Born Name:  Wayland Parrott Flowers Jr.

Born Date:  November 26, 1939

Born Place:  Dawson, Georgia

Died Date:  October 11, 1988

Died Place:  Los Angeles, California

Occupations:  Actor, comedian, puppeteer

Brief Biography:  Wayland Flowers best known for creating the bawdy, sharp-witted puppet "Madame". A prominent television and cabaret figure in the 1970s and 80s, Flowers and Madame appeared frequently on Hollywood Squares, Solid Gold, and their own sitcom, Madame's Place.

Early Life and Career:
Early Interest: He began creating and manipulating marionettes at age 7 or 8.
Move to New York: After attending college and serving in the Coast Guard, he moved to New York City in 1963, working with puppets for various shows, including a stint with the Captain Kangaroo show.
Creation of Madame: In 1971, he produced Kumquats, an "erotic puppet show," which marked the first major appearance of Madame, a rod puppet styled as a glamorous, risqué older woman.

Rise to Fame:
Style: Unlike traditional ventriloquists, Flowers was often visible and spoke to his puppets, with Madame providing the witty, often suggestive commentary.
Television & Stage: The act became a staple in nightclubs, Las Vegas, and television, notably replacing Paul Lynde on Hollywood Squares.
Madame's Place: In 1982, he starred in the syndicated sitcom Madame's Place, which ran for one season.