Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president of the United States, dies in Washington, D.C., at the age of 67. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. He He died on November 25, 1998 in Malibu, California, USA. 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. He had an outrageous attitude similar to Foxx (but using much milder language). All Rights Reserved. He was married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. Flip and his siblings were fostered as Clerow Sr. was unable to look after them alone. His subsequent television series People Are Funny (1984) and Charlie and Co. (198586) were both short-lived. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. He was 64. He was 64. . It was just funny.". Flip Wilson married Lavenia Patricia in 1957 and they divorced in 1967. 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 . 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. 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. After honing his act in nightclubs, he became a star with The Flip. There was no sleaze. He was inducted into the 2019-2020 Class of New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Arts and Entertainment category. Here is all you want to know, and more! "After all, I was number one in the ratings four times last year and twice this season.". Corrections? She was perhaps his most popular . After bouncing from foster homes to reform school, sixteen-year-old Wilson lied about his age and joined the United States Air Force. He was previously married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. Flip Wilson won custody of all his children in 1979 and took fewer jobs to spend time with his children: Kevin, David, Stacy, Tamara, and Michelle. Flip Wilson's net worth Wilson quit school at the age of sixteen, lied about his age, and joined the U.S. Air Force. He was 64. 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. Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA as Clerow Wilson. The ease and joy with which he entertained his fellow troops were undeniable. 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Flip, who was born Clerow Wilson, got his stage name from friends in the military. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. was 45 Dec 8, 1933 - Nov 25, 1998 (64 years old) Place of Birth: Jersey City Gender: Male Profession: Comedian, Actor, Screenwriter Nationality: United States of America Compare Flip Wilson's Net. When Wilson was seven years old, his mother abandoned the family. A great, great skit from a January, 1972 episode of The Flip Wilson Show. Wilson made his TV debut on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1965. He was 64. 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. Flip Wilson Zodiac Sign is Sagittarius , Ethnicity Black & religion Not Available. He steered clear off politics and had one aim only, to make others happy. "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. We have estimated Although breakthrough actors such as Bill Cosby on "I Spy" and Diahann Carroll in "Julia" had roles that downplayed their racial identities, Mr. Wilson reveled in such characters as Leroy, pastor of the "Church of What's Happening Now," who Mr. Wilson said was based on a preacher he listened to as a child. He had four children with his common-law wife, Blonell Pitman. 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. Stand-up comic and teller of circuitous and outrageous stories, usually in jive slang. His father, unable to care for the children alone, placed them in foster homes. Ive grown up, Ive matured. You Devil You won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording in 1968. So, how much is Flip Wilson worth at the age of 65 years old? Flip Wilson Birthday and Date of Death. It was during his time in the Air Force that he earned his famous nickname, "Flip." 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?). Leroy and other characters he mined for ethnic humor, died. We welcome all corrections and feedback using the button below. Born December 8, 1933 Died November 25, 1998 (64) Add to list Won 2 Primetime Emmys As for Geraldine, he said: "I don't think Geraldine will be back. Born to a low-income family of eighteen kids in New Jersey, Flip was abandoned at the age of 7 by his mother. It was there that he was encouraged by his commanding officer to study and take the typing course. 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. In 1912, Governor Wilson of New Jersey was elected president in a landslide Democratic. When provided, we also incorporate private tips and feedback received from the celebrities or their representatives. Clerow Wilson was born into poverty on Dec. 8, 1933, in Jersey City and raised in foster homes, quitting school at 16. He was discharged in 1954. "The Flip Wilson Show" aired through 1974. Flip also gained airtime on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, The Ed Sullivan Show and many more. Keep supporting great journalism by turning off your ad blocker. He dressed in drag to play the wisecracking Geraldine. She was perhaps his most popular character . He was nominated for the 2017 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts category. Wilson later claimed he left the show to help raise his four children (he divorced their mother after a 10-year marriage in 1967), but there were rumors of nervous breakdowns and other troubles like palimony problems. The couple divorced in 1984. 