Geno Silva

Lucia Silva Zoot Suit, Broadway, 1979

denise blasor Our beloved friend and actor, Geno Silva (top right) who passed away on May 9th. Also featured in the cast from left to right (Denise Blasor, Beth Hogan, Daniel Addes, Thomas Cunliffe, Joe Walsh, William Marquez, Patricia Desmond, Marina Palmier, William Pedraza, Ana Helena Berenguer, Walt Beaver, Alan Abelew, Myriam Tubert (not pictured Stephanie Cushna) — at The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble.

Lucia Silva Eva with her Papa

Lucia Silva

Lucia Silva Eva and Levon with their Papa.

Lucia Silva "Papa" and Levon

Lucia Silva

Lucia Silva

Dawn Jeffory-Nelson Our happiest times were always spent with Pam & Geno. We were The BADASS - Bellaire Dining And Supper Society. We were Laughter, and Love, and Friendship. The United Taco Workers Unite at Christmas, inseparable at Thanksgiving. We were unconditional love and friends forever. I will always remember Geno exactly as you see him in this picture. Our Gypsy King, the glue that held us together. Amazing Father and Husband. A very human Being with the heart of a lion, and the Soul of an Angel.

Monica Sanchez For my paisano: Geno Silva was born in Barelas, Santa Fe Street. Burque. He lived in a tiny little house with a big family. He played in the streets until the evening train came And the whistle bade all the mococitos home. He went to Washington Junior High School, “La Washa” Where he made friends with the landed gentry from the country club hood And they took him to see theatre and concerts and museums They picked him up and dropped him off in big new cars that never parked on his street Of spoons and needles. He did not become an addict. He became an actor. But first he went to Albuquerque High School Before it was “lofty” on Central and Broadway. He went to UNM. He met and married Miss Pam of the long legs and giant heart. They moved to L.A. They worked and found their fortunes. He went to Broadway. He was in a Jurassic Park and on the ship Amistad. He killed Scarface. He did the Times crossword every day, in a flash. He cooked by ear. To visit Geno and Miss Pam was to be received like royalty Royalty who could take their shoes off. And now he is gone. Two weeks ago I sang to him “Las Manañitas" I don’t know if he knew it was me... Rest compadre rest. You can forget me. I will never forget you.

Jen Cook-Ortiz Heartbroken at the passing of Geno Silva. My love and prayers go out to his amazing wife, Pam, their wonderful daughter Lucia, and her family especially the beautiful grandchildren Eva & Levon. Geno was my friend. A father figure. An artistic warrior brother. A confidante. A lover of life. He was generous, passionate, bold, strong, intelligent, joyful with a regally imposing physical presence which never shut down his magnetic curiosity or spirituality. He was proud of his roots, and even prouder of his friends and family. I knew him for 26 years, and since day one it felt ancestral. In the first 5 years of knowing Geno, I was lucky enough to act alongside him on 3 different intense projects as his lover, his business partner, and his son. By the end of the 3rd project, we knew we’d be in each other lives forever. I loved having meals and conversations with him that lasted for hours and hours. I loved his stories. One of my favorite things to do was to ask him about any of the hundreds of beautiful photos in his home because he would regale me with the most vivid, entertaining stories. I admired his love for his family. I loved his home. So comforting, so cozy, and filled with so much love. I was always welcomed by him and Pam, and I took full advantage. Showed up at random times, sometimes unannounced, but always greeted with the warmest smile and the biggest hug. He had that amazing quality of making people feel like the most important person in the world, me included. He often believed in me more than I did in myself. The greatest gift my profession has given me is the ability to meet some of the most interesting and dynamic people in the world. If I’m lucky, a few of those meetings might grow into a long lasting, transformative relationship. My relationship with Geno certainly grew into one of those meaningful relationships. I’m so grateful for the time we had and for the Silva spirit that will continue to live on in so many people lucky enough to have crossed paths with him. Thank you, Geno, you giant of a man. Rest In Power. -John Ortiz

Dan Shor With John Ortiz via billboard: NYC

Dan Shor Also New York City at Dawn

Jen Cook-Ortiz Another favorite image of Geno. -John Ortiz ❤️

Jane Ralston Geno was such a lovely man, always making us so welcome. Great memories of lovely times spent with him and Pam. Sending my love to Pam, Lucia and family

