Flip Wilson
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Flip Wilson – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Flip Wilson (December 8, 1933 – November 25, 1998) was a trailblazing American comedian and actor whose variety show broke boundaries. Discover his biography, career milestones, comedic philosophy, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Flip Wilson stands among the greats of American comedy. With charm, wit, and unforgettable characters (most famously Geraldine Jones), he bridged racial and cultural divides, becoming in the early 1970s one of the most visible Black entertainers on television. His humor was incisive yet warm, his style accessible, and his legacy enduring. Today, his life and work continue to be studied by comedians, television historians, and cultural commentators alike.
Early Life and Family
Birth name and date
Flip Wilson was born Clerow Wilson Jr. on December 8, 1933, 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 and struggled with the economic difficulties of the Great Depression.
When Wilson was young, his mother left the family, and his father was often unable to care for all the children. As a result, Flip and some of his siblings spent time in foster homes and a reform school.
Youth, Education & Early Career
In his teenage years, Wilson drifted through difficult circumstances. At age 16, he lied about his age and joined the United States Air Force, where his outgoing personality and knack for stories made him a morale booster among fellow servicemen. It was during this time he earned the nickname “Flip”—his barracks mates said he was “always flippin’ out.”
After his military service, Wilson moved to San Francisco and worked as a bellhop at the Manor Plaza Hotel. There he would amuse himself—and others—by playing a drunken patron between musical or variety acts in the club. Audiences found it entertaining, and this impromptu comic bit evolved into professional material.
He gradually transitioned into stand-up comedy in clubs, sharpening his timing, voice work, and characters. Over time he added written routines to his improvisational base and began to build a reputation as a gifted comedian.
Career and Achievements
Breakthrough & The Flip Wilson Show
Wilson’s major breakthrough came in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He became a guest on The Tonight Show and The Ed Sullivan Show, which increased his visibility.
In 1970, NBC premiered The Flip Wilson Show, a one-hour variety/comedy series. #2 in the Nielsen ratings.
On the show, Wilson performed sketches and hosted famous guests from music, film, and politics. He created memorable characters such as Geraldine Jones (his drag persona) and Reverend Leroy (a satirical preacher).
Geraldine’s catchphrases—“The devil made me buy this dress!”, “What you see is what you get!”, “When you're hot, you're hot; when you're not, you're not”—became part of popular culture.
During its run from 1970 to 1974, The Flip Wilson Show earned multiple awards and nominations, including two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for Wilson.
Comedy Albums & Little David Records
Wilson was not only a television star—he was also a successful recording comedian. In 1969, he co-founded Little David Records (with his manager Monte Kay) to release his own comedy albums.
His 1970 album The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress became a landmark record—it was Wilson’s most successful release, his only Gold record, and won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording.
His label also produced other comedians’ work and released multiple Gold and Grammy-winning albums before eventually being sold.
Later Career & Legacy
After The Flip Wilson Show ended in 1974, Wilson continued working in television and film. He revived People Are Funny briefly in 1984 and starred in the sitcom Charlie & Co. in 1985–1986.
He made guest appearances on various shows into the 1990s, though far less frequently than his peak years.
Wilson is widely regarded as a pioneer for Black entertainers, particularly in the variety show space, and for normalizing character comedy that addressed race, identity, and social norms with humor.
Historical & Cultural Context
Flip Wilson’s ascent came during a time of social upheaval in America—civil rights movements, shifting racial attitudes, and evolving media representation. His ability to be funny, commanding, and broadly appealing helped expand what Black performers could achieve on mainstream television.
His show helped pave paths for later variety and sketch formats starring African American artists. Because variety TV was a major platform in that era, his success opened doors for future Black hosts and comedians.
Wilson’s characters—especially Geraldine—both played with and subtly subverted stereotypes. Geraldine was strong, sassy, and assertive, offering a persona not as a caricature but as a confident comedic force.
Personality, Style & Comedic Philosophy
Wilson’s style was warm, energetic, and approachable. His humor avoided mean-spirited attacks, preferring character, observation, and playful exaggeration. He often incorporated social commentary under the guise of laughter.
He believed that the comedian must connect with the audience first (make them like you) before making them laugh or delivering any message. As he said:
“Being a comedian is like being a con man. You have to make ’em like you before you can fool ’em.”
He also resisted making his private life fodder for public consumption; his show and stage persona were his statement.
“I don’t want to talk about my private self. Why should I?”
Wilson’s comedic voice often hinged on timing, character voices, and catchphrases. Geraldine’s lines like “The devil made me do it!” became so iconic that the title of his album adopted the phrase.
Famous Quotes by Flip Wilson
Here are several memorable statements that reflect his humor, insight, and voice:
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“Violence is a tool of the ignorant.”
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“Funny is an attitude.”
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“Things can be funny only when we are in fun. When we’re ‘dead earnest,’ humor is the only thing that is dead.”
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“Get well cards have become so humorous that if you don’t get sick you’re missing half the fun.”
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“You can’t expect to hit the jackpot if you don’t put a few nickels in the machine.”
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“What you see is what you get.”
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“The cost of living is going up and the chance of living is going down.”
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“I was number one in the ratings four times last year and twice this season. What could be more damn equal than that? If they get any more equal, I don’t want it.”
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“It would be ridiculous for me to say anything negative regarding blacks having an equal opportunity on TV.”
These quotes capture his wit, social awareness, and comedic philosophy.
Lessons from Flip Wilson
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Laughing can open doors
Wilson used humor—accessible, character-driven humor—to cross racial and social lines, demonstrating that comedy can be a bridge, not just entertainment. -
Create your own platform
By founding his own label (Little David Records) and starring in his own show, he wielded more control over how his art was shaped and distributed. -
Craft characters that elevate, not demean
His Geraldine character wasn’t a mockery; she was strong, sharp, and beloved—showing that humor can uplift rather than degrade. -
Respect your boundaries
He held firm in distinguishing his public persona from private life, allowing comedic space while protecting personal dignity. -
Pioneering involves risk and patience
When few variety shows succeeded under Black hosts, he succeeded through perseverance, innovation, and authenticity.
Conclusion
Flip Wilson’s career is a remarkable story of talent, timing, and trailblazing. From humble beginnings to becoming one of television’s most popular hosts, he changed how America saw Black comedians. His iconic characters, catchphrases, and approach to comedy left an indelible mark on popular culture.
Even now, his work teaches us about the power of humor, the role of identity in entertainment, and the possibility of forging one’s path in tough landscapes. His life encourages us to find voice, own it, and share it with authenticity.