Actor and political activist Ron Silver dies at age 62

Actor Ron Silver, who won a Tony Award as a producer in David Mamet’s “Speed-the-Plow,“ died Sunday. He was 62.

Robin Bronk of the Creative Coalition, which Mr. Silver helped found, said the actor had esophageal cancer.

Mr. Silver, an Emmy nominee for a recurring role as a slick strategist for liberal President Jed Bartlet on “The West Wing,“ had a long history of balancing acting with left-leaning social and political causes.

But after the Sept. 11 attacks, the longtime Democrat turned heads in Hollywood with outspoken support of President George W. Bush over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Whatever his politics, he enjoyed an esteemed career on stage, television and film.

His big-screen credits included “Ali,“ “Reversal of Fortune,“ “Enemies: A Love Story,“ “Silkwood” and “Semi-Tough.“

Mr. Silver and ex-wife Lynne Miller had a son, Adam, and a daughter, Alexandra.