He served four years in the Air Force and earned the nickname "Flip" for his irreverent humor when he began entertaining the troops. Flip Wilson married Lavenia Patricia in 1957 and they divorced in 1967. Flip Wilson was born on December 08, 1933 (died on November 25, 1998, he was 64 years old) in Jersey City, New Jersey as Clerow Wilson Jr.. His nickname was Wilson Clerow Jr.. son was an American comedian and actor. He had a signature handshake to greet all of his guests that was coined the "Flip Wilson Handshake". Flip Wilson talks during a press conference before filming NBC-TV's "The Flip Wilson Show" while sitting next to Hank Aaron on October 15, 1973 | Photo: Getty Images. His first feature film was Uptown Saturday Night (1974, as The Reverend). Wilsons show was unique in that he used a theatre-in-the-round studio and minimal sets, which emphasized the talents of the performers. He married Tuanchai Cookie MacKenzie in 1979, and have one child together. When Flip Wilson was sixteen, he lied about his age to join the United States Air Force, where he gained the nickname Flip for his jokes. Despite racial tensions and riots, Flip furthered his career by appearing in three films, and four comedy albums. Wilson was one of many children in a destitute household. Leroy of the Church of Whats Happening Now, Wilson became most famous for Geraldine. Comedian Flip Wilson, the first black to host a successful weekly variety series for a network, died Wednesday of liver cancer at his Malibu home. "He will be sorely missed not only as a friend but as a comedy genius.". Updates? The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. To the end, he was a man I held in high esteem -- as a comedian and as a person.". "The secret of my success with Geraldine is that she's not a put-down of women," he once said. He was a writer and actor, known for Flip (1970), The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974). He served until 1954. Flip Wilson is a American Comic, who was born on 8 December, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. Born December 8, 1933 Died November 25, 1998 (64) Add to list Won 2 Primetime Emmys Geraldine, with Wilson in wig, high heels and a miniskirt, was perhaps his most famous character. Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA as Clerow Wilson. Flip Wilson is a 64 years old Comedian actor from Jersey City, New Jersey. The New Jersey-born Clerow Wilson, who earned the nickname Flip when he performed comedy shows in the Air Force (his buddies found him always to be flip), was host of the The Flip Wilson Show on NBC from 1970 to 1974. Leroy and other characters he mined for ethnic humor, died of liver cancer Nov. 25 at his home in Malibu, Calif. NBC's hit "The Flip Wilson Show" showcased the comedian's talents and brought a rare black voice to television during its 1970 to 1974 run. Wilson was married and divorced twice and was the father of five children. He was 64. A variety special in 1968 led to his own series, which earned him an Emmy for performing and one for writing in 1971. Flip Wilson began to write his comedy there. The series earned Wilson a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards. It took competition from a new drama, "The Waltons," to knock Mr. Wilson's show down in the ratings and off the air. Jesse Jackson, in a telephone interview yesterday, said that he had known the comedian since the 1970s and that "Flip was a breakthrough artist for African Americans. Successful comedy albums like Cowboys and Colored People, Flippin, Flip Wilson and You Devil You were released and he was signed by NBC to an exclusive contract. The Flip Wilson Show ran from 1970 to 1974. But women can like Geraldine, men can like Geraldine, everyone can like Geraldine.". On November 25, 1998 Flip Wilson lost his battle with liver cancer in Malibu, California at the age of 64. He had an outrageous attitude similar to Foxx (but using much milder language). Both shows were short-lived. Both shows were short-lived. The show ran from 1970 to 1974, reached number two in the Nielsen ratings, and earned two Emmy Awards in 1971. In this movie, we watched him as himself . She was perhaps his most popular character . In grim times, he was even asked to tour military bases to brighten up other service members. There was no sleaze. Ive made a transition to where I really want to be, he told the LA Times. Discharged in 1954, Wilson spent more than a decade working at odd jobs and developing a comedy act. "I wanted to devote the same amount of time to my kids as I had to the show," he told the Associated Press in 1985. Flip also gained airtime on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, The Ed Sullivan Show and many more. All net worths are calculated using data drawn from public sources. The Cast of 'Hanging with Mr. Cooper:' Where Are They Now? She was perhaps his most popular . She was the girl of my dreams, and she carried me longer than my mother did. