Monday, March 16, 2009

RIP - Ron Silver


Some sad news, as actor Ron Silver has passed away from cancer at the age of 62.

Silver was a Tony Award-winning actor and outspoken and committed social activist. He spent most of life advocating Liberal ideals and supporting Democratic candidates, but in the last years of his life became what he called a "9/11 Republican", going so far as to make a speech at the Republican National Convention.

Silver first gained fame as an actor in the early 1980s after appearing on Broadway in the original production of Hurlyburly and then originating the role of Charlie in David Mamet's Speed-the plow, for which he won a Tony award. His notable film appearance include Garbo Talks, Enemies: A Love Story, Blue Steel, Silkwood and Ali, but his most celebrated role was that of Alan Dershowitz in Reversal of Fortune. On television, he made many appearances, most notably as political consultant Bruno Gianelli in several episodes of The West Wing. He'll be missed, and not just for his talent, but for his fiery devotion to social causes.


Read a very nice obituary here. And below you'll find an example of his talent in this little speech from The West Wing:

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