AKA: Philip Silversmith
Nationality: American
Birthdate: 05/11/1911
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
Death Date: 11/01/1985
Bespectacled vaudevillian who made his feature debut in the early 1940s and established himself as an engaging comic character player in films such as "You're in the Army Now" (1942), "Cover Girl" (1944) and "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963). Best known as the wily "Sergeant Bilko" in the popular 1950s TV series, "The Phil Silvers Show."
Began appearing in vaudeville shows at age 12
1934
Joined Minsky's burlesque toupe
1939
Broadway debut, "Yokel Boy"
1939
Signed to seven-year contract at MGM
1940
Film debut as a priest in "Pride and Prejudice"