denise blasor El Rey en su caballo...el pinto Rey

denise blasor Genito y su mami en la terraza del sol brillante

Johnnah Torres Beloved Geno, i Muchas gracias por una vida magnifico ! You graciously leave us with your supreme legacy ...living your reality in infinite love & ever so passionately. You were one rare human being loving every moment whole heartedly, always exuding superstar powers every step of your journey. Your aura was soooo magnetic, your hugs were incredible! Thank you for your boundless compassion, we felt it through intriguing conversation, the coolest artsy hand crafted cards, kodak moments you never missed, delectable elixirs, chef's kissed dinners, poetry, theatre, film, art, and oh yes, thank you for Teofilo's Restaurante mantra "i CHILE POR VIDA!" We thank you for your magical spirit and teaching Noa and Mai Ly to have the courage to walk on stilts! We all felt elevated being in the presence of your magnificent soul. Although, your soul has left your skin suit to peacefully and most elegantly you transcend over your death to re-birth into your next movie. The show must go on. We will be looking over to the Sacred Mountain to see your grand opalescent wings soaring. We are ever so grateful to his Love Ms. Pam, & his beautiful daughter Lucia, Micah, Eva & Levon. We send you all our love, blessings, & enchanted light from New Mexico. Con mucho amor, Johnnah, Girly Whirlies, Tenci & Pete Torres

Mai Ly Torres Baker It was heartbreaking to hear about the passing of Geno, but it is wonderful to see how his soul, light, love, and legacy continues on. From the moments I spent around Geno when I was a young girl, I can still remember how compelling his warm presence was and the joy and happiness that always followed him. I am so blessed for the special time spent with Geno and Pam - my love and prayers go to Pam and his beloved family. - My grandmother, Hortencia Torres, asked me to paint a piece for the beautiful Pam. From an old photo, I have painted this piece: "Pachuco de Seco"...capturing his everlasting energy within the beautiful landscape of Arroyo Seco. May his bright soul live on. -

IAIN BLAIR Hope and I were so saddened to hear of Geno's passing. I met Pam and Geno when I first started visiting L.A. in the late '70s and have such fond memories of all the fun times we had hanging out at their home in Laurel Canyon, trips to the beach in Geno's prized classic Mustang, barbecues, dinners, parties, parties, parties, etc...this photo dates from 2008 when we got together for dinner in Santa Monica with Roger, Francie & Norman...it was another great night of laughs and catching up... we'll miss you Geno and it was an honor to know you, Count and Hope

Rebekah Del Rio “A Dios” to my darling friend, amazing actor of stage and screen, who so lovingly dubbed me La Llorona De Los Angeles, Maestro Geno Silva My deepest condolences to beautiful Pam and Lucia and your family and friends. It was 1 week ago I found our old photos and reached out to to see how Geno was doing Also my watch had suddenly stopped and I wanted to tell Pam that it did when I was thinking of Geno. Many people know that Geno had this thing about watches ... he couldn’t wear one without the watch stopping... it was that powerful energy of his Sadly that’s when I learned that Geno had passed just the Saturday before I called. I missed my friend but he was on my mind and I believe may have stopped my watch for old Times sake Thank you my friend for stopping time Now and in 1999 I met Geno in 1999 Geno played Cookie and the club Silencio Emcee in The film Mulholland Drive It all started at 5am in a parking lot behind the Tower Theater in downtown LA outside a small honey wagon Geno was the first actor I met on the set of Mulholland Drive. He was so kind and he went over his lines with me. Basically asking me what introduction I would prefer. He didn’t have to do that. I felt an instant kindred connection to this strong yet gentle presence. I had never been in a film before and to think that those small moments would put us at the pivotal point in what would become one of the best pictures of our times. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction into the world of movies in Hollywood and David Lynch! Geno had a way of making his part special although this was not a principal role in what was originally a TV pilot, nonetheless Geno made his and my entrance quite dignified and grand!! I’ll never forget the way I felt when he passed the two versions by me.. first of all I was honored that a seasoned and known actor such as he would even consider my opinion but that he would respect my request to introduce me in the grand way he did was a testament to his kind and respectful character. It was quite funny actually.. when he read the first idea, a cholo version, complete with an horale and vatos y rukas I cringed, then he read his second idea and he saw my eyes light up and a huge smile come over my face, et voila! My intro into the world of film and into the history of iconic scenes .... was in the hands of a master Actor.. Geno Silva “Señoras y Señores El Club Silencio les presenta La Llorona de Los Angeles Rrrrebekah Del Rrrrrrio” He changed my life forever with that intro!. I always think of Geno when I sing Llorando I was blessed to develop and maintain years of friendship with Geno and Pam.. He and Pam would come to my shows and Geno would be so kind to introduce me over and over ... He was so good to my late son Phillip who loved Geno very much!! Geno gave me a sympathy card that I kept on Phils altar until I moved last August and now it is in a keepsake box. Wise words from a wise man. When I endeavored to write a script, Geno read my whole script, all 111 pages and made handwritten notes for me. He said he would play the part of Tio in my movie. He and Pam always opened their homes to us .. dinners at the Silva house were always filled with laughter and amazing New Mexico comida!! They introduced me to their wonderful friends in New Mexico. They have been amazing friends to me. I cherish every memory. I would like to add one more thing... I will forever hold dear our phone calls that always started with me saying GENO SILVA in a loud male stage voice and he would say my name louder and thus would begin our many talks as friends. I have and will miss those convos ... I love you Pam and may G-d keep you, Lucia and your family during this very difficult time Love you GENO SILVA!! You will live forever in my heart and my song Llorando!! RIP Cookie

