Phil Silvers
A master of brash, fast-talking comedy who created one of television's most beloved schemers, Sergeant Bilko.
1911–1985 (age 74)·American actor·Birthday: May 11·The Greatest Generation
Biography
With his horn-rimmed glasses and a motor-mouth that could sell ice to Eskimos, Phil Silvers became the archetype of the loveable con artist. His career began in vaudeville and burlesque, honing the timing and shameless charm that would define him. Broadway success in shows like 'Top Banana' proved his star power, but television immortalized him. As Master Sergeant Ernie Bilko, he commanded a motor pool of misfits, perpetually hatching get-rich-quick schemes to outwit his superiors. The character was a perfect vessel for Silvers's unique blend of bravado and vulnerability; you always knew Bilko's plans would fail, but you rooted for him anyway. The show was a massive hit, making him a household name and earning him Emmys. Though later roles capitalized on his Bilko persona, none matched its cultural impact, cementing him as a pioneer of the sitcom anti-hero.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Phil was born in 1911, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Phil Was Born
The biggest hits of 1911
Phil's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1911Born
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire kills 146 in New York
President: William Howard Taft
1916Started school
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Became a teenager
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1927Could drive
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1929Could vote
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Turned 21
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1941Turned 30
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1951Turned 40
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 50
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 60
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1981Turned 70
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1985Died at 74
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
Key Achievements
- Won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his starring role in 'The Phil Silvers Show' (also known as 'Sgt. Bilko').
- Received two Tony Awards for his performances in the Broadway musicals 'Top Banana' and 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.'
- Starred in the classic ensemble film comedy 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.'
- His character, Sergeant Bilko, is ranked among TV Guide's '50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time.'
Did You Know?
He provided the voice for the character Finian in the 1968 animated film 'Finian's Rainbow.'
He was a talented singer and dancer, skills he showcased in his Broadway roles.
He made a guest appearance on 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' playing a fictionalized version of himself trying to con the Clampetts.
He began performing professionally at the age of 13.
“The human race is faced with a cruel choice: work or daytime television.”
