Trinidad Silva

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.

Movies & TV Shows

1. The Running Man (1987) — Cheering Game Show Patron (uncredited)
2. The Jerk (1979) — Punk
3. Colors (1988) — Frog
4. UHF (1989) — Raul Hernandez
5. Hill Street Blues (1981)
6. T. J. Hooker (1982) — Ramon Cruz
7. Hunter (1984) — Hector Rivas
8. The Night Before (1988) — Tito
9. The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) — Milagro Townsperson
10. El Norte (1983) — Monte
11. Barney Miller (1975) — Puente
12. National Lampoon's Movie Madness (1982) — Carlos ("Growing Yourself")
13. Crackers (1984) — Ramon
14. Jocks (1986) — Chito
15. Alambrista! (1977) — Joe
16. The White Shadow (1978) — Julio
17. Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) — Basilio Garcia
18. American Playhouse (1982) — Monte
19. Walk Proud (1979) — Dagger
20. Second Thoughts (1983)
21. Stones for Ibarra (1988) — Basilio Garcia
22. Home Free (1988) — Eddie Fuentes