Hey there, friends. Let’s take a moment to talk about a guy who might not have been a household name, but whose work lit up our screens for decades. Bill Daily, who passed away on September 4, 2018, at the age of 91, was the kind of actor you’d recognize instantly even if you couldn’t always name him. He wasn’t the star of the show, but let me tell you, without him, those shows wouldn’t have been the same. Bill had a knack for stealing scenes as the "second banana," the sidekick who brought humor and heart to every moment he was on screen. Whether he was playing Major Roger Healey on the iconic '60s series I Dream of Jeannie or airline pilot Howard Borden on the '70s hit The Bob Newhart Show, Bill knew how to make people laugh—and that’s a gift not everyone has.
Bill Daily's Journey to Stardom
Now, Bill wasn’t always an actor. Born William Edward Daily Jr. on August 30, 1927, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bill started his journey in the world of entertainment through stand-up comedy. He cut his teeth on the stages of some of the country’s biggest comedy clubs, honing his craft and learning how to make people laugh. It wasn’t long before his talent caught the eye of someone who could help him take that next step. In 1964, Bill made a guest appearance on the popular sitcom Bewitched, and that performance didn’t go unnoticed. Writer and producer Sidney Sheldon saw something special in Bill and decided to cast him as a supporting character in the pilot episode of his new show, I Dream of Jeannie. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Breaking Into TV: Bill's Big Break
But here’s the thing about Bill—his road to fame wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. As Bill himself revealed in an extensive interview with the Television Foundation Academy, he suffered from dyslexia, which made reading scripts a challenge. “Sidney had me read for Jeannie, but I couldn’t read,” Bill admitted. “Thankfully, I had a chance to memorize the lines. I went in, and I was like, ‘Man in Uniform in the Back.’ There were all these other guys in front of me, but when Jeannie went to series, Sidney changed the whole thing around and made Roger a second banana.” Bill even got the chance to ask Sheldon why he chose him, and Sidney’s response was simple: “I don’t know, I just saw something there.” Sometimes, it’s that spark of something special that makes all the difference.
Read also:Carroll Oconnor Actor The Iconic Legend Behind Tvs Greatest Characters
A Life in Pictures
Bill’s legacy lives on through the countless laughs he brought to audiences over the years. His charm, wit, and undeniable talent made him a beloved figure in the world of television. And while he may not have been the leading man, his performances were always front and center in our hearts.
More Stories About Bill
For much more from Bill, please scroll down and dive deeper into his incredible journey.
Be sure to check out and subscribe to our Classic TV & Film Podcast for interviews with some of your favorite stars! You won’t want to miss the chance to hear from the legends who shaped the golden age of television.
