
Acting · 38 years old
Mission, Texas, USA
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.

Hallmark Hall of Fame
Basilio Garcia

Hill Street Blues

Barney Miller
Puente

The White Shadow
Julio

Hunter
Hector Rivas

El Norte
Monte

The Jerk
Punk

UHF
Raul Hernandez

The Running Man
Cheering Game Show Patron (uncredited)

The Milagro Beanfield War
Milagro Townsperson

T. J. Hooker
Ramon Cruz

Colors
Frog

The Night Before
Tito

Alambrista!
Joe

Walk Proud
Dagger

Crackers
Ramon

Jocks
Chito

National Lampoon's Movie Madness
Carlos ("Growing Yourself")

Second Thoughts

Stones for Ibarra
Basilio Garcia