Ron Silver (born July 2, 1946 in New York City, New York) is an American movie and television actor, director, and producer. His various works and contributions to the field have enabled him to become a respected, Tony award-winning actor. He played a fictional version of himself in the unaired action comedy Heat Vision and Jack. He was also a founding member of the Creative Coalition. From 1991 to 2000, Silver served as president of the Actors' Equity Association.
From 2001 to 2002, and again from 2005 to 2006, Silver played Bruno Gianelli, Presidential campaign advisor, on The West Wing.
In 2000 he cofounded the organisation One Jerusalem to defend against the Oslo Peace Agreement. It has as cause, "maintaining a united Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel."
Once a lifelong Democrat, Silver has recently been an outspoken supporter for President George W. Bush, citing the September 11, 2001 attacks and the Democrats' policies regarding terrorism as his reasons for switching parties. He spoke at the United States Republican Convention in 2004, and has continued to staunchly support the president, even though he thinks it may ultimately affect his career. His West Wing character underwent a similar change of heart, switching from a Democratic political strategist in the earlier seasons to the campaign manager for the Republican presidential candidate.
Silver was appointed Chairman for the Millennium Committee by New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. On October 7, 2005, Ron Silver was nominated by President George W. Bush to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace.
Silver has traveled to more than 30 countries and speaks both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, as well as English. He has taught high school and has done social work for the Department of Social Services.
Festival in Cannes (2002)
