People Are Funny | 1984 | NBC |
| Charlie & Co. | 1985–1986 | CBS |
Flip Wilson TV Shows and Achievements
| Achievement | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Emmy Award | 1971 | Outstanding Variety Series |
| Emmy Award | 1971 | Outstanding Writing Achievement |
| Golden Globe | 1971 | Best Actor in a TV Series |
| Grammy Award | 1970 | Best Comedy Album |
Flip Wilson TV Shows List
- The Flip Wilson Show (1970–1974)
- People Are Funny (1984)
- Charlie & Co. (1985–1986)
Flip Wilson Hobbies
- Stand-up comedy
- Writing
- Reading
- Watching movies
- Playing golf
- Collecting art
- Listening to music
- Spending time with family
- Attending charity events
- Traveling
Flip Wilson Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: Pizza
- Favorite City: New York
- Favorite Book: Biographies
- Favorite Movie: Classic films
- Favorite Drink: Coffee
- Favorite Music: Jazz
- Favorite Cuisine: Italian
- Favorite Place: California
- Favorite Quote: “The devil made me do it”
- Favorite Color: Blue
Flip Wilson Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He was born Clerow Wilson Jr. |
| 2 | He was one of 10 children. |
| 3 | He dropped out of school in the 8th grade. |
| 4 | He lied about his age to join the Air Force. |
| 5 | He earned his nickname Flip in the Air Force. |
| 6 | He worked as a bellhop in San Francisco. |
| 7 | He toured for a decade before fame. |
| 8 | He made his Tonight Show debut in 1965. |
| 9 | He won 2 Emmy Awards in 1971. |
| 10 | He won a Grammy Award in 1970. |
| 11 | He appeared on the cover of Time in 1972. |
| 12 | He hosted Saturday Night Live in 1983. |
| 13 | He married Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie in 1979. |
| 14 | He had 5 children. |
| 15 | He won custody of his 4 children. |
| 16 | He died of liver cancer in 1998. |
| 17 | His net worth was $6 million at his death. |
| 18 | His catchphrases became part of the national language. |
FAQs
Q1: What was Flip Wilson’s net worth at his death?
Flip Wilson had an estimated net worth of $6 million at his death in 1998. His income came from TV, stand-up, and acting. He is one of the wealthiest comedians.
Q2: How old was Flip Wilson when he died?
Flip Wilson was 64 years old when he died. He was born on December 8, 1933. He died on November 25, 1998.
Q3: What was Flip Wilson’s height and weight?
Flip Wilson was 5 feet 11 inches tall. He weighed about 77 kilograms. He had an average build.
Q4: Was Flip Wilson married?
Yes, Flip Wilson was married twice. His wives were Lavenia “Peaches” Wilson Dean and Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie. He had 5 children.
Q5: What was Flip Wilson’s real name?
His real name was Clerow Wilson Jr. He used the stage name Flip Wilson. He earned his nickname in the Air Force.
Q6: What shows did Flip Wilson host?
Flip Wilson hosted The Flip Wilson Show from 1970 to 1974. He hosted People Are Funny in 1984. He won Emmy Awards for his work.
Conclusion
Flip Wilson was a legendary comedian and TV host. His real name was Clerow Wilson Jr. He was born on December 8, 1933, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He stood 5 feet 11 inches and weighed 77 kilograms.
He started his career in the Air Force. He hosted The Flip Wilson Show from 1970 to 1974. He won 2 Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award. His net worth was $6 million at his death.
He married Tuanchai “Cookie” MacKenzie in 1979. He was a father of 5 children. He died on November 25, 1998, in Malibu, California. His legacy is secure as a global icon. His comedy is world-famous.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Flip Wilson‘s journey from poverty to global comedy superstardom.
