Trinidad Silva


Trinidad Silva, Jr. was an American comedian and character actor, who played small supporting roles in a number of films of the 1980s.
He is best known for the roles of Jesus Martinez, a gang leader in the TV series Hill Street Blues; Frog in the film Colors; and Raul, the bizarre animal lover in "Weird" Al Yankovic's first film, UHF.

Biography

Silva was born in Mission, Texas. Silva's television work includes the role of Jesus Martinez on the television series Hill Street Blues.

Death

Silva died at the age of 38 in a car accident with a drunken driver in Whittier, California. Silva's wife and toddler son were also injured. Douglas Robert Owens pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter, drunken driving and hit-and-run charges. Owens was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, which was the maximum allowed under the law.
Silva was killed during production of the 1989 "Weird Al" Yankovic film UHF. Parts of the Yankovic film had to be rewritten since Silva had not finished filming his part. The film was dedicated to his memory.
Silva is buried at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California.

Filmography

Film

Television