Carmen Silvera
Carmen Silvera (November 18, 1922 – August 3, 2002) was an English actress. She appeared in 53 films and made 10 television appearances between 1946 and 1981.
Silvera was born in London, England, the daughter of Leonard Silvera, a Trinidadian immigrant of partial Jewish descent, and Sarah Kate Silverman, an Englishwoman. She began her film career in 1946, appearing in the film "The Wicked Lady". She went on to appear in a number of films, including "The School for Scandal" (1949), "The Ladykillers" (1955), "North by Northwest" (1959), "The Great Race" (1965), and "The Producers" (1968).
Silvera also made a number of television appearances, including in the series "The Avengers" (1961), "The Saint" (1962), and "The Persuaders!" (1971). She also appeared in the television film "The Gathering Storm" (1974) and the miniseries "The Pallisers" (1974).
Silvera was married three times, first to actor Derek Farr (1946–1951), then to actor Denholm Elliott (1954–1962), and finally to actor Tim Seely (1969–1981). She had one child with Elliott, daughter Susannah Elliott.
Silvera died of cancer on August 3, 2002, at the age of 79.
Awards and Nominations
- Tony Award for Best Supporting or Featured Actress in a Musical (1968, nominated)
Select Filmography
- The Wicked Lady (1946)
- The School for Scandal (1949)
- The Ladykillers (1955)
- North by Northwest (1959)
- The Great Race (1965)
- The Producers (1968)
- The Gathering Storm (1974, TV film)
- The Pallisers (1974, miniseries)
- The Lady Vanishes (1979)
Select Theatre Credits
- The Lady's Not for Burning (1949)
- The Chalk Garden (1956)
- The Entertainer (1957)
- Boeing-Boeing (1962)
- The Producers (1968)
Silvera was a versatile and talented actress who appeared in a wide variety of roles on stage, screen, and television. She was also a popular character actress, often playing eccentric or offbeat characters. She was a beloved figure in the British entertainment industry and her death was a great loss.