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. There were no shock jokes. Flip Wilson plays both the co-owner of a roller rink and his wife in "Skatetown, U.S.A." | Photo: Getty Images. Most drag impersonations are a drag. As for Geraldine, he said: "I don't think Geraldine will be back. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Flip Wilson Zodiac Sign is Sagittarius , Ethnicity Black & religion Not Available. Leroy of the Church of Whats Happening Now and as the sassy Geraldine, one of TVs most successful drag acts whose catch-phrase was The Devil Made Me Do it. Geraldine would also announce, should one of the shows guest stars have the temerity to place a hand on her, You cant touch me! Stand-up comic and teller of circuitous and outrageous stories, usually in jive slang. He was 64. . Although he excelled at school, he did not continue due to an embarrassment of his appearance during eighth grade. After bouncing from foster homes to reform schools, 16-year old Wilson lied about his age in order to join the US Air Force. He was 64. His outgoing personality and funny stories made him popular; he was even asked to tour military bases to cheer up other servicemen. Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 as Clerow Wilson, Jr. to Clerow Wilson, Sr. and Cornelia Wilson. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. He co-starred in Uptown Saturday Night with Bill Cosby. A booking on The Ed Sullivan Show followed, and soon Wilson was everywhere during the heyday of comedy/variety shows on television: Merv Griffin, Joey Bishop, Laugh-In, etc. After his discharge in 1954, Flip made the life-changing decision to pursue a career path in comedy. Discharged in 1954, he spent more than a decade working at odd jobs and developing a comedy act in small clubs. Following the traumatic event, his father. After four years, he was discharged from duty in 1954. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. 13 or 14 years old back then." Wilson was host of "The Flip Wilson Show" on NBC from 1970-74. When he was honored in 1993 by the Los Angeles County Museum, he said he was busy racing hot air balloons, taking ocean cruises and studying the works of Kahlil Gibran. He was 64. FLIP WILSON'S DEATH Flip died in 1998, shortly after being diagnosed with liver cancer in Malibu, California, at 64. In 1912, Governor Wilson of New Jersey was elected president in a landslide Democratic. He was best known for his impressions of the Rev. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. On the show Flip welcomed many African-American entertainers like The Jackson Five and The Temptations. Flip Wilson. CAPTION: Flip Wilson was the first successful black host of a television variety show. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Cookie Mackenzie (14 December1979 - 5 December1984)( divorced)( 1 child), Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson (1957 - 1967)( divorced). Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Biography - A Short Wiki After leaving the air force in 1954, he worked as a bellhop at a San Francisco hotel, where he made his comedic debut during the intermission between two nightclub acts. He was a writer and actor, known for. Flip Wilson (Clerow Wilson) was born on 8 December, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, is a Writer, Actor, Soundtrack. He spent much of his early years in reform school and foster homes. He ended his absence from TV with guest appearances and then with two series: the 1984 quiz show "People Are Funny," on which he was host, and the 1985 CBS sitcom "Charlie & Company," which co-starred singer Gladys Knight. His NBC variety show ran from September 1970 through June 1974 and in the process he won two Emmys and landed on the cover of Time magazine in 1971. According to The New York Times, the 65-year-old comedian was on tour when he was found unresponsive in his Ritz-Carlton Orlando hotel room on January 9, 2022. Actor, Comedian. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. It was a success, for the next eight years, he played a drunken patron in between regularly scheduled acts throughout black clubs and theatres in California. The last one is Leif (1979). His commanding officer encouraged him to take up studying and, by the time of his discharge in 1954, he embarked on a career as a professional comedian. He was discharged in 1954. Most drag impersonations are a drag. George Carlin was one of the show's writers who also made frequent appearances during a news-weather-sports satire where the two would play off of one another. