The Life And Legacy Of Bill Daily: A Tribute To The Unsung Comedic Hero

Let’s face it, the late Bill Daily — who passed away on September 4, 2018 at the age of 91 — was never a star. Which is not really as rude a statement as it sounds, because Bill had the much tougher job of being the so-called “second banana” or supporting player who would enter a scene accompanied by an extra jolt of laughter. Never was that more true than when he played NASA’s Major Roger Healey on the ’60s classic I Dream of Jeannie or airline pilot Howard Borden in the ’70s hit The Bob Newhart Show.

Born William Edward Daily Jr. on August 30, 1927, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he began his entertainment journey in stand-up comedy, eventually making a name for himself in some of the country’s larger comedy clubs. His big break came in 1964 with a guest appearance on the beloved sitcom Bewitched, which caught the eye of writer and producer Sidney Sheldon. Sheldon's faith in Bill's comedic charm led to his casting as a supporting character in the pilot episode of I Dream of Jeannie.

Bill Daily’s charm and wit often overshadowed the fact that he was a dyslexic. In an interview with the Television Foundation Academy, he shared his experience of reading for the role of Jeannie. “He had me read for Jeannie, but I couldn’t read,” he recalled. “But thank God I had a chance to memorize it.” This candid sharing of his struggles highlights not only his talent but also his determination and resilience.

Biography of Bill Daily

Key Takeaways from Bill Daily's Career

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