1970 He was a writer and actor, known for Flip (1970), The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) and The Six Million Dollar Man (1974). His parents Clerow Sr. and Cornelia had ten children, and his mother abandoned the family when he was seven years old. The Flip Wilson Show ran from 1970 to 1974. That's when Red Foxx told Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show that Wilson was the funniest comedian out there. He was a writer and actor, known for Flip (1970), The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974). He created some of the most memorable comedy characters, including the famous Geraldine, a southern African-American diva with a remarkable high-pitched voice. After the variety show ended, Wilson withdrew to private life, appearing occasionally in films or on television. The 1950s were not a particularly hospitable time for black performers, and he barely subsisted in low-paying gigs and low-rent clubs. He acquired a benefactor, a Miami businessman, in 1959, and soon after was a regular at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. He was cremated. He was the first black entertainer to be the host of his own weekly show on network television, called "The Flipson Show," which aired from 1970 to 1974. 2023 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved. In fact, he gave me the first birthday presents I ever got. Wilsons big break in television came in 1965, when Johnny Carson invited him to appear on The Tonight Show. Works Flip Wilson Movies (6) There are 6 movies of Flip Wilson. The Flip Wilson Show ended at a high rating. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Most drag impersonations are a drag. years old. His outgoing and jolly character made him popular among soldiers. , money, salary, income, and assets. He died in Malibu Flip Wilson net worth He had a net worth of 6 million dollars. 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 had a signature handshake to greet all of his guests that was coined the "Flip Wilson Handshake". His wife is Cookie Mackenzie (14 December1979 - 5 December1984)( divorced)( 1 child), Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson (1957 - 1967)( divorced). He co-starred in Uptown Saturday Night with Bill Cosby. He is best known for his role as the sassy Geraldine on the television variety show titled . As for racism in the world of television, Mr. Wilson said in 1971: "It would be ridiculous for me to say anything negative regarding blacks having an equal opportunity on TV. 'In Living Color' Cast: Where Are They Now? He is a member of famous Writer with the age 65 years old group. You dont know me. He was a funny guy. 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. Taking a close look at the childhood of American comedian and actor, Flip Wilson helps to understand what haunted the comedian for all his life and made him desperate for a sense of belonging, even till death. 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 Flip Wilson Show," which aired on NBC from 1970 to 1974, showcased his talents and brought a rare black voice to television. He then went on to perform on other TV shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Rowan and Martins Laugh-In. Clerow Wilson was born into poverty on Dec. 8, 1933, in Jersey City and raised in foster homes, quitting school at age 16. and "What you see is what you get!" Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 as Clerow Wilson, Jr. to Clerow Wilson, Sr. and Cornelia Wilson. "Flip Wilson was an incredible performer, one of the funniest people I ever knew," comedian Milton Berle said through his publicist. He had undergone surgery Oct.. 1954 Stand-up comic and teller of circuitous and outrageous stories, usually in jive slang. One of his famous quotes from the Flip Wilson Show is "In the booth, in the back, in the corner, in the dark. Discover Flip Wilson's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Following his death, the legend's $25million fortune was distributed among his biological children, each getting $375,000. 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. He also had a de facto partner Blonell Pitman and stepdaughter Michelle. FLIP'S CHILDREN Flip Wilson is a American Comic, who was born on 8 December, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. But I think Mr. Wilson will have to be the rest of the way alone. Both shows were short-lived. Flip Wilson died from liver cancer on November 25, 1998, just two weeks to his 65th birthday. In 1998, Flip lost his battle with liver cancer. He died on November 25, 1998 in Malibu, California, USA. The last one is Leif (1979). 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. Following the traumatic event, his father. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. He died in Malibu. 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. was 40 when he starred in this movie. There was no vulgarity. "; and "The Devil made me do it." 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. 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. Flip Wilson (Clerow Wilson) was born on 8 December, 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA, is a Writer, Actor, Soundtrack. 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. The difficulty the young Wilson faced caused him to lash out in unruly behavior. The multi-award-winning comedian lived a full life, despite the unhappy childhood he had, which made him have a feeling of misplacement all through his adult life. He had undergone surgery Oct. 2 for a . "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. Flip Wilson, Writer: Flip. In 1968, he had a television special, and by 1970 his variety shows The Flip Wilson Show was launched. 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. He was a writer and actor, known for Flip (1970), The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) and The Six Million Dollar Man (1974). 