RON SILVER

The award-winning stage actor passed away on Sunday (15Mar09) following a lengthy battle with the disease, and was surrounded by his family, according to friend and colleague Robin Bronk.

He says, "Ron Silver died peacefully in his sleep with his family around him this morning.

"He had been fighting esophageal cancer for two years and his family is making arrangements for a private service."

Silver first appeared on the big screen in 1976's Tunnel Vision and enjoyed a longrunning career in film, TV, theatre and later as a political pundit on the radio.

As well as acclaimed turns in Garbo Talks and Enemies: A Love Story, Silver played the recurring role of presidential campaign advisor Bruno Gianelli on The West Wing from 2001 to 2006.

The actor also received high praise for his turn as a Hollywood producer in David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, which won him a Tony Award.

Silver famously turned from a lifelong Democrat to an outspoken supporter of President George W. Bush's Republican administration after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York.

He is survived by his son, Adam, and daughter, Alexandra.

Source: WENN