The Flip Wilson Show

The Flip Wilson Show was a variety show that aired in the U.S. on NBC from September 17, 1970 to June 27, 1974. The show starred black comedian Flip Wilson; the program was one of the first American television programs starring a black person in the title role to become highly successful with a white audience.

Related Topics:
Variety show - U.S. - NBC - September 17 - 1970 - June 27 - 1974 - Black - Comedian - Flip Wilson

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The show consisted of many skits over an hour. Flip Wilson was most famous for creating the role of Geraldine Jones, a sassy, modern woman who had a boyfriend named Killer (who, when he was not in prison, he was at the pool hall). Flip also created the role of Reverend Leroy, who was the minister of the Church of What's Happening Now!. New parishioners were wary of coming to the church as it was hinted that Reverend Leroy was a con artist.

Related Topics:
Skit - Modern - Prison - Pool - Minister - Church - Con artist

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In addition to the skits, Flip Wilson also signed many popular singers to provide entertainment. African-American singers such as The Jackson Five, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, The Pointer Sisters, Charley Pride, and Roberta Flack appeared on the program, as well as many contemporary white entertainers. Usually, the singers also chose to partake in skits with Wilson.

Related Topics:
Singer - Entertainment - African-American - The Jackson Five - Aretha Franklin - Stevie Wonder - Ray Charles - Gladys Knight - The Pointer Sisters - Charley Pride - Roberta Flack

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Wilson's clout allowed him to get both the new breakout performers (such as Sandy Duncan, Lily Tomlin, George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Albert Brooks, Lola Falana and Melba Moore all of whom became very popular during this period) as well as established singers. In late 1971, gospel legend Mahalia Jackson made one of her last public performances on The Flip Wilson Show.

Related Topics:
Sandy Duncan - Lily Tomlin - George Carlin - Richard Pryor - Albert Brooks - Lola Falana - Melba Moore - 1971 - Mahalia Jackson

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While The Flip Wilson Show first shared a studio with other television series, Wilson's massive popularity allowed for him to get his own set of soundstages, starting in the fall 1972 season. As the seasons went on, however, the show's ratings slipped. This, coupled with Wilson's repeated demands for higher raises in his salary, caused the series to become over-budget, and led to its cancellation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~