Award winning actor and activist Ron Silver died of esophageal cancer in New York on Sunday March 15 after a two year battle. He was 62.
Before becoming an actor, Silver earned a Masters Degree in Chinese History. He went on to Columbia University Graduate School where he studied International Affairs. He traveled to 30 countries, was fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish and taught high school He was also a Social Worker for the Department of Social Services.
He is most widely known for his role as Bruno Gianelli on the hit TV show The West Wing. His last job, beginning in February 2008 was as host of Sirius Satellite Radio’s The Ron Silver Show.
A champion of free speech, he founded the New York based Creative Coalition, an art-oriented political group, along with Alec Baldwin and Susan Sarandon.
His body of work on television included Skin, Veronica’s Closet, Chicago Hope, Wiseguy and The Stockard Channing Show. His extensive film work included his debut film Tunnel Vision and the Billionaire Boys Club. He won a Tony Award for his 1988 Broadway role in Speed the Plow.
Silver and his wife Lynne Miller divorced in 1997. They have a son and a daughter.
Check out his October 2008 interview with Sir David Frost below.