Flip Wilson

Flip Wilson was an American comedian and actor. In the early 1970s, Wilson hosted his own weekly variety series, The Flip Wilson Show. The series earned Wilson a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards.

Born Clerow Wilson, Jr. 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 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 he placed many of them in foster homes. After bouncing from foster homes to reform school, 16yearold Wilson lied about his age and joined the United States 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, Wilsons barracks mates gave him the nickname Flip which he used as his stage name. Discharged from the Air Force in 1954, Wilson started working as a bellhop in San Franciscos Manor Plaza Hotel.

Source: Wikipedia