Harvey Lembeck
Biography
Harvey Lembeck was an American comedic actor born on April 15, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York. He passed away on January 5, 1982, at the age of 58. Lembeck is best remembered for his television and film work, including roles in The Phil Silvers Show, also known as Sgt. Bilko, where he played Corporal Rocco Barbella. He also appeared as the biker Eric Von Zipper in the beach party movie series during the 1960s, and gave noteworthy performances in both the stage and screen versions of Stalag 17. His acting credits also include appearances in All in the Family and The Defenders. He was the father of actor and director Michael Lembeck and actress Helaine Lembeck.
Career overview
Harvey Lembeck was an American comedic actor born on April 15, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, and he passed away on January 5, 1982. He is best remembered for his role as Corporal Rocco Barbella on The Phil Silvers Show, which is also known as Sergeant Bilko, in the late 1950s. Additionally, he gained recognition for playing the stumbling and overconfident outlaw biker Eric Von Zipper in the beach party movie series during the 1960s.
Beyond these signature television and film appearances, Lembeck delivered noteworthy performances in both the stage and screen versions of Stalag 17. His credited acting work spans numerous projects, including appearances in productions such as The Phil Silvers Show, All in the Family, and The Defenders.
In his personal life, he was the father of actor and director Michael Lembeck, as well as actress Helaine Lembeck. His career in the entertainment industry encompassed television and film acting, leaving a documented legacy of performances across multiple decades.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
67 titles- Lily: Sold Out (1981) as Mickey Gold
- The Gong Show Movie (1980) as Man in Steam Room
- 240-Robert (1979)
- Vega$ (1978)
- Flying High (1978)
- The Love Boat (1977) as Tom Lauck
- CHiPs (1977)
- Raid on Entebbe (1976) as Mr. Harvey
- Big Eddie (1975)
- It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman! (1975) as Gangster
- Chico and the Man (1974)
- There Is No 13 (1974)
- Hawkins (1973) as Bartender
- Horowitz in Dublin (1973) as Dan Horowitz
- Something Evil (1972) Associate Producer
- All in the Family (1971) as Wally
- All in the Family (1971) as Sam
- The Partridge Family (1970) as Marino
- Love, American Style (1969) as Harry Millman
- Hello Down There (1969) as Sonarman
- The Name of the Game (1968) as Jack Stephens
- The Spirit Is Willing (1967) as Capt. Pederson
- Batman (1966) as Eagle-Eye
- The Monkees (1966) as Fuselli
- The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini (1966) as Eric Von Zipper
- Fireball 500 (1966) as Charlie Bigg
- Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1965) as Ben
- Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965) as Motorcycle Thug in Dungeon
- Beach Blanket Bingo (1965) as Eric Von Zipper
- How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965) as Eric Von Zipper
- Sergeant Deadhead (1965) as Airman McEvoy
- The Wild Weird World of Dr. Goldfoot (1965) as Hugo
- Many Happy Returns (1964)
- Pajama Party (1964) as Eric Von Zipper
- The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) as Polak
- Bikini Beach (1964) as Eric Von Zipper
- Mr. Novak (1963) as Vic Rizzo
- Love with the Proper Stranger (1963) as Julio Rossini
- Beach Party (1963) as Eric Von Zipper
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- Ensign O'Toole (1962) as Seaman Gabby Di Julio
- A View from the Bridge (1962) as Mike
- Ben Casey (1961)
- The Hathaways (1961) as Jerry Roper
- The Last Time I Saw Archie (1961) as Duty Sgt. Malcolm Greenbriar
- Sail a Crooked Ship (1961) as Nickels
- The Million Dollar Incident (1961) as Bullets Durgom
- Route 66 (1960) as Zip
- Keep in Step (1959) as Cpl. Rocco Barbella
- The Donna Reed Show (1958) as Al
- Kiss Me, Kate (1958) as Gunman
- Between Heaven and Hell (1956) as .Pvt. Bernard 'Bernie' Meleski - Co. G
- The Phil Silvers Show (1955) as Rocco Barbella
- Hollywood Preview (1955) as Self
- The Command (1954) as Pvt. Gottschalk
- The Danny Thomas Show (1953) as Chips Collins
- Stalag 17 (1953) as Harry Shapiro
- Girls in the Night (1953) as Chuck Haynes
- Mission Over Korea (1953) as Sgt. Maxie Steiner
- Just Across the Street (1952) as Al
- Back at the Front (1952) as Joe
- Finders Keepers (1952) as o.A.
- Fourteen Hours (1951) as Cab Driver (uncredited)
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Gunman
- The Frogmen (1951) as Marvin W. 'Canarsie' Mikowsky
- You're in the Navy Now (1951) as Norelli
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Harvey Lembeck best known for?
Harvey Lembeck is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including 240-Robert (1979), Lolita (1997), Private Parts (1972), The Love Boat (1977).
When and where was Harvey Lembeck born?
Harvey Lembeck was born on April 15, 1923 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. They passed away on January 5, 1982.
How many credits does Harvey Lembeck have?
Harvey Lembeck has accumulated over 67 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1948 to 1981.
What is Harvey Lembeck's background in cinema and television?
Harvey Lembeck was an American comedic actor born on April 15, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York. He passed away on January 5, 1982, at the age of 58. Lembeck is best remembered for his television and film work, including roles in The Phil Silvers Show, also known as Sgt. Bilko, where he played Corporal Rocco ...
Harvey Lembeck by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Gunman — aged about 28
- Hawkins (1973) as Bartender — aged about 50
- All in the Family (1971) as Wally — aged about 48
- All in the Family (1971) as Sam — aged about 48
- Stalag 17 (1953) as Harry Shapiro — aged about 30
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 39
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