Introduction
Howard Da Silva was a multi-talented actor who was born on May 4, 1909, and died on February 16, 1986. He was famous for his deep, resonant voice and his ability to play different types of characters. Da Silva’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he appeared in over 70 films, dozens of television shows, and various Broadway plays. He was considered one of the most versatile actors of his time, and his legacy continues to live on to this day. In this post, we will explore the life, career, and legacy of Howard Da Silva.
Early Life
Howard Da Silva was born on May 4, 1909, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the youngest of four children, and his parents were Italian immigrants. When he was a child, his father passed away, and he was sent to an orphanage. However, he was eventually adopted by a family in New York City. Da Silva attended the New York School of Theatre and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Career as an Actor
Howard Da Silva made his Broadway debut in 1927 as a member of the chorus in “Rio Rita.” He then went on to appear in various other Broadway plays, including “The Cradle Will Rock,” “Johnny Johnson,” and “The Threepenny Opera.” In 1940, he made his film debut in “They Knew What They Wanted.” He went on to appear in over 70 films, including “The Lost Weekend,” “The Blue Dahlia,” and “The Great Gatsby.” He was also a regular cast member on various television shows, such as “Route 66” and “The Defenders.”
Legacy as a Character Actor
Howard Da Silva was known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from villains to heroes. He was also known for his deep, resonant voice, which added gravitas to his performances. He was nominated for a Tony Award in 1960 for his role in the musical “Fiorello!” In 1970, he received an Emmy Award for his performance in the television miniseries “The Senator.” His legacy as a character actor continues to live on.
Impact on Broadway
Howard Da Silva made a significant impact on Broadway, appearing in over 40 plays throughout his career. He was a founding member of the Group Theatre, which was a groundbreaking theater collective that sought to bring socially relevant plays to a wider audience. He also appeared in the original Broadway productions of many famous plays, such as “Of Mice and Men” and “The Iceman Cometh.”
Political Activism
Howard Da Silva was a political activist throughout his career. He was a member of the Communist Party in the 1930s and 1940s and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. However, he continued to work in the entertainment industry despite the obstacles that he faced. He was also an advocate for civil rights and appeared at the March on Washington in 1963.
Personal Life
Howard Da Silva was married three times and had four children. His second wife, Mary, was a stage actress who appeared in several Broadway plays alongside him. He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed making furniture in his spare time.
FAQs
Q: What was Howard Da Silva’s most famous role?
A: Howard Da Silva is known for his many different roles. However, one of his most famous roles was as Benjamin Franklin in the film “1776.”
Q: Did Howard Da Silva win any awards for his acting?
A: Yes, Howard Da Silva won an Emmy Award and was nominated for a Tony Award.
Q: Was Howard Da Silva involved in any political movements?
A: Yes, Howard Da Silva was a member of the Communist Party in the 1930s and 1940s and was an advocate for civil rights.
Q: How many children did Howard Da Silva have?
A: Howard Da Silva had four children.
Q: What was the Group Theatre?
A: The Group Theatre was a groundbreaking theater collective that sought to bring socially relevant plays to a wider audience.
Q: What was Howard Da Silva’s personal hobby?
A: Howard Da Silva enjoyed making furniture in his spare time.
Q: When did Howard Da Silva pass away?
A: Howard Da Silva passed away on February 16, 1986.
Conclusion
Howard Da Silva was a multi-talented actor who made an impact on both Broadway and Hollywood. He was known for his deep, resonant voice and his ability to play a wide range of characters. He was also a political activist and an advocate for civil rights. His legacy as a character actor continues to live on, and his contributions to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten.
0 comments