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. "The Flip Wilson Show," which aired on NBC from 1970 to 1974, showcased his talents and brought a rare black voice to television. The comedian's variety show went on to become one of America's most-watched show.The famous storyteller's already blooming career skyrocketed in 1965 when a reporter asked comedian Redd Foxx to name the funniest comedian around. Flip escaped eight times before returning to his father at the age of thirteen. In 1968, he had a television special, and by 1970 his variety shows The Flip Wilson Show was launched. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 8 December. Flip Wilson was a comedian, actor, and writer of African American descent. 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Flip, who was born Clerow Wilson, got his stage name from friends in the military. There was no vulgarity. Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. Stand-up comic and teller of circuitous and outrageous stories, usually in jive slang. No cause of death was immediately announced, but sheriff's department responders did quickly rule out drugs and foul play. That's when Red Foxx told Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show that Wilson was the funniest comedian out there. Discharged in 1954, Wilson became a bellhop in San Francisco's Manor Plaza Hotel and started performing in comedy clubs throughout California during his time off. Was sacked from a regular Seven-Up commercial spot in 1981, after being arrested for possession of a small amount of cocaine. Comedian Clerow "Flip" Wilson was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. Childhood And Early Life Clerow "Flip"Wilson Jr. was born on 8 December 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey. He continued to perform in clubs, and tried his hand at TV again in 1984 with People Are Funny and the following year with Charlie & Co., neither of which lasted. He also became a favorite guest on "The Tonight Show", "Laugh-In", and "The Ed Sullivan Show". But after appearances on Johnny Carsons Tonight Show and The Ed Sullivan Show, he was ubiquitous on the small screen and nightclubs for more than a decade, selling millions of comedy albums in the process. // 1954. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! His first feature film was Uptown Saturday Night (1974, as The Reverend). He was 64 years old when he died. Flip Wilson was born on 8 December 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. He had undergone surgery Oct. 2 at St. John's Hospital and Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., for a malignant tumor that was close to his liver. How old is Flip Wilson? Then in the late 90s, thanks to cable and the nostalgia for vintage TV series, The Flip Wilson Show resurfaced in reruns, and brought his comedy to a new generation of television viewers, as well as renewed appreciation for his place in the spectrum of black performers. As Coach 'Jock' Delaney, he Flip, who was born Clerow Wilson, got his stage name from friends in the military. He served four years in the Air Force and earned the nickname "Flip" for his irreverent humor when he began entertaining the troops. Although known for several characters, including Reverend Leroy of the Church of Whats Happenin Now and Sonny the White House janitor, Wilson was best known for the character Geraldine Jones, an outspoken working-class black woman with a boyfriend named "Killer." He is a member of famous Writer with the age 65 years old group. He dressed in drag to play the wisecracking Geraldine. He was only 40 when, in 1974, he walked away from "The Flip Wilson Show" in expectation of its cancellation, yet old enough in the terms of his work: Not only were younger, supposedly hipper . Comedian Flip Wilson, the first black to host a successful weekly variety series for a network, died Wednesday of liver cancer at his Malibu home. He got custody of his children in 1979 and quit show biz to devote more time to them. In 1950 he entered the air force by lying about his age (he was 16) and soon earned his nickname from the "flipped out" stories, jokes, and colourful dialects that he assumed to entertain his fellow servicemen. Mr. Wilson made his television debut on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1965, and that led to frequent appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Laugh-In" and on comedy series including "Love, American Style." ", Comedian Steve Allen told KCBS-TV in Los Angeles: "Nobody ever sent him a postcard objecting to any of his humor. It took competition from a new drama, "The Waltons," to knock Wilson's show off the air. Wilson said Leroy was based on a preacher he listened to as a child. He was 64. Tired of leaving one foster home to the other, at 16, he got into the Air force with a falsified age, and that was where he found his calling. Flip was 64 years old at the time of death. Flip Wilson died from liver cancer on November 25, 1998, just two weeks to his 65th birthday. