
Actor · 20 credits
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.

UHF
1989
Raul Hernandez

Colors
1988
Frog

The Milagro Beanfield War
1988
Milagro Townsperson

Stones for Ibarra
1988
Basilio Garcia
Cheering Game Show Patron (uncredited)

Jocks
1986
Chito

Hunter
1984
Hector Rivas

Crackers
1984
Ramon

El Norte
1983
Monte

Second Thoughts
1983
1st Latino

National Lampoon's Movie Madness
1982
Carlos ("Growing Yourself")

T. J. Hooker
1982
Ramon Cruz

The Jerk
1979
Punk

Walk Proud
1979
Dagger

Barney Miller
1975
Puente

Hallmark Hall of Fame
1951
Basilio Garcia