Top 5: A look at TV's memorable cross-dressing men
By Chuck Barney
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 12/29/2011 01:00:00 AM PST
http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_19640612Of course, cross-dressing men are hardly new to television. Over the years, there have been a number of notable dudes who looked like ladies. -- Chuck Barney
Milton Berle
Uncle Miltie -- or should that be Auntie Mildred? -- was television's first true superstar. He was so popular, in fact, that he had Americans racing in droves to buy the newfangled invention just so they could see this kooky comedian in action. What they often saw was Berle in flamboyant dresses, wigs and fruit-studded hats. In 1949, he graced the cover of Newsweek magazine all dolled up like Carmen Miranda.
Flip Wilson
Hip and hilariously irreverent, Wilson made TV history in the 1970s as the first black performer to headline a hit variety show. His most famous alter-ego was Geraldine Jones, a brash and mouthy woman who openly flirted with the likes of Muhammad Ali and Ray Charles and had a boyfriend named "Killer." What inspired Wilson to don miniskirts, pantyhose and high heels? Surely, the devil made him do it.