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Since 1974, he has appeared in 6 feature films. Flip Wilson hosted People Are Funny and Charlie and Company with Gladys Knight. He was a writer and actor, known for Flip (1970), The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974). Flip Wilson, 64, who became the first successful black host of a television variety show with his turns as sassy Geraldine, the Rev. Flip married twice and had four children. He was soon asked to tour military bases to cheer up the other serviceman. years old. Yes, Scream VI Marketing Is Behind the Creepy Ghostface Sightings Causing Scares Across the U.S. David Oyelowo, Taylor Sheridan's 'Bass Reeves' Series at Paramount+ Casts King Richard Star Demi Singleton (EXCLUSIVE), Star Trek: Discovery to End With Season 5, Paramount+ Pushes Premiere to 2024. December 8, Born to a low-income family of eighteen kids in New Jersey, Flip was abandoned at the age of 7 by his mother. He was cremated. He answered, "Flip Wilson." Wilson's first appearance on The Tonight Show was a success (Johnny Carson loved him) and his career was made. He was 64. When he was seven years old,. They separated in 1984. In September 1998, Flip Wilson removed a cancerous tumor near his liver via surgery. Flip and his siblings were fostered as Clerow Sr. was unable to look after them alone. The label was sold to George Carlin in 1980s. , money, salary, income, and assets. Wilson died of liver cancer Wednesday night at his Malibu home with his daughter, Michelle, by his side, said Angie Hill, the comedian's assistant. But, many suspect that he committed suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot. We will update Flip Wilson's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. He married Tuanchai Mackenzie in 1979, and they had a child together. Behind the legacy of laughter of Wilson, was chilling darkness that no one could ever tell. Check out the announcement Flip Wilson makes at the end of the skit. "Flip Wilson was an incredible performer, one of the funniest people I ever knew," comedian Milton Berle said through his publicist. ", Survivors include five children. Wilson died Wednesday, November 25, 1998 of liver cancer at his Malibu home with his daughter, Michelle, by his side, said Angie Hill, the comedian's assistant. ", December 14, 1979 - December 5, 1984 (divorced, 1 child). Jones made famous such one-liners as "When youre hot, youre hot; when youre not, youre not! . He and his nephew Rashon were arrested with 2.5 grams of cocaine, some hashish and marijuana at LAX in 1981, but the California Supreme Court in 1983 threw out the case based on Fourth Amendment rights against illegal seizure. His outgoing and jolly character made him popular among soldiers. Following the traumatic event, his father, who found it challenging to maintain jobs due to the Great Depression, placed Wilson and some of his other siblings in foster care, leaving Little Flip all by himself. Wilsons big break in television came in 1965, when Johnny Carson invited him to appear on The Tonight Show. "entered the national lexicon. Celebrities Who Have Hosted the Oscars the Most Times, Jimmy Kimmel's 4 Kids: Everything He's Said About Parenting. At Foxxs urging, Wilson was booked on the show in August 1965, and later became a frequent guest and occasional substitute host. He continued performing this character and adding written material to his ad-libs at various California clubs, and started to create a timetable for himself as a performer. