Actor Ron Silver died this morning after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer, the New York Post reports. Silver, 62, had a long, distinguished career on stage, screen and television. He’s probably best known for his recurring role as Bruno Gianelli on The West Wing and for his portrayal of famed lawyer Alan Dershowitz in the 1990 film Reversal of Fortune, starring Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons. Silver won the Tony Award for Best Actor in 1988 for David Mamet’s Speed the Plow. His family is making arrangements for a private service.
Mar 16
2009
02:39 AM ET
Ron Silver dies at 62
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Damn, a fantastic actor and a real loss. RIP Ron and thank you for so many great performances.
He was fantastic on the West Wing. He will be remembered.
This is very sad and shocking news. I remember him from Rhoda and Stockard Channing’s 70s sitcom (her second one, if I’m not mistaken), back when he was trying to make it as a sitcom star. In fact, I was just thinking about Rhoda coming out on DVD next month, and wondering whether it would sell well enough to get future seasons out. Silver started on that show in the second season.
He’s done a lot of fine work onscreen over the years. This is a terrible loss for the television community.
RIP Ron Silver. I will always remember you for your overlooked brilliant role of super NASA astronaut and assassin “Ron Silver” in Heat Vision and Jack.
I enjoyed and was edified by every performance. Thanks Ron.
One of the only sane conservative Hollywood voices has been silenced, a real shame. He was great in “Reversal of Fortune”.
RIP Ron. He was beyond amazing on The West Wing and a real treat to watch.
I was lucky enough to see Silver’s performance in “Speed-The-Plow.” That Tony was well deserved. Maybe he and Anne Bancroft are finally talking to Garbo…
i am actually crying now because Ron Silver was a great actor who let politics transcend his career. He was great on Rhoda but his greatest role was post 911 when he reminded us all that our country was fighting forces we never imagined. Love to Ron Silver
RIP Mr. Silver and condolences to your family. I’ve been a fan from the beginning and you were stellar as Dershowitz in “Reversal.” Esophageal cancer must be dreadful to battle against. I hope your struggle had as little discomfort as possible.
I met Ron and many of his family members one weekend at the Concord Resort Hotel in the Catskill Mts. of NY. I gave him a massage treatment along with several of his family members. What a lovely group of people they were and so filled with joy and laughter. Stuck with me what a nice group they were. Ron was definitely a first rate actor who will be missed. Condolences to the Silver Family in this time of mourning. Bart.
Don’t forget his fine work on “Veronica’s Closet” and “Chicago Hope” too.
He was great on “West Wing” but when ‘Chicago Hope’ finally hits DVD, catch out his recurring role as Christine Lahti’s ex who at one point buys the hospital. Brilliant performance! He just pops in and out and become the bad guy you love to hate but are also glad is back. A fine actor. Rest in Peace
His shift in politics after 9/11 was nothing short of hysteria and paranoia, like those people who went out and bought duct tape in panic over the hoardes of terrorists they falsely believed were coming to get them. That aside, this is very sad news. He was a fine actor. RIP
Heat Vision and Jack.