
Person
Trinidad Silva
Acting · 1950–1988 · Mission, Texas, USA
Biography
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.
Known for

Hunter
Hector Rivas

Hill Street Blues
1981

T. J. Hooker
Ramon Cruz

American Playhouse
Monte

Barney Miller
Puente

The White Shadow
Julio

The Running Man
Cheering Game Show Patron (uncredited)

Colors
Frog

The Jerk
Punk

Hallmark Hall of Fame
Basilio Garcia
Filmography
- 1989UHFRaul Hernandez
- 1988Home FreeEddie Fuentes
- 1988The Night BeforeTito
- 1988ColorsFrog
- 1988The Milagro Beanfield WarMilagro Townsperson
- 1988Stones for IbarraBasilio Garcia
- 1987The Running ManCheering Game Show Patron (uncredited)
- 1986JocksChito
- 1984HunterHector Rivas
- 1984CrackersRamon
- 1983El NorteMonte
- 1983Second Thoughts
- 1982National Lampoon's Movie MadnessCarlos ("Growing Yourself")
- 1982T. J. HookerRamon Cruz
- 1982American PlayhouseMonte
- 1981Hill Street Blues
- 1979The JerkPunk
- 1979Walk ProudDagger
- 1978The White ShadowJulio
- 1977Alambrista!Joe
- 1975Barney MillerPuente
- 1951Hallmark Hall of FameBasilio Garcia
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