Actor Ron Silver has died of esophageal cancer at the age of 62. He was an Award-winning actor and activist and probably best known for his role in the television drama ‘The West Wing’. Read more about him below, see photos and watch a video.

Actor Ron Silver

Known as a very talented actor and a champion of free speech and artists rights, Ron Silver had been fighting esophageal cancer of two years. He died this morning at his home in New York. He leaves two children, Adam and Alexandra, his parents and his two brothers, as well as countless friends and admirers.

“Ron Silver died peacefully in his sleep with his family around him early Sunday morning,” said Robin Bronk, executive director of the Creative Coalition, which Silver helped found.

His body of work includes television, film, and stage. Most recently he hosted a public affairs talk show on Sirius satellite radio. In 1989, Ron helped found the left leaning Creative Coalition with Alec Baldwin, Ron Silver, Christopher Reeve, Susan Sarandon, Blair Brown and Stephen Collins.

Ron Silver was a very interesting guy. Did you know he had traveled to more than 30 countries and spoke fluent Mandarin Chinese and Spanish? He had a Master’s Degree in Chinese History from St. John’s University in New York and the College of Chinese Culture in Taiwan. He also attended Columbia University’s Graduate School of International Affairs. At one time, he even taught high school and was a social worker for the Department of Social Services!

Ron Silver said the events of September 11th changed his life and outlook forever. A Democrat for many years, he left the party and became an Independent, a vocal supporter of President George W. Bush, and the War on Terror.

He spoke at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York, enthusiastically backing a second term for President Bush.

“Twelve years ago I was here for the Democratic convention. I was on the platform committee. Zell Miller was the keynote speaker. A lot’s changed since then, I can tell you,” a chuckling Silver told The Washington Post.

“If you asked me on September 10, 2001, would I consider going to the Republican National Convention and speaking, I would have thought you were from another planet and didn’t know who I was.”

You can go here to read the full text of his speech to the GOP convention – it was amazing.

Ron Silver was an actor and activist who died of esophageal cancer at the age of 62. He was indeed an independent and courageous voice in the entertainment industry that will be sorely missed. Godspeed!

More photos and a video of Ron Silver are below.

Ron Silver – Photos