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. Updates? Before becoming ill, he was an active lighter than air pilot. 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. His first feature film was Uptown Saturday Night (1974, as The Reverend). But two months later on 25 November, Flip Wilson passed away of liver cancer in his home in Malibu, California. | Photo: Getty Images. The Cast of 'Hanging with Mr. Cooper:' Where Are They Now? After four years, he was discharged from duty in 1954. The Rev. Then, having owned half of The Flip Wilson Show and invested his money wisely, Wilson largely retired, returning intermittently to try out series television. Her spunky catch phrases -- "The devil made me do it" and "What you see is what you get!" "I have sincere affection for her and an appreciation of the affection that many fans express for her. The comedian was divorced about the time his show ended, and he won custody of his children. 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. The show ran from 1970 to 1974, reached number two in the Nielsen ratings, and earned two Emmy Awards in 1971. He was a writer and actor, known for Flip (1970), The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974). His father worked as a handyman, and was often out of work during the Great Depression. Was sacked from a regular Seven-Up commercial spot in 1981, after being arrested for possession of a small amount of cocaine. Wilson was one of many children in a destitute household. How did Flip Wilson died? They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. 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! He was best known for his impressions of the Rev. Throughout his career he also made numerous comedy recordings, most notably The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress (1970), for which he won a Grammy Award. The series earned Wilson a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards. But, many suspect that he committed suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot. "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. No, he died on 11/25/1998, 23 years ago. After capturing audiences in TV specials, he debuted the show that ran for four seasons. 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. In the mid-1960s, Flip Wilson scored performing time as comic and master of ceremonies at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. In grim times, he was even asked to tour military bases to brighten up other service members. short interview with a reporter, Flip once said: as reported in AJC's Black History Month series. "The secret of my success with Geraldine is that she's not a put-down of women," Wilson once said. Cause of death: liver cancer. Cause of death: liver cancer. We will update Flip Wilson's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. After hosting a successful television special in the late 60s, Wilson was catapulted to fame with his own program, The Flip Wilson Show. 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. ", Comedian Steve Allen told KCBS-TV in Los Angeles: "Nobody ever sent him a postcard objecting to any of his humor. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Flip-Wilson. Flip was 64 years old at the time of death. After his discharge in 1954, Flip made the life-changing decision to pursue a career path in comedy. Wilson had undergone surgery Oct. 2 at St. Johns Hospital & Health Center in Santa Monica for a malignant tumor that was close to his liver. He served four years in the Air Force and earned the nickname "Flip" for his irreverent humor when he began entertaining the troops. 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. Jones made famous such one-liners as "When youre hot, youre hot; when youre not, youre not! By the time he was discharged in 1954, he had a reputation as an excellent typist and a "flipped out" comedian for his fellow . Comedian Clerow "Flip" Wilson was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. . Flip Wilson was born on December 8, 1933 and died on November 25, 1998. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. Age 64 years (age at death) old. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Carson put him on, and stardom followed. He dressed in drag to play the wisecracking Geraldine. 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. Abandoned by his mother in 1940, he was placed in foster homes from which he ran away so often that he was sent to reform school. Flip Wilsons income source is mostly from being a successful Writer. He was discharged in 1954 and took a job as a bellhop in the Manor Plaza Hotel in San Francisco, filling in as an entertainer (as a drunk who happens to wander onstage) during act breaks at the hotel nightclub. But women can like Geraldine, men can like Geraldine, everyone can like Geraldine.". Meet the 11 Finalists of 'America's Got Talent: All-Stars'. He created some of the most memorable comedy characters, including the famous Geraldine, a southern African-American diva with a remarkable high-pitched voice. FLIP WILSON'S DEATH Flip died in 1998, shortly after being diagnosed with liver cancer in Malibu, California, at 64. This teacher took an interest in me. In this movie, we watched him as himself . After bouncing from foster homes to reform schools, 16-year old Wilson lied about his age in order to join the US Air Force. Flip Wilson cooling off in a motel pool during cross-country car trip | Photo: Getty Images. After winning custody of his children in 1979, Wilson performed less in order to spend more time with his family. "He will be sorely missed not only as a friend but as a comedy genius.". 