- Stand-up comic and teller of circuitous and outrageous stories, usually in jive slang. 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. His commanding officer encouraged him to take up studying and, by the time of his discharge in 1954, he embarked on a career as a professional comedian.
- He got custody of his children in 1979 and quit show biz to devote more time to them.
- Escaped eight times from the reformatory where he grew up.
- As a child, Wilson was put into a foster home, but he was unhappy there. He asked to be sent to the reformatory where his brother was. His request was granted.
- He won a Grammy in 1970 for Best Comedy Recording for "The Devil Made Me Buy This Dress".
- Was sacked from a regular Seven-Up commercial spot in 1981, after being arrested for possession of a small amount of cocaine.
- Frequently acted as master of ceremonies at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.
- Claimed (seriously) that one of the homes he lived in was haunted in some way.
- He was nominated for the 2015 New Jersey Hall of Fame for his services in the Performance Arts.
- He was inducted into the 2019-2020 Class of New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Arts and Entertainment category.
- Had four children with common-law wife Blonell Pitman.
- He is the subject of a song by the World/Inferno Friendship Society, "Nosliw Pilf".
- His remains were cremated at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
- He was nominated for the 2017 New Jersey Hall of Fame in the Performing Arts category.
- In 1993, a motorcycle accident left Wilson's son David paralyzed.
- Cousin of Rashon Khan.
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