Howard Da Silva

Howard Da Silva Biography

Howard da Silva (born Howard Silverblatt, May 4, 1909 – February 16, 1986) was an American actor, director and musical performer on stage, film, television and radio. He was cast in dozens of productions on the New York stage, appeared in more than two dozen television programs, and acted in more than fifty feature films. Adept at both drama and musicals on the stage, he originated the role of Jud Fry in the original 1943 run of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!, and also portrayed the prosecuting attorney in the 1957 stage production of Compulsion.

Da Silva was nominated for a 1960 Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his work in Fiorello!, a musical about New York City mayor LaGuardia. In 1961, da Silva directed Purlie Victorious, by Ossie Davis.

Howard Da Silva Movies

The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover

Where to Watch

The Missiles of October

Howard Da Silva TV Shows

The Missiles of October

Where to Watch Cast & Crew

Howard Da Silva Quotes

The Dilemma of Independence and Compromise

Edward Rutledge: Remove it, or South Carolina will bury, now and forever, your dream of independence.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin: John, I beg you, consider what you're doing.

John Adams: Mark me Franklin, if we give in on this issue, posterity will never forgive us.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin: That's probably true, but we won't hear a thing. We will be long gone. Besides, what will posterity think we were? Demigods? We're men, no more, no less. Trying to get a nation started against greater odds than a more generous God would have allowed. First things first John, independence America. If we don't secure that, what difference will the rest make?

John Adams: Jefferson, say something.

Thomas Jefferson: What else is there to do?

John Adams: Well man, you're the one who wrote it.

Thomas Jefferson: I wrote all of it, Mr Adams.

John Adams: There it is Rutledge, you have your slavery, little good may it do you. Now vote, damn you!

Edward Rutledge: Mr. President, the fair colony of South Carolina, says Yea.