HDS
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Who was Howard Da Silva?
Howard Da Silva was an American actor, director, and musical performer on stage, film, television, and radio.
When and where was he born?
Howard Da Silva was born on May 4, 1909, in Cleveland, Ohio.
What were some of his notable works in film and television?
Some of Howard Da Silva's notable works in film include "The Lost Weekend" (1945), "The Blue Dahlia" (1946), and "The Outlaw" (1943). In television, he appeared in shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Gunsmoke".
What were some of his notable works on Broadway?
Howard Da Silva appeared in several notable Broadway productions, including "Of Thee I Sing" (1931), "Fiorello!" (1959), and "1776" (1969), for which he earned a Tony Award nomination.
Did he appear in any films that were considered controversial at the time?
Yes, Howard Da Silva appeared in the film "The Outlaw" (1943), directed by Howard Hughes, which was met with controversy and censorship due to its sexual content.
What was the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), and why was Da Silva involved with them?
The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was a U.S. congressional committee that investigated alleged disloyalty and subversive activities. Howard Da Silva was called before HUAC in 1951 along with other members of the entertainment industry in response to their alleged leftist beliefs and associations.
What were the consequences of Da Silva's involvement with HUAC?
As a result of his refusal to testify about his political beliefs and associations, Howard Da Silva was blacklisted from Hollywood and faced difficulty finding work in the film industry for several years.
What did Da Silva do during his blacklisted years?
During his blacklisted years, Howard Da Silva focused primarily on his theater career. He continued performing on Broadway, directing productions, and even formed his own theater company, the American Actors Company.
Were there any lasting effects of Da Silva's involvement with HUAC?
Although Howard Da Silva's career rebounded in the late 1950s and he found success on Broadway, the stigma of being blacklisted had a lasting impact on his reputation and opportunities in the film industry.
When and where did Da Silva pass away?
Howard Da Silva passed away on February 16, 1986, in Ossining, New York, at the age of 76.