- Born
- Died
- Birth nameJoseph Silver
- Broadway, motion picture, television, and voice actor from the 1950s to the 1980s, distinguished by a deep, resonant voice. He started his acting career on stage at age 20 in "Tobacco Road," and on CBS TV's "Mr. I. Magination." He was a character actor and puppeteer for "Space Funnies" (in the role of Captain Jett) from 1955 to 1960. Probably more famous for playing Michael Caine's agent in the movie Deathtrap (1982) and the junk dealer Mr. Farber in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), opposite a then-new talent, Richard Dreyfuss.
Although his movie, television, and voice work career were extensive, his heart and soul belonged to Broadway and the theater, and he eventually received a Tony nomination for the 1972-73 production of "Lenny" for his multiple characterizations (he played nine different roles). Other works include "Shivers" (1975), "You Light Up My Life" (1977), "Diary of a Bachelor" (1964), and a guest-starring role as a villain in an episode of the Bloodhound Gang segment on the first season of 3-2-1 Contact (1980)- IMDb Mini Biography By: Celia Foster
- SpouseChevi Colton(January 8, 1950 - February 27, 1989) (his death, 2 children)
- His foghorn-like voice
- Had 2 children, Christopher (born 1953) and Jennifer (born 1958). Neither child was raised Jewish like their father, but Christopher later converted to Judiasm as an adult and changed his name to Mosche Silver.
- Before he made a living in show business as an actor, he was a shoe salesman.
- Started hosting "Space Funnies" on Saturday, June 19, 1955, as Captain Jett but also displayed his extensive talents by performing puppet skits and created his own special visual effects with ordinary household items (a boiling pot of oatmeal served as the surface of Venus, for example).
- Had 3 grandchildren at the time of his death by his daughter, Jennifer Sylla.
- Father: Morris Silver; Mother: Sarah Ganis.
- [on TV commercials] "I haven't done a human being in one of them in a long time. I do trees so I can be here."
- [on the show Captain Jett] "I had a different kid with me every week as co-pilot, and we'd blast off, and watch cartoons on the way. Now, it's pretty unsettling when a middle-aged man comes up to me and reminds me that he was one of my space hoppers."
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