Trinidad Silva

Acting

Born January 30, 1950, Mission, Texas, USA

Trinidad Silva, a character actor from Mission, Texas, had a promising career that was tragically cut short. He moved to Los Angeles in his mid-20s and landed his first acting role on "Baretta" in 1977. Unfortunately, due to the Latino typecasting prevalent at the time, most of his TV roles were as criminals or gang members. However, his role as Jesus Martinez on "Hill Street Blues" broke this stereotype, portraying a former gang leader turned community activist. Silva also played more positive roles in films like "Alambrista!" and "El Norte." Sadly, while filming "UHF" in 1988, Silva was killed by a drunk driver in Whittier, California. The film was dedicated to his memory. He was married to Sofia Alvarez.

Filmography

• 1989UHF — Raul Hernandez, In Memory Of
• 1988Colors — Frog
• 1988Home Free — Eddie Fuentes
• 1988Stones for Ibarra — Basilio Garcia
• 1988The Milagro Beanfield War — Milagro Townsperson
• 1988The Night Before — Tito
• 1987The Running Man — Cheering Game Show Patron (uncredited)
• 1986Jocks — Chito
• 1984Crackers — Ramon
• Hunter — Hector Rivas
• 1983El Norte — Monte
• 1983Second Thoughts — 1st Latino
• American Playhouse — Monte
• 1982National Lampoon's Movie Madness — Carlos ("Growing Yourself")
• T. J. Hooker — Ramon Cruz
• Hill Street Blues
• 1979The Jerk — Punk
• 1979Walk Proud — Dagger
• The White Shadow — Julio
• 1977Alambrista! — Joe
• Barney Miller — Puente
• Hallmark Hall of Fame — Basilio Garcia