Ron Silver Biography

Ron Silver was an American actor and activist, who was considered one of the most politically aware personalities in Hollywood. He was also a champion of human rights, environmental activism and anti-nuclear campaigns. In his acting career, he is remembered for playing the lead roles in the Oscar-nominated film ‘Enemies, A Love Story’, the satirical play ‘Speed-the-Plow’ and the political drama series ‘The West Wing’. In 1989, he co-founded the ‘Creative Coalition’, a nonprofit and nonpartisan group for the politically and socially conscious individuals of the entertainment industry. He was a lifelong Democrat but after the 9/11 attacks, he became a strong supporter of President George W. Bush, who was quite unpopular in Hollywood. Ron’s shift in politics cost him several jobs in the liberal-minded Hollywood. However, the scholar cum actor had no dearth of good roles, as his skills as a character actor always remained sought after. Ron was a member of the ‘Council on Foreign Relations’ and the program committee of the ‘Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars’. He was also a founding member of the board of directors for New York City Public/Private Initiatives Inc. He served as the president of the ‘Actors Equity Association’, a union that represents actors and stage managers, between 1991 and 2000. Apart from being an award-winning actor, he maintained an interest in politics, international affairs and social causes throughout his life.