Ron Silver (born July 2, 1946 in New York City, New York) is an American movie and television actor, director, and producer. His various works and contributions to the field have enabled him to become a respected, Tony award-winning actor. He played a fictional version of himself in the unaired action comedy Heat Vision and Jack. He was also a founder member of the Creative Coalition.
From 1991 to 2000, Silver served as president of the Actors' Equity Association.
In 2000 he cofounded the organisation One Jerusalem to defend against the Oslo Peace Agreement. It has as cause to "saving a united Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel."
A lifelong Democrat, Silver has recently been an outspoken supporter for President George W. Bush, citing the September 11, 2001 attacks and the Democrats' policies regarding terrorism as his reasons for switching parties. He spoke at the United States Republican Convention in 2004, and has continued to staunchly support Bush, even though he thinks it may ultimately affect his career.
Silver was appointed Chairman for the Millennium Committee by New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. On October 7, 2005, Ron Silver was nominated by President George W. Bush to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace.
Silver has traveled to more than 30 countries and speaks Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. He has taught high school and has done social work for the Department of Social Services.
Ron Silver was raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan and attended the prestigious Stuyvesant High School. He went on to graduate from the University at Buffalo with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Chinese, and a master's degree in Chinese History from St. John's University in New York and the College of Chinese Culture in Taiwan. Silver also attended Columbia University Graduate School of International Affairs.
Television:
Chicago Hope
Rhoda
Skin
The West Wing
Films:
Ali
The Entity
Billionaire Boys Club (Emmy nomination)
Reversal of Fortune
Speed The Plow (Tony and Drama Desk awards)
Timecop
