Things You Didn’t Know About Flip Wilson
For a while, he was one of the hottest comedians in Hollywood.
When you think of great black comedians, who comes to mind? Richard Pryor? Dave Chapelle? Redd Foxx? How about Flip Wilson. If you watched TV in the 60s and 70s Flip was on par with pretty much every other comic, regardless of ethnicity. His work is still in evidence today. Ever hear, “The Devil made me do it.” That’s courtesy of Flip Wilson.
In addition, you’ve probably heard, “What you see is what you get.” Also, courtesy of Flip. In the early 70s, Flip’s show was considered to be must see TV. For those who don’t know Flip and those who have almost forgotten Flip, here are some things don’t know about Flip Wilson.
1: In January 1972, Time magazine called Flip “TV’s first black superstar.”
I guess his Time had come.
2: He released a number of comedy albums in the 60s and 70s.
His 1970 album, The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress won a Grammy. Well, the Devil is a great salesperson.
3: Flip was born Clerow Wilson Jr.
Man, it’s one thing to be born with the name Clerow, it’s another to also give that name to your son.
