Trivia

Accidentally electrocuted in his kitchen on June 11, 1970 while trying to repair a garbage disposal. His death was initially attributed to a heart attack because he had been undergoing treatment for high blood pressure.

Born in Jamaica but raised in Boston.

Founder of "The Theatre of Being" which was dedicated to helping black actors get a foothold in show business.

Morgan Freeman, director/actress Billie Allen and journalist Clayton Riley honored Frank by co-founding the Harlem-based Frank Silvera Writer's Workshop Foundation, Inc., in 1973 which sponsored up-and-coming playwrights.

Studied at Northwestern University in Illinois with the intention of becoming an attorney or teacher of law.

Began his career on stage with Harlem's American Negro Theatre and with the Actor's Studio.

Meredith Baxter said in her biography that her stepfather Jack X Fields, a theatrical agent who represented Frank Silvera, housed him in a guest room off their backyard for about two years. He was teasingly called The Man Who Came to Dinner. Silvera coached Meredith for a screen test for the television series National Velvet, a role she did not get.

Was nominated for a 1963 Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role as M. Duval in "The Lady of the Camellias."

Somewhat controversially, he was often cast as a Mexican in westerns.

First cousin three times removed of actor Wil Wheaton. His paternal grandparents Alexis Silvera and Caroline Aarons are Wheaton's maternal great-great-great-grandparents.

Father: Alfred N. Silvera; Mother: Gertrude L. Bell.

Has two children: Frank Silvera, Jr. and Linda Silvera.