Phil Silvers
American comedic actor.
via Wikipedia: Phil Hartman · see source
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.
- died
- November 1, 1985
- field
- Entertainer, comedic actor
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- The Phil Silvers Show, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, A Funny Thing Happened o
Lore & Background
He began entertaining at age 11, singing in theaters when the film projector broke, and by 13 was working as a singer in the Gus Edwards Revue. Bilko in You'll Never Get Rich, later retitled The Phil Silvers Show. The military comedy became a television hit. Like his alter-ego Ernie Bilko, he was a compulsive gambler and suffered from chronic depression.
Reader's Guide
The show, a 1950s sitcom set on a U.S. Army post, made him a household name and earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards. Silvers was not a traditional stand-up comedian but a comic actor, and his work on Broadway earned him two Tony Awards.
Did You Know?
- Phil Silvers began entertaining at age 11, singing in theaters when the film projector broke.
- He wrote the original lyrics to the jazz standard 'Nancy (with the Laughing Face)'.
- His memoir is titled This Laugh Is On Me.
- He suffered a stroke during the run of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in August 1972.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Phil Silvers?
Phil Silvers (1911–1985) was an American comedian and actor widely nicknamed "The King of Chutzpah" for his brash, larger-than-life stage presence. He worked as a professional entertainer for nearly six decades across vaudeville, television, and film.
What is Phil Silvers most famous for?
He is best remembered for creating and starring as Master Sergeant Ernest "Ernie" Bilko on The Phil Silvers Show, a 1950s sitcom set on a U.S. Army post. The character's endless schemes and catchphrases made him a household name in American television.
What notable movies did Phil Silvers appear in?
Two of his most well-known film roles came in the ensemble comedy It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) and the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966). Both are frequently cited alongside his TV work when discussing his legacy.
What awards did Phil Silvers win?
He took home two Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance on The Phil Silvers Show. He also received additional television honors during the series' run in the mid-1950s.
How long did Phil Silvers's career last?
From his early vaudeville days to his final projects, Silvers remained active as a performer for close to sixty years. He passed away on November 1, 1985, at the age of 74.
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