Who Is Phil Silvers? Age, Biography and Wiki
Phil Silvers was born on May 11, 1911, and passed away on November 1, 1985. In 2025, he would have been 114 years old had he lived on. Silvers was an iconic American actor and comedian best known for his role as Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko in the television series "The Phil Silvers Show." His unique style of comedy and ability to bring laughter to audiences have left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1911 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 November, 1985 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Phil Silvers's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his career, Phil Silvers was recorded to have a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). His weight fluctuated throughout his life but was generally around 150 pounds (68 kg). While exact body measurements are not documented, his charismatic personality often overshadowed the typical focus on physical stats, highlighting his talent over appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Phil Silvers was married to Evelyn (Eve) K. Silvers in 1938, and they shared a long-lasting relationship until Silvers' passing in 1985. They had three children together: two daughters, who have kept a relatively low profile, and a son, who has occasionally appeared in public. Phil Silvers' intimate life and devotion to his family reflect a man who balanced fame with personal responsibility.
Born Philip Silver, he was the eighth and youngest child of Russian Jewish immigrants, Saul and Sarah (née Handler) Silver. His father, a sheet metal worker, helped build the early New York skyscrapers.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Phil Silvers had an estimated net worth of around $10 million, a considerable sum for an actor of his time. His earnings came from a successful television career, stage performances, and appearances in films. Adjusted for inflation, his net worth would be significantly higher in today’s market, and his legacy continues to thrive, making him an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
He was featured in Marilyn Monroe's last film, the unfinished Something's Got to Give (1962). In 1967, he starred as a guest in one of the British Carry On films, Follow That Camel, a Foreign Legion parody in which he played a variation of the Sergeant Bilko character, Sergeant Nocker.
Producer Peter Rogers employed him to ensure the Carry On films' success in America, though Silvers's presence did not ensure the film's success on either side of the Atlantic. His salary was £30,000, the largest Carry On salary ever, only later met by the appearance of Elke Sommer in Carry On Behind.
Career, Business and Investments
Phil Silvers enjoyed a prolific career spanning over five decades. He started on Broadway before transitioning to television and film. His comedic style and timing made him a household name. He starred in various films, including "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and "The Great Race," solidifying his status in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Silvers had interests in investments that complemented his earnings, although specific details about his business ventures remain largely unknown.
He made his feature film début in Hit Parade of 1941 in 1940 (his previous appearance as a 'pitch man' in Strike Up the Band was cut). Over the next two decades, he worked as a character actor for Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Columbia, and 20th Century Fox, in such films as All Through the Night (1942) with Humphrey Bogart.
Around the same time, he played a scene with W. C. Fields in Tales of Manhattan (also 1942) which was cut from the original release, but restored decades later in home video issues.
Silvers also appeared in Lady Be Good (1941), Coney Island (1943), Cover Girl (1944), with Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth, and in Summer Stock (1950) with Kelly and Judy Garland. When the studio system began to decline, he returned to the stage.
Social Network
While Silvers is not active on contemporary social media platforms such as Instagram or Twitter, his legacy lives on through numerous fan pages and tribute sites. His influence continues to resonate with fans of classic American television, and many discussions about his work can be found in online forums dedicated to vintage TV shows and movies.
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)".
Education
Phil Silvers attended the New York School of Dramatic Arts. His formal education in the performing arts played a crucial role in his development as a comedian and actor, equipping him with the necessary skills to excel in a highly competitive industry. His dedication to his craft is evident in the breadth of his work and his innovative comedic style.