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. His performance was famous, and he became a regular. His humor was rarely political, but in interviews he spoke of his admiration for black politicians such as Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes and Georgia legislator Julian Bond. (1973 PHOTO) ec. 24 years ago. Foxx named Wilson without hesitation, and that singular act gave Flip all the recognition his career needed, as reported in AJC's Black History Month series. Flip Wilson, byname of Clerow Wilson, (born Dec. 8, 1933, Jersey City, N.J., U.S.died Nov. 25, 1998, Malibu, Calif.), American comedian whose comedy variety show, The Flip Wilson Show, was one of the first television shows hosted by an African American to be a ratings success. Mr. Wilson said in 1993 that he was enjoying the good life, which included recreational and spiritual passions ranging from hot air ballooning and long ocean cruises to studying the works of philosopher Kahlil Gibran, author of "The Prophet.". He was previously married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. He is from USA. While not overtly political in his humor like Dick Gregory, bawdy like Redd Foxx, or even genteel like Bill Cosby, Wilsons humor had elements of all these men, who were roughly contemporaries. "After all, I was number one in the ratings four times last year and twice this season.". Flip Wilson, byname of Clerow Wilson, (born Dec. 8, 1933, Jersey City, N.J., U.S.died Nov. 25, 1998, Malibu, Calif.), American comedian whose comedy variety show, The Flip Wilson Show, was one of the first television shows hosted by an African American to be a ratings success. While the TV series featured other regular characters such as Rev. He was 64 years old when he died. "I was very impressed with him, and I was always amazed that he wasn't well educated," he told the New York Daily News in 1971. Comedian Flip Wilson, the first black to host a successful weekly variety series for a network, died Wednesday of liver cancer at his Malibu home. Wilson is survived by sons Kevin and David, and daughters Stacey, Tamara and Michelle. Flip Wilson worked at Manor Plaza Hotel in San Francisco as a bellhop in 1954, where he convinced the manager to let him perform a comedy skit between dance acts at the nightclub. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. In 1998, Flip lost his battle with liver cancer. Wilson died Wednesday of liver cancer at his Malibu home with his daughter, Michelle, by his side, said Angie Hill, the comedian's assistant. The character was nobodys fool, known for such phrases as Dont you push me, dont you ever push me! and her hopeless devotion to her beau, Killer. While working in New York, Flip was endorsed by Red Foxx and was invited onto. The man whose most famous creation was an outspoken, liberated black woman named Geraldine, rose slowly through the comedy ranks, barely eking out an existence for many years. Flip Wilson, who made U.S. TV history by becoming the first black comedian to successfully host his own variety series and whose humor never turned angry died of liver cancer Wednesday. His outgoing personality and funny stories made him popular with fellow troops. All through his career, Wilson was deeply troubled by the rough beginnings he had. He was one of ten children born during the Great Depression. He died in Malibu. In the early 1970s Wilson hosted his own weekly variety series The Flip Wilson Show. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Birthday: December 8, 1933 Date of Death: November 25, 1998 Age at Death: 64 But I think Mr. Wilson will have to be the rest of the way alone. Flip Wilson started working his way up the comedy ranks in the 1950s, but his big break came in 1965. His commanding officer encouraged him to take up studying and, by the time of his discharge in 1954, he embarked on a career as a professional comedian. Due to the extreme poverty of his family, he spent his childhood in foster homes and reformatories, though its difficult to say how many or when. Age 64 years (age at death) old. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Unlike Gregory, Wilson often dealt with the sting of racism by subterfuge using the American Indians as surrogates (Do you want to buy a $50,000 split-level and have some Indian put up a wigwam next to it?). Flip Wilson married Lavenia Dean in 1957, and they divorced ten years later without any children. Flip Wilsonwas a comedian,actor, and writer of African American descent. In the 1960's Wilson became a regular at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The ease and joy with which he entertained his fellow troops were undeniable. Thanks to the older, more established Foxx, Wilson came to the attention of Johnny Carson. Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 and died on November 25, 1998. He created some of the most memorable comedy characters, including the famous Geraldine, a southern African-American diva with a remarkable high-pitched voice. A variety special in which he starred in September 1968 led to his own series, for which he won an Emmy for performing and one for writing in 1971. In 1970, Wilson won a Grammy Award for his comedy album, "The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress". Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Wilson made his TV debut on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1965. Flip Wilson, who made U.S. TV history by becoming the first black comedian to successfully host his own variety series and whose humor never turned angry died of liver cancer Wednesday night at his home in Malibu. The comedian was divorced about the time his show ended, and he won custody of his children. This teacher took an interest in me. He ended his absence from television with guest appearances and then with two series: the 1984 quiz show "People Are Funny," which he hosted, and the 1985 CBS sitcom "Charlie & Company," which co-starred singer Gladys Knight. He led with a brand of comedy that was clean and decent and not vulgar. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. was 45 Flip Wilsons income source is mostly from being a successful Writer. The Rev. He was married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. So, how much is Flip Wilson worth at the age of 65 years old? Black comedian Flip Wilson hosted The Flip Wilson Show, a showcase for music and comedy acts that was one of the highest rated shows on TV from 1970 to 1972.. Wilson had a rough childhood and lied about his age to get into the Air Force when he was 16 years old. Discover Flip Wilson's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Wilson claims that he lied about his age to join the United States Air Force, where he spent four years, and acquired the name Flip from his barracks mates (as in flipped out, he claimed). The club dates became classier and higher paying (the Hungry I, the Bitter End, the Village Gate). "I was very impressed with him, and I was always amazed that he wasn't well educated," he said in a 1971 New York Daily News interview. At 65 years old, Flip Wilson height not available right now. One of his famous quotes from the Flip Wilson Show is "In the booth, in the back, in the corner, in the dark. Works Flip Wilson Movies (6) There are 6 movies of Flip Wilson. Flip Wilson, who became the first successful black host of a television variety show with his turns as sassy Geraldine, the Rev. While serving in the Air Force, his penchant for crazy dialects led some of his fellow servicemen to think he was 'flipping out', and so the nickname 'Flip' evolved. How did Flip Wilson died? FLIP'S CHILDREN He then went on to perform on other TV shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Rowan and Martins Laugh-In. The sprightly Wilson, who died in 1998 of liver cancer at the age of 64, is not exactly unknown today: "The Flip Wilson Show," which aired from 1970 to 1974 on NBC, reran on TV Land from 1997 . While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. When Hollywood began to seek out black entertainers in the 1960s, his career took an upward turn. In 1959 a businessman from Miami, Fla., sponsored him for $50 a week, giving Wilson the opportunity to develop his comedy routines, and in the 1960s he became a regular at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem in New York City. Here is all you want to know, and more! ", Flip Wilson at the Advance art for THE FLIP WILSON SPECIAL. It was just funny.". "She's smart, she's trustful, she's loyal, she's sassy. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. Flip Wilson close-up in conversation; circa 1970, New York | Photo: Getty images. Flip started Little David Record label in 1969, which focused mainly on comedy albums, jazz, and soft rock. After in 1974. Geraldine, with Mr. Wilson in a wig, high heels and a colorful minidress, was perhaps his most famous character. Cause of death: liver cancer. COMEDIAN FLIP WILSON DIES AT AGE 64 - The Washington Post Flip Wilson, 64, who became the first successful black host of a television variety show with his turns as sassy Geraldine, the Rev.. "I have sincere affection for her and an appreciation of the affection that many fans express for her. Flip Wilson's Death - Cause and Date Born (Birthday) Dec 8, 1933 Death Date November 25, 1998 Age of Death 64 years Cause of Death Liver Cancer Place of Death Malibu, California, United States Profession TV Actor The tv actor Flip Wilson died at the age of 64. He was previously married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 and died on November 25, 1998. You Devil You won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording in 1968. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Wilson had undergone surgery Oct. 2 at . He died in Malibu Flip Wilson net worth He had a net worth of 6 million dollars. Unhappy times in foster home built sadness in young Wilson, and life in foster care was not easy. The names of the characters/jobs in the films he starred in are as follows: His first TV Show was The Ed Sullivan Show (1948).