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He was a highly successful black actor/director in the 1950s and 1960s who - because of his light-skinned appearance - transcended race and ethnicity in his performances. In motion pictures, Frank Silvera was cast as black, Latino, Polynesian and "white"/racially indeterminate (due to black + white film stock's lack of discernment when rendering light-skinned African-Americans).
He was actively engaged in the Civil Rights Struggles of the 1950s and 1960s and called on all of his associates in the theater and film world to support the efforts of Black Americans during this watershed in American history. The Frank Silvera Writers' Workshop Foundation, Inc. was founded by actor/ director Morgan Freeman, playwright/director Garland Lee Thompson, director/ actress Billie Allen and journalist Clayton Riley in 1973.
Morgan Freeman, director/actress Billie Allen and journalist Clayton Riley honored Frank by co-founding the Harlem-based Frank Silvera Writer's Workshop Foundation, Inc., in 1973 which sponsored up-and-coming playwrights.
Studied at Northwestern University in Illinois with the intention of becoming an attorney or teacher of law.
Accidentally electrocuted in his kitchen on June 11, 1970 while trying to repair a garbage disposal.
Born in Jamaica but raised in Boston.
Began his career on stage with Harlem's American Negro Theatre and with the Actor's Studio.
Was nominated for a 1963 Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role as M. Duval in "The Lady of the Camellias."
I've always seen it as the role of an artist to drag his inside out, give the audience all you've got. Writers, actors, singers, all good artists do the same. It isn't supposed to be easy.
Henry Rollins
Frank Silvera was the founder of "The Theatre of Being" which was dedicated to helping black actors get a foothold in show business.
Frank Silvera
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Frank Silvera
24 July 1914, Kingston, Jamaica, British West Indies
11 June 1970, Pasadena, California
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