Phil Silvers, born Philip Silversmith on May 11, 1911, in Brooklyn, New York, was a renowned American comedian and actor, celebrated for his work on stage, film, and television. The youngest of eight children of Russian-Jewish immigrants Saul and Sarah Silver, Silvers grew up in a financially constrained household. He began his entertainment career early, singing on street corners and at local theaters, which eventually led to his discovery by impresario Gus Edwards at the age of 12.

Silvers made his Broadway debut in "Yokel Boy" (1939) and gained further recognition in "High Kickers" (1941). His film career in the early 1940s included roles in "Lady, Be Good!" (1941) and "Cover Girl" (1944). However, his major breakthrough came with the Broadway production "High Button Shoes" (1947), followed by a Tony Award-winning performance in "Top Banana" (1951).

Silvers' most iconic role was as Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko in the television series "You'll Never Get Rich," later known as "The Phil Silvers Show," which aired from 1954 to 1959 and won two Emmy Awards. Despite struggling to escape the Bilko persona, Silvers continued to find success on Broadway, earning another Tony Award for "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" (1972).

Throughout his career, Silvers appeared in notable films like "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World" (1963) and "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" (1966). He also contributed to television productions, including "Gilligan's Island" and "The Beverly Hillbillies." An inveterate gambler, Silvers often faced financial difficulties despite his success. He published his autobiography in 1973.

Phil Silvers passed away on November 1, 1985, in Century City, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of television's greatest comedic talents, recognized by TV Guide as one of the "50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time."