Phil Silvers

Comic actor Phil Silvers (1911-1985), an unforgettable presence on stage and screen, perfected the art of making scheming characters immensely likable, earning him the nickname "The King of Chutzpah." He is best remembered for his character Sgt. Bilko, from "The Phil Silvers Show."

As a young teenager, the Brooklyn-born comedian was already performing in stage revues and short films, before making his Broadway debut in "Yokel Boy" in 1939.

Pictured: A publicity photo of Phil Silvers for his revue, "Top Banana," for which he won a 1952 Tony Award, and later filmed - in 3D!

"All Through the Night"

Silvers made his feature film debut in "Hit Parade of 1941," and subsequently worked in bit parts in movies at 20th Century Fox, Warners and Columbia.

Pictured: Phil Silvers as a waiter in the comic thriller "All Through the Night" (1942), starring Humphrey Bogart and William Demarest.

"A Lady Takes a Chance"

Phil Silvers, as a bus tour operator, with Jean Arthur in the romantic comedy, "A Lady Takes a Chance" (1943).

"Cover Girl"

Phil Silvers in the musical "Cover Girl" (1944).

"If I'm Lucky"

Phil Silvers appeared as an agent opposite Carmen Miranda in the 1946 musical comedy, "If I'm Lucky."

"Summer Stock"

Phil Silvers and Gene Kelly in the 1950 musical, "Summer Stock."

"Lucky Me"

Phil Silvers and Doris Day in the musical "Lucky Me" (1954).

"The Phil Silver Show"

Phil Silvers' most renowned character was the scheming Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko in "The Phil Silvers Show" (a.k.a. "You'll Never Get Rich"), which ran on CBS from 1955-59.

"The Phil Silver Show"

During its four seasons, the series won eight Emmy Awards, including a 1956 Best Actor Emmy for Phil Silvers as Sgt. Bilko.

"The Phil Silvers Pontiac Special: Keep in Step"

In 1959 Phil Silvers appeared as Sgt. Bilko with Diana Dors in "The Phil Silvers Pontiac Special: Keep in Step."

"Do Re Mi"

In 1961 Phil Silvers received a Tony nomination for his leading role in the Jule Styne-Betty Comden-Adolph Green musical, "Do Re Mi," costarring Nancy Walker and George Mathews.

"The New Phil Silvers Show"

Silvers returned as another scheming character in "The New Phil Silvers Show" (1963-64).

Pictured: Foreman Harry Grafton (Silvers) judges a lunch-hour beauty contest with contestants Suzann Sturtridge (left) and Yvonne Balyea.

"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"

Phil Silvers with foil Jonathan Winters in the all-star romp, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963).

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Though Silvers turned down the lead in the Broadway musical "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," he had a supporting part in the 1966 movie version (opposite star Zero Mostel).

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Zero Mostel, Buster Keaton, Phil Silvers and Jack Gilford in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" (1966).

"Damn Yankees"

Lee Remick as Lola and Phil Silvers as Mr. Applegate in the 1967 TV production of "Damn Yankees!"

"Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell"

An Italian woman (Gina Lollobrigida), with three former U.S. service members (Telly Savalas, Peter Lawford and Phil Silvers) - each of whom has been led to believe he is the father of her daughter, born of a wartime romance - in the 1968 comedy, "Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell." The film served as the basis of the ABBA musical, "Mamma Mia."

Tony Awards

Phil Silvers, winner of Best Actor in a Musical for the revival of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," and Alexis Smith (Best Actress in a Musical, for "Follies"), with Ruby Keeler, at the 1972 Tony Awards ceremony.

Phil Silvers

Phil Silvers died in 1985. He was 74.

By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan