Redd Foxx was a guest on a 1965 episode of The Tonight Show. Johnny Carson asked the renowned comedian: “Who is currently the funniest comedian?” Foxx — without hesitation — answered, “Flip Wilson.”
At the time, Flip Wilson was a regular at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater. The budding comic — who had honed his skills making his Air Force bunkmates laugh — was shocked when Johnny Carson booked him to appear on The Tonight Show based solely on Redd Foxx’s recommendation. This gig led to a number of performances on The Ed Sullivan Show. Soon, Flip was popping up all over television — on Here’s Lucy, Laugh-In, The Dean Martin Show and others.
Flip released several comedy albums, including The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress in 1970. This album won a Grammy… prompting NBC to offer Flip his own variety series. Flip’s show was wildly popular, earning 11 Emmy Award nominations with two wins. He showcased African-American performers who otherwise never got the national exposure they deserved. Flip portrayed numerous characters in his comedy repertoire, including Reverend Leroy, the preacher at the Church of What’s Happening Now and the lovably sassy Geraldine, who introduced the catch phrases: “What You See is What You Get!” and “The Devil Made Me Do it!”
Flip passed away in 1998 at the young age of 64. One of his last appearances was a cameo on a 1996 episode of The Drew Carey Show. I am amazed that there is an entire generation that is not aware of Flip Wilson and his groundbreaking and innovative talent.