The world
just became less interesting.
My friend,
CSU colleague and the best actor I’ve ever seen died
early Thursday at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. Reuben Silver was 88
years old.
I
have known Reuben for over 30 years and best remember him as the most
passionate and fully engaged man I ever met.
He wept openly and laughed joyfully at my son’s bris. He would work up a sweat while dining. And he owned the stage every time he was on
it.
The
last time I spoke with Rueben was in January, after the opening night
production of “Yentl” at Cleveland Play House, in which his wife Dorothy and I were
cast. We met in the lobby of the Allen Theatre and, from his
wheelchair, Reuben held my hand and proceeded to critique my performance.
He said the beard I grew for the play was magnificent. He told me to speak louder since I was small and easily
lost on a stage full of people. And, with a twinkle in his eye that fought
through his increasing frailty, he told me not to quit my day job.
Roy Berko
Reuben’s presence will be missed by those of
us who knew, admired and loved him for being such a special person, performer
and friend! There is one less star in the local theatre
community sky, and tears in many eyes, with his passing.
To read the full tribute, read Roy Berko's blog here.
Christine Howey
He
always knew the show must go on. And so it will, for Dorothy as well as their
three children and four grandchildren. For them, and us, the show will forever
be burnished to a warm glow because we were touched, in so many ways, by the
gentle genius of Reuben Silver.
To see the full tribute, read Christine Howey's article at Cleveland Scene
Andrea Simakis
Playhouse Square will dim the State Theatre marquee on Saturday from 8 – 8:15 p.m. in Reuben Silver's honor. Silver, who lit up Cleveland's stages for more than half a century, died Thursday, May 8 at the Hospice of the Western Reserve. He was 88 years old.
To read the full tribute, read Andrea Simakis' blog or visit Cleveland.com here.
