Jon Silo (born Abraham Jonathan Margolis; July 22, 1907 – August 4, 1996) was an Austrian-born American actor, comedian, and humorist. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he performed on Broadway and appeared in television and film. Later in life, he and his wife Ruth established a volunteer "Laugh Therapy" program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for rehabilitation patients.
Early life He was born in Klagenfurt, Austria, Silo immigrated to New York City to pursue acting and adopted the professional name Jon Silo.
Career Theatre Silo worked on the New York stage during the 1950s, his Broadway credits included Springtime Folly, Cole Porter's Can-Can, and Paddy Chayefsky's The Passion of Josef D.. He also toured nationally, including in a production of Oklahoma!.
Acting Silo transitioned into television in the 1950s and 1960s. He notably appearing as the first guest actor in The Dick Van Dyke Show, as well as roles in The Outer Limits, The Munsters, My Favorite Martian, and Have Gun – Will Travel. He also made appearances on The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible, and Kojak.
His film appearances included supporting roles in The Story of Ruth (1960), That Touch of Mink (1962), and The Fortune Cookie (1966).
Philanthropy After recovering from severe health challenges, including a stroke and heart surgery, Silo and his wife Ruth founded a "Laugh Therapy" program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center using comedy and storytelling to boost rehabilitation patient morale. He also performed benefit shows for organizations like B'nai B'rith International.
Personal life Silo married actress Ruth Silo on October 9, 1941. The couple raised their family in New York before relocating to Los Angeles to follow Jon's acting career. The couple remained married for 55 years until his death. Their daughter, Susan Silo, became a widely recognizable child actress in the 1960s before transitioning into a prolific, voiceover career in American animation.
Death Jon Silo died on August 4, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 89.
Filmography Television Year Title Role Notes 1951 Hands of Murder European Men 1 episode 1951–1952 Not for Publication The Gentlemen 5 episodes 1958 The Court of Last Resort Attendant 1 episode 1959 Man with a Camera Gas Station Owner Starring Charles Bronson 1960–1963 Have Gun - Will Travel Jean Passepartout / Clerk 2 episodes 1961 The Bob Newhart Show Himself 1 episode 1961–1962 The Dick Powell Theatre Sussman / Conductor 2 episodes 1961–1962 Adventures in Paradise Servais / Claude Baronne 2 episodes 1961–1963 The Dick Van Dyke Show John the Barber / Elevator Operator Historic first guest actor 1963 The Outer Limits Oswaldo Sci-fi series; episode: "The Human Factor" 1963 The Eleventh Hour Benny Falcon 1 episode 1963–1966 My Favorite Martian Waiter / Vendor / Ice Cream Man 3 episodes 1964 My Living Doll Maitre d' 1 episode 1964 The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Alfonso Figueroa 1 episode 1965 Ben Casey Landlord 1 episode 1965 The Munsters The Russian teletype man Episode: "Herman, the Master Spy" 1965 My Three Sons Lion Tamer Family sitcom 1965 McHale's Navy The Italian Policeman Military sitcom 1966 Man in the Square Suit Waiter TV Movie 1966 Mission: Impossible Pick Pocket Victim 1 episode 1967 Run for Your Life 1st Waiter 1 episode 1968 Cimarron Strip Jeweler 1 episode 1968 Mannix Maitre D' 1 episode 1970 To Rome with Love Vendor 1 episode 1973 Kojak Krouse Police procedural 1978 Sugar Time! Friedman Musical comedy series
Film Year Title Role Notes 1960 The Story of Ruth Tacher Biblical drama 1962 That Touch of Mink Mario the Headwaiter 1962 Beauty and the Beast Benito Fantasy feature 1966 The Fortune Cookie Tailor 1968 How Sweet It Is! Hotel Clerk Comedy feature
Stage Theatre Production Dates Production Venue Role(s) Notes Feb 26, 1951 – Feb 27, 1951 Springtime Folly Golden Theatre George Baroff Original Broadway comedy May 7, 1953 – Jun 25, 1955 Can-Can Shubert Theatre Policeman / Cafe Waiter (u/s Theophile) Original Broadway musical; later took over the role of Theophile Feb 11, 1964 – Feb 22, 1964 The Passion of Josef D. Ethel Barrymore Theatre Klurman / General Kornilov Original biographical drama by Paddy Chayefsky
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