denise blasor after our dinners... amor siempre

Pam Silva Geno and Lucia 1978

Pam Silva How the West Was Won 1976

Pam Silva Santa Monica pier 1975

Julianna Silva chuchulucos, napolitos, ariel dorfman, green chile-cheese rice, laurel canyon . . . just a tiny fraction of what my beautiful cousin brought into my life. i treasured every visit with geno, pam and lucia. delicious dinners, deep conversation, memories of our shared childhoods in barelas. one of my favorite memories is of the year that my college bestie and i traveled to l.a. and, of course, pam and geno generously opened their home to us. we spent one day shopping and geno staged a photo shoot of us girls in our newly acquired "hip" l.a. threads. he had as much fun as we did - he was always so generous with his creativity. too many memories - i carry them close to my heart. love to pam, lucia and her fam and for all of us whose hearts cracked open when we heard the news . . .

Pam Silva Trouble River

Lucia Silva photo by Lucia, c. 1995

Pam Silva Three Top Hats Odyssey Theatre 1988

Pam Silva Amistad 1997

sonia noir I first met Geno The Magnificent over a sweet breakfast on Rush St. in Chicago, circa 1995. He was working at the Goodman Theater with my husband, Carlos, in a production of The Merchant of Venice. He truly had a Powerful, Distinguished and Bohemian Presence. He was an absolute Delight, and when I use the word “presence”, I mean that he had the ability to be so deliciously and acutely in the moment. Whether he was cooking, or eating, or writing or taking photographs (especially of his most adored daughter, Lucia), Geno was completely amused and engaged with whatever he was doing. That is called “Being”. This is one of the qualities that made him such a great actor and unique artist. Spending time with Geno and his beloved Pam was always a treat exceeding all expectations. They knew how to Live. Just going over for a casual dinner was like being welcomed into some secret garden or sensual realm of comfort and familiarity. Our adventures and conversations were filled with depth, wit and magic. Always magic. I recall one occasion in high summer when Geno was giving me a tour of his garden. He introduced me to this very tall succulent, his “Euphorbia” plant. I said, “a what”?!? He said, “Euphorbia”. I laughed and laughed because it struck me as so cosmically appropriate that he would be cultivating such a plant. He was, after all, Euphorbic. There are so many heartfelt memories. I will forever cherish our friendship. He will be missed. I send much love and light to my dearest Pam, Lucia and the family. #Chiles, red shoes, twinkle lights, fires, cactus, bacon wrapped dates, turquoise walls, thanksgivings, night swimming, poetry, mescal, music, laughter, rose flavored cakes, rose colored glasses, hugs, Taos.................................................... --

Cedric Griego I remember when Geno called me and asked if I knew what a Romulan was? He said if there was anyone he could ask it was me. He was right. I met Geno about 22 years ago in Los Angeles, but felt like I had known him all my life. Mainly our conversations were about food, friends, family, music, and of course New Mexico. I really didn't know much about his acting until he asked me if I would edit an acting reel for him. I was shocked and surprised. I had to call him several times because I couldn't find him in some of the clips, but he convinced me that it was him. It was awesome, he had been in just about every movie I've ever seen and television show from my youth. Like many of you he invited me into his home and to his life where I met Pam and Lucia. From the moment I walked through his front door I felt the warmth and love from his wonderful family. I felt at home. Also had a chance to visit him up in Arroyo Seco, where time seemed to stop. I'll never forget those long conversations underneath those sacred mountains. It's wonderful to read all the shared memories that we've all had with him. Geno would have got a kick out of this for several reasons. I recently looked into my genealogy and found that on my grandfather's side. His mother's, mother's, going back four generations in 1800, a woman by the name of, Dolores Silva married a man by the name of, Salvador Mirabal. Vaya con Dios, mi amigo. Ciriaco Griego

Pam Silva Sueno. Hartford Connecticut (Couldn’t find a tilde)

Pam Silva Papa and Eva 2011

Terrence Brown jr This photo of Geno and Stephen Spielberg was taken in El Morro , Viejo San Juan during the filing of Amistad back in 1977. Geno sent me this photo , I believe it was his way of making me feel better. I was cast as an extra for the Filming of Amistad for the scenes filmed in Newport RI but was not cast for the scenes slated to be filmed in my beloved encantada Puerto Rico . I think he was tryin to make me feel better and he did and “holyshit” there is Spielberg and Geno in the photo which for me was mind blowing . I will miss you Mi Amigo , we will meet again. Terrence J Brown Jr.

Terrence Brown jr Photo 1. Geno and I shooting the breeze after watching his brilliant performance in the play Sueno, in Hartford Ct. Photo 2 Geno performing in Sueno , Hartford Ct. After seeing his performance I went home telling my brother that there is no way in hell I could ever be an actor :). I takes a special and brilliant mind to get up on stage and behind a camera and perform at the level at which Geno did. I will miss you Mi Amigo.. we will meet again!! Terrence J Brown jr.

Terrence Brown jr My name is Terrence j Brown jr and to be honest this is significantly more difficult than I anticipated. On average I tend to think I’m a decent writer but I’m still finding it hard to find the proper words because I still can’t believe that Geno is longer here. Geno simply came across as an immortal to me with bounds of limitless energy and light , precisely the man that I met on the set of Amistad , a Stephen Spielberg Production back in the winter of 1977. The close up photo of Geno and John Ortiz was precisely the day I met Geno . This particular photo was on the set filmed in an old court house in Newport RI. Believe it or not I stood several feet away on the other side of The massive Panavision Camera that Stephen used to film the movie Amistad. I remember watching the scene at home post production and remembering that for as short as the scene was it took almost a day to shoot. So imagine if you will a nobody like me from Puerto Rico suddenly finding himself not only as a hired extra for the production my child film hero Stephen Spielberg but now feet away from Geno Silva aka the Skull , Stephen Spielberg the Father of ET , Close Encounters Of the 3rd Kind and the movie that traumatized me for years to come Jaws , not to mention some of the biggest Hollywood Stars Of the day , Morgan Freeman , Mathew MCounehy , Stellan Skarsgard , Allen Rich, Djimon Hounsou . Suddenly,I’m in the midst of genius at work as Stephen sat behind the camera directing Geno. At one point Stephen reached around the massive Panavision Camera and was trying to get Geno to deliver the appropriate expression which after some back and forth between Geno and Stephen we heard “Ok we got it , Print , “ . Need I mention to say that the room where Stephen worked with Geno was so silent you could hear a pin drop in a room full of Hollywood bigshots , extras and film crew. Needless to say after the crew , actors and extras moved I sat there in my prop desk stunned and amazed because for as a one who has been under the spell of Hollywood Magic I finally got into the Lair of the wizard , a front row seat into how the magic is actually done . A few hours later I was directed by the Grand Wizard himself and nearly fainted as I heard Mr. Spielberg shout out Action and I made it into the film for my 10 seconds of fame . Later on in the day I was sitting at craft services still in shock and Geno simply came over and just like that we started talking like we had been buds for ever. I think looking back what most impressed me about Geno was the fact that out of all of The Hollywood Big Shots there on the set Geno was the one true Hollywood Star because he never lost his humanity or his humility . I remember all of the Assistant Directors on the set squawking at the extras not to talk to the Stars or Principals which I can understand because they may loose their focus and forget their lines . Well as I remember Geno had no problem delivering his lines and maintaining his humanity because I witnessed it first hand . He did both and for this I will forever cherish our conversations over the years. Geno became sort of like my long distant Guru , my mentor , Mi Amigo. Geno Silva I will forever remember you and one day in some far far away galaxy we will shoot the shit one more time and you will talk and I will listen . My friend I thank you for the body of work you did because now when I miss you all I have to do is see you up there on that beautiful and magical silver lining. At this moment I am currently writing a Sci Fi Script , a happy adventure, a good time pop corn family movie . I briefly discussed some of these ideas with Geno several years ago and I told him I wrote a character for him called “ Ghost Agent “ the first CIA Man In Black roaming the land , guarding his fellow Agents. He was thrilled and we had a good laugh and conversation that day. Let me be the first to say that Geno is the one who inspired and and instilled the belief in me that a nobody like me from Puerto Rico , via Hartford Ct. could dare to dream about writing a movie script . If not for Geno I never would have in a million years believed I could write and perhaps even act in a Hollywood Production if the Universe saw a need for that. He made me feel that Hollywood is not some fantasy realm far off in some other dimension but in fact it is there in LA and it the truly magical place where I got to meet an Incredible Human Being . Till we meet again Mi Amigo . Till we meet again. Peace Brother, although I do imagine that you have been cast again in yet another magical role, far far away in another magical realm. :) till we meet again Mi Amigo Geno.

Tim Flores Geno I wanted to let your family know I am still taking care of your 1955 Tonka Fire Truck you gave me in 1961-62. Your memory will live on forever in my heart.