Boy am I sad to hear this. Never saw it coming since I was unaware of Mr. Silver’s battles with esophageal cancer over the past two years. He was not only a talented actor who’s stage and celluloid presence will be missed, but a rare voice for conservatism in LaLa land.
Mr. Silver wasn’t always a conservative. It was 911 that was instrumental in his political philosophical change. Pat Dollard has a write up on Mr. Silver’s change of heart, as well as Roger L. Simon at Pajamas Media. Silver epitomizes the true spirit of “bipartisanship”… beloved by both Democrats and Republicans alike for his courage and convictions.
Roger Friedman writes a poignant obituary for Mr. Silver, noting that while he didn’t agree with him politically, “he will truly, always, be sorely missed and greatly remembered.”.
I couldn’t agree more. RIP, Mr. Silver. The planet is a little less interesting without you.
I am terribly saddened to report that the great actor and political activist, Ron Silver, died this morning at his home in New York. Ron was 62 and had been bravely battling esophageal cancer for the last two years. He leaves two children, Adam and Alexandra, his parents and his two brothers, as well as countless friends and admirers.
About ten days ago I wrote in this space about Ron’s great acting achievements. Of course, he first came to popularity acting with Valerie Harper and Julie Kavner in “Rhoda,” as their menschy neighbor, Gary. But very quickly he took off in movies, with such milestones as his performance in “Enemies: A Love Story”, his wonderful portrayal of lawyer Alan Dershowitz in “Reversal of Fortune”, and so many other films including “Garbo Talks”, “Blue Steel”, and “Ali”. He was nominated twice for Emmy awards.
Ron was also an accomplished theater actor. His credits included the original Broadway cast of “HurlyBurly” (1984) with William Hurt, Judith Ivey, and Harvey Keitel. In 1986 he co-starred on Broadway with Marlo Thomas in the comedy “Social Security”. And in 1988 he, Joe Mantegna and Madonna were the original cast of David Mamet’s “Speed the Plow.” Ron won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Charlie Fox, the screenwriter with the idea who comes to Bobby Gould (Mantegna) for help. In all three plays, Ron secured his place as the “it” New York actor of his time, consummate, literate, dangerous and smart.The smart was a good thing and a bad thing. In 1989, Ron helped found the Creative Coalition with Alec Baldwin, Ron Silver, Christopher Reeve, Susan Sarandon, Blair Brown and Stephen Collins. It only takes a second to realize this was a group of liberal minded actors, and Ron was part of them. But soon his politics turned conservative. In short order Ron started endorsing candidates like New York Republicans Rudolph Giuiliani and Alfonse D’Amato. This caused no end of headaches, discussions, debates, and fights. But it also made for a lively time.
UPDATE: Be sure to read Ann Coulter’s personal take on Mr. Silver’s dedication to staying abreast of news thru his cancer treatments.
Vietnam era Navy wife, indy/conservative, and an official California escapee now residing as a red speck in the sea of Oregon blue.
I’m with you, Mata. He was a great actor, who wasn’t afraid to voice his convictions even when they differed from those around him. A truly respectable man in every way.
I was sad to see this.
I didn’t know he’d been sick either.
Conservatives have lost a strong voice.
He was one of those who became conservative when 9-11 happened.
Gave an impressive speech at the Republican Convention in 2004.
RIP Ron.
when he finally found “his voice” he was basically fried in hollywood. he recieved so much cruel attention from the enlightnened right. were they tolerant of ron and his views? nope. what morally bankrupt pieces of garbage. ron silver was a good man with a great passion for trueth.
Thank you, Mata, very much for posting this in honor of Ron Silver. I was shocked and so very sad to hear of his passing this last Sunday as I, too, didn’t know anything about his illness. I guess he wanted it that way for his own privacy. I was thrilled when he came out to the RNC convention in 2004 in support of President Bush’s re-election, and know he made a big impact on many people. He was brave in doing so, risking his career opportunities, I’m sure. But, he put his country’s best interests first, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that. I feel a bit of a bond with him since I worked in one of his films, but unfortunately didn’t get to meet him. So, because of my small connection to him in the film industry, I was doubly thrilled and proud to see him in 2004, and taking a stand in light of 9/11. We’ve not only lost a great actor, but a great patriot.
Maybe I missed it, but the only mention I saw of his passing on t.v. news was at the very end of Hannity’s show the next night…I would have thought someone would have been honoring him more for his contribution, so was very disappointed about that. So again, thanks Mata.
You’re welcome, SoCal Chris. Rather jarring news for me. And you are correct. Barely a passing note of Silver save for conservative blogs.
“Silver epitomizes the true spirit of “bipartisanship”… “
…just like Jack Kennedy? (NOT!)
I was too young then to realize what an ugly man Kennedy really was.
RIP, Ron Silver. I am sure you are in a far better place than those you Left behind.