Exploring the Story of Tuanchai Mackenzie: Ex-Wife of Flip Wilson

Tuanchai Mackenzie, also known as Cookie Mackenzie, is an American real estate agent who gained fame as the ex-wife of the late American actor and comedian Flip Wilson. Before marrying Mackenzie, Wilson had two previous relationships. In 1957, he married Lovenia Patricia Wilson, but their marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1967.

Wilson then entered a common-law marriage with Blonell Pitman, with whom he had four children. In 1979, he won custody of his children and decided to perform less in order to spend more time with them.

Wilson and Mackenzie got married on December 14, 1979, but their marriage only lasted five years, and they divorced in 1984. Mackenzie has chosen to live a private life after her marriage to Wilson ended, and not much is known about her current whereabouts or personal life.

Here are Other Facts about Tuanchai Mackenzie You Should Know

The Story of Tuanchai Mackenzie and Flip Wilson’s Meeting and Split

The elusive meeting and subsequent relationship between Tuanchai Mackenzie and Flip Wilson remains shrouded in mystery. Despite being a celebrated comedian, Wilson has never spoken about how he first met Mackenzie. It was not until December 14, 1979 that the two tied the knot.

Although they were married for several years, Wilson and Mackenzie’s relationship eventually fell apart. They divorced on December 5, 1984, but the reason for their separation was never publicly announced.

Mackenzie’s marriage to Wilson was the only time she was ever in the public eye. After the divorce, she returned to a life away from the spotlight. Little is known about her whereabouts or her subsequent life.

Previously, Wilson had been married to Lavenia Patricia “Peaches” Wilson from 1957 to 1967. After their separation, Wilson entered into a civil marriage with Blonell Pitman, with whom he had four children. After a custody battle in 1979, Wilson performed less as he wanted to spend more time with his children.

Flip Wilson: A Comedian Who Made History

Flip Wilson, a renowned comedian and the ex-husband of Tuanchai Mackenzie, was a pioneer in the entertainment industry. He was one of the first African American comedians to achieve mainstream success, and he used his platform to break barriers and challenge stereotypes.

Wilson’s comedy career began in nightclubs with black clientele in the so-called “Chitlin’ Circuit” in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He rose to fame with his regular performances at the Apollo Theater in Harlem during the late 1960s. His big break came when Redd Foxx appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and declared that Wilson was the funniest comedian at the time. This led to Wilson’s own spot on The Tonight Show, and he quickly became a regular guest.

In 1971, Wilson launched his own variety show, The Flip Wilson Show. The show was a huge hit, and Wilson became the first African American to lead a popular television variety show. He won two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for the show, which made a mark in the history of network television as the second-highest-rated show.

Wilson’s comedy was known for its wit, social commentary, and iconic characters, such as Geraldine Jones and Reverend Leroy of The Church of What’s Happening Now! He was a master of disguise and impersonation, and he used his comedy to challenge stereotypes and promote racial understanding.

Wilson’s career continued to flourish throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He made guest appearances on various comedy and variety shows, and he starred in several films and television specials. He also hosted a brief revival of People Are Funny in 1984 and starred in Charlie & Co., a sitcom that ran from 1985 to 1986.

Wilson’s life came to an end in 1998 at the age of 64 due to liver cancer. He left behind a legacy of laughter and social change. He was a pioneer in the entertainment industry, and his contributions helped to pave the way for future generations of African American comedians.

Tuanchai Mackenzie: Birth & Parents 

Tuanchai Mackenzie, a native of Bangkok, Thailand, was born to Thai parents, whose identities remain a mystery. After her birth, she was adopted by William J. Davis, whose background and life are still unknown. On December 6, 1949, Tuanchai Mackenzie came into this world, and as of 2023, she is 73 years old.

While little is known about her adoptive parents, Mackenzie’s Facebook post provided some insight. Her adoptive father was a navy veteran who served during World War II. Regrettably, both of her adoptive parents are now deceased, with her father passing away in August 2017 and her mother in October 2018.

Mackenzie pursued a degree in Social Science at Colorado State University-Pueblo as a part of her educational journey.

Tuanchai, popularly known as ‘Cookie,’ worked as a c@s!n0 hostess for some time before marrying Flip. Her job as a hostess allowed her to sustain herself financially until she tied the knot with Flip, whose successful career helped pay the bills.

Tuanchai’s Remarriage

Following her first marriage’s dissolution, Tuanchai Mackenzie tied the knot with Roderick Mackenzie, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the US Army. Unfortunately, the exact date of their wedding remains unknown. It is unclear when they exchanged their vows, but they remained together until Roderick’s passing in 2011.

Roderick Mackenzie departed from this world on August 25, 2011, at the age of 63. Although Tuanchai did not have a smooth start in her first marriage, she found a loving husband in Roderick, and they were a happy couple for many years. The couple also shared a daughter, Duan Mackenzie, who was born on April 30, 1988. 

Duan Mackenzie, Tuanchai and Roderick’s daughter, moved on to lead her life, marrying her beloved partner, Craig Nelson and they also have a baby boy. 

Bottom Line

Tuanchai Mackenzie’s life contains pieces of mystery and celebrated moments. Her marriage to Flip Wilson made her briefly famous, but she returned to a life of privacy after their separation. Her education, origins, and personal life are still mostly unknown, but she found love again in a remarriage to Roderick Mackenzie, with whom she shared a daughter. Tuanchai’s story is a reminder that even those who come into the public eye can still keep their lives shrouded in secrecy, with many details left to speculation.