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. 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. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. How old is Flip Wilson? 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. Check out the announcement Flip Wilson makes at the end of the skit. Wilson's barrack mates gave him the nickname "Flip" as he was always "flipped out". He was a writer and actor, known for. // 1954. "She's smart, she's trustful, she's loyal, she's sassy. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Flip Wilson, 64, who became the first successful black host of a television variety show with his turns as sassy Geraldine, the Rev. ", Survivors include five children. (1986 PHOTO) ec CAPTION: Flip Wilson, right, with comic Tim Conway, plays the sassy Geraldine during the taping of NBC's hit "The Flip Wilson Show," for which he won two Emmys. ", Flip Wilson at the Advance art for THE FLIP WILSON SPECIAL. The Cast of 'Saturday Night Live': Everything to Know, Eddie Vedder, Jim Parsons, Tanya Tucker and More Honor Leslie Jordan at Benefit Show: 'He Was Extraordinary', Richard Belzer, 'Law & Order: SVU' Star, Dead at 78, Christopher Meloni, Dick Wolf, Ice-T and Others React to 'SVU' Star Richard Belzer's Death. All through his career, Wilson was deeply troubled by the rough beginnings he had. 1933, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States of America. 24 years ago. "; "What you see is what you get! Flip Wilson was born on 8 December 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. Or purchase a subscription for unlimited access to real news you can count on. He was previously married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. Despite racial tensions and riots, Flip furthered his career by appearing in three films, and four comedy albums. -- became catch phrases. Wilson was married and divorced twice and was the father of five children. At 16, Flip lied about his age and joined the Air Force, where he found his calling by entertaining his fellow troops. We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. 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. They separated in 1984. 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 . Flip remained in juvie for a brief period. In 1981, Flip Wilson was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, and was subsequently dropped from 7- Ups advertising campaigned. Unhappy times in foster home built sadness in young Wilson, and life in foster care was not easy. No cause of death was immediately announced, but sheriff's department responders did quickly rule out drugs and foul play. CAPTION: Flip Wilson was the first successful black host of a television variety show. The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress won Grammy in 1970. 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. Omissions? After in 1974. 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. That same year Wilson's variety series, "The Flip Wilson Show, debuted on NBC. He was married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. 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. How old was Flip Wilson when he died? Flip Wilson. "The secret of my success with Geraldine is that she's not a put-down of women," he once said. The series earned Wilson a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards. He was previously married to Cookie Mackenzie and Lovenia Patricia (Peaches) Wilson. Wilson died of liver cancer, said Angie Hill, the comedian's assistant. Wilsons show was unique in that he used a theatre-in-the-round studio and minimal sets, which emphasized the talents of the performers. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 8 December. 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. Wilson reveled in such characters as Leroy, pastor of the "Church of What's Happening Now." Ive made a transition to where I really want to be, he told the LA Times. He advanced black humor by infusing his work with much more street attitude than Cosby most famously finger snapping, with his tude-heavy backwards-and-forwards stride, and the indelible phrase The devil made me do it, which became a part of the American vernacular. Discharged in 1954, Wilson spent more than a decade working at odd jobs and developing a comedy act. Thanks to the older, more established Foxx, Wilson came to the attention of Johnny Carson. After his discharge in 1954, Flip made the life-changing decision to pursue a career path in comedy. He served until 1954. 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). Flip Wilsonwas a comedian,actor, and writer of African American descent. Flip married twice and had four children. "I wanted to devote the same amount of time to my kids as I had to the show," he said in a 1985 interview with the Associated Press. Stand-up comic and teller of circuitous and outrageous stories, usually in jive slang. While we work diligently to ensure that our numbers are as accurate as possible, unless otherwise indicated they are only estimates. 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. Birthday: December 8, 1933 Date of Death: November 25, 1998 Age at Death: 64 The label was sold to George Carlin in 1980s. He won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for Flip Wilson Show. (1973 PHOTO) ec. After a brief absence, he hosted a few shows on television starting 1984. Childhood And Early Life Clerow "Flip"Wilson Jr. was born on 8 December 1933 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Flip Wilson would have been 64 years old at the time of death or 81 years old today. It took competition from a new drama, "The Waltons," to knock Wilson's show off the air.