The late comic Flip Wilson on the cover of LIFE magazine, posing with his 1972 Rolls Royce Corniche drophead.
Mr. Wilson often transformed into being his alter-ego drag character, sassy/saucy Geraldine during performances. The license plate ‘KILLER’ references the character Geraldine’s oft-mentioned boyfriend Killer, who was always topic number one when Mr. Wilson slipped into character as Geraldine.
A trip down memory lane with Flip Wilson and Geraldine!
Clerow “Flip” Wilson (1933-1998) was a comedian and actor best known for his television appearances during the late 60s and 70s. From 1970-1974 Wilson hosted his own weekly variety series “The Flip Wilson Show” and introduced viewers to his recurring character Geraldine. The series earned him a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards, and it was the second-highest rated show on network television for a time. Wilson was the first African American to host a successful TV variety show.
Early life: Wilson was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, one of ten children. His father worked as a handyman, but because of the Great Depression, was often out of work. When Wilson was seven years old, his mother abandoned the family. His father was unable to care for the children alone and placed many of them in foster homes.
After bouncing from foster home to reform school, 16-year-old Flip lied about his age and joined the U.S. Air Force. His outgoing personality and funny stories made him popular; he was even asked to tour military bases to cheer up other servicemen. Claiming that he was always “flipped out” Wilson’s barracks mates gave him the nickname “Flip” which he would later use as his stage name.
In 1970, Flip Wilson introduced The Ed Sullivan Show https://fb.watch/fKxIOjhz4p/
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