Phil Silvers
| Phil Silvers | |
|---|---|
Silvers as Sgt. Bilko | |
| Birth name | Phillip Silver |
| Born | May 11, 1911 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | November 1, 1985 (aged 74) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Years active | 1922–1985 |
| Genres | Character comedy |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5 |
| Notable works and roles | The Phil Silvers Show |
Phil Silvers (born Phillip Silver; May 11, 1911 – November 1, 1985) was an American entertainer and comedic actor, known as "The King of Chutzpah". His career as a professional entertainer spanned nearly 60 years. He achieved major popularity when he starred in The Phil Silvers Show, a 1950s sitcom set on a U.S. Army post in which he played Master Sergeant Ernest (Ernie) Bilko. He also starred in the films It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966). He was a winner of two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on The Phil Silvers Show and two Tony Awards for his performances in Top Banana and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. He also wrote the original lyrics to the jazz standard "Nancy (with the Laughing Face)".