West Wing Actor Ron Silver Dies

Actor and political activist Ron Silver, best known in his later years as Bruno Gianelli in The West Wing has died from cancer aged 62.

Silver had a long career in film and on television, including roles in Lovesick (1983), Garbo Talks (1984), Eat and Run (1986), and the lead in Enemies: A Love Story (1989). The movie role is was best known for was as defense attorney Alan Dershowitz in Reversal of Fortune (1990).

Originally a life long Democrat and founding member of the liberal-leaning Creative Coalition in 1989, Silver became an outspoken Republican after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Silver spoke in favor of George W Bush at the 2004 Republican National Convention and was appointed by Bush to the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace. Silver was also a strong advocate for Israeli and Jewish affairs.

In 2008, Silver began hosting The Ron Silver Show on Sirius Satellite Radio, which focused on politics and public affairs.