Who Is Henry Silva? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Henry Silva would have celebrated his 99th birthday. Silva was born to a Puerto Rican father and a Spanish mother, which greatly influenced his eclectic persona. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before pursuing a career in acting. His breakthrough came in the late 1950s, and he quickly became a distinctive character actor, often cast in roles that required a tough exterior. Silva's work in films like "The Manchurian Candidate," "Ocean's 11," and numerous other projects cemented his status in Hollywood.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1926 |
| Age | 95 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 14 September, 2022 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Henry Silva's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 170 lbs (77 kg) during his prime.
- Body Stats: Silva maintained an athletic build throughout much of his career, which complemented his roles as an action-oriented character. While specifics on measurements fluctuate, he was known for his sharp features and charismatic screen presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Henry Silva was known for being quite private about his personal life. He was married twice; his first marriage was to actress Ruth Noone, with whom he had one child. Later, he married his second wife, a woman not frequently mentioned in the media, and they remained together until his passing. Silva's relationships have often taken a backseat to his film career, but he had a reputation for being a supportive father to his children.
He was the son of Jesus Silva and Angelina Martinez, and was of Sicilian and Spanish descent. His father, a sailor from Italy, abandoned the family when he was young, and he grew up in Spanish Harlem with his mother. He did not learn to speak English until he was 8 years old.
He quit school when he was 13 years old to attend drama classes, supporting himself as a dishwasher and waiter at a Manhattan hotel.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Henry Silva's net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million. Throughout his career, he earned a substantial income from his work in film and television. Silva also made contributions through various endorsements and appearances, contributing to his overall wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Henry Silva's career spanned over six decades, earning him recognition as one of the most influential character actors in American cinema. He starred in various genres, including drama, action, and thrillers. Some of his notable films include:
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
- Ocean's 11 (1960)
- The Return of the Seven (1966)
- Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999)
Henry Silva (September 23, 1926 – September 14, 2022) was an American actor, with a film and television career which spanned fifty years.
A prolific character actor in over 140 productions, he was known for his "dark, sepulchral" looks and brooding screen presence that saw him often play criminals, gangsters, or other "tough guys" in crime and action films. He was also closely associated with the "Rat Pack".
Social Network
While Henry Silva didn’t engage extensively in the world of social media during his lifetime, his legacy lives on through fan pages and tributes. Many fans and followers continue to celebrate his work on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, sharing memorable clips and photos from his extensive career.
During the 1980s, Silva made notable appearances as villains in action films like Sharky's Machine (1981) with Burt Reynolds, the cult classic Megaforce (1982), Cannonball Run II (1984), Code of Silence (1985) with Chuck Norris, Above the Law (1988) with Steven Seagal, and Dick Tracy (1990).
He was also the voice of supervillain Bane in the DC Animated Universe. One of his final film roles, before his retirement, was as a mob boss in Jim Jarmusch's Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999).
Education
Henry Silva received his early education in New York. After serving in the Navy, he attended The Dramatic Academy, where he honed his acting skills. His training was pivotal in shaping him as an actor, enabling him to take on diverse roles that displayed both depth and versatility.
In conclusion, Henry Silva may no longer be with us, but his contributions to film continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. His remarkable life, relationships, and the indelible mark he left on cinema remind us why he remains a significant figure in American history.
In 1963, Silva played the lead role in the gangster film Johnny Cool, which was produced by United Artists and Chrislaw. His character Salvatore "Johnny Cool" Giordano was a hitman sent on a mission by exiled mobster Johnny Colini to kill the underworld figures who had plotted against the mobster.
Premiering on October 19, 1963, the film enjoyed box-office success as well as critical acclaim. Critics also praised the actor's first lead performance, which allegedly carried the film.
The supporting cast features Elizabeth Montgomery, Mort Sahl, Telly Savalas, Jim Backus, Joey Bishop, and Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr., most of whose characters were murdered by Johnny Cool during the course of the film.
Variety praised Silva's performance, writing "Henry Silva, as a Sicilian-born assassin, is at home as the 'delivery boy of death'".
