Top 35 Quotes & Sayings by Flip Wilson

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an American comedian Flip Wilson.

Last updated on September 17, 2024.

Clerow "Flip" Wilson Jr. was an American comedian and actor best known for his television appearances during the late 1960s and 1970s. From 1970 to 1974, Wilson hosted his own weekly variety series The Flip Wilson Show, and introduced viewers to his recurring character Geraldine. The series earned Wilson 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. In January 1972, Time magazine featured Wilson's image on its cover and named him "TV's first black superstar". He released a number of comedy albums in the 1960s and 1970s and won a Grammy Award for his 1970 album The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress.

American - Comedian | December 8, 1933 - November 25, 1998

Source: Wikipedia

My happiest memory of childhood was my first birthday in reform school. This teacher took an interest in me. In fact, he gave me the first birthday presents I ever got: a box of Cracker Jacks and a can of ABC shoe polish.

Flip Wilson

Most drag impersonations are a drag. But women can like Geraldine, men can like Geraldine, everyone can like Geraldine.

Flip Wilson

If I could marry my motorcycle, I'd roll her right up to the altar.

Flip Wilson

Funny is an attitude.

Flip Wilson

Things can be funny only when we are in fun. When we're 'dead earnest,' humor is the only thing that is dead.

Flip Wilson

Everyone in this house and the houses next door knows when I'm in the sauna because I start singing, and I sing the blues when I'm in a really good mood. I have a really loud voice, you know.

Flip Wilson

I accomplished what I set out to do. I wanted the whole cookie, and I got it. Now I want to spend more time with my children - make sure they don't go through what I did.

Flip Wilson

After having seen the job done on that first show of mine, I realized that I felt like I wanted to work again for a short while. Two, three years, then stop.

Flip Wilson

I have my outlet for my humor through my characters, and I also have the intimacy of rapport with my fans that allows me to explain my philosophy and spirituality.

Flip Wilson

The secret of my success with Geraldine is that she's not a putdown of women. She's smart, she's trustful, she's loyal, she's sassy.

Flip Wilson

The cost of living is going up and the chance of living is going down.

Flip Wilson

I have the bug again. I'm expecting the response to seeing the show again on Nick to be very good, and this will set the groundwork for what I want to do.

Flip Wilson

I told CBS, 'My career is going down the toilet, and you're pulling the chain.'

Flip Wilson

Don't order one for the road, because the road is already laid out.

Flip Wilson

When you're hot, you're hot; when you're not, you're not.

Flip Wilson

Funny is not a color. Being black is only good from the time you get from the curtain to the microphone.

Flip Wilson

The devil made me do it.

Flip Wilson

I've had all that you could ask for. The fat lady has sung, and there's a standing ovation.

Flip Wilson

You can't expect to hit the jackpot if you don't put a few nickels in the machine.

Flip Wilson

I study a lot of philosophy. I want to be an example of how to enjoy this success, and that's exactly what I've done. I've enjoyed every moment.

Flip Wilson

My show is my statement. What I have to say is on the screen. My life is my own. I don't want to talk about my private self. Why should I?

Flip Wilson

I tell fans who ask me why I'm not doing comedy anymore that I'm a different person. I've grown and I've matured. I've made a transition to where I really want to be.

Flip Wilson

My main point is to be funny; if I can slip a message in there, fine.

Flip Wilson

Violence is a tool of the ignorant.

Flip Wilson

It's later than it's ever been.

Flip Wilson

A show hosted by a black had never been accepted, so the first time that knob's turned on, people are judging against all they have ever been taught. I may have been the first black in the house.

Flip Wilson

I think Mr. Wilson will have to be the rest of the way alone.

Flip Wilson

It would be ridiculous for me to say anything negative regarding blacks having an equal opportunity on TV.

Flip Wilson

Variety shows didn't disappear; it was the caliber of the artists, the classic vaudevillians that have passed on. They are gone, so there's a different caliber performer that's come along that hasn't had the time to work in the small clubs and get the experience.

Flip Wilson

I was number one in the ratings four times last year and twice this season. What could be more damn equal than that? If they get any more equal, I don't want it.

Flip Wilson