Silvana Gallardo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Silvana Gallardo
Born	Sandra Silvana Gallardo (1947-01-13)January 13, 1947 New York City, U.S.
Died	January 2, 2012(2012-01-02) (aged 64) Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1977–2004
Spouse(s)	Gerald O'Connor ​ (m. 1968)​ (div. 1978); Billy Drago ​ (m. 1985)​
Relatives	Darren E. Burrows (stepson)

Silvana Gallardo was an American actress, acting coach, and writer. She was born on January 13, 1947, and passed away on January 2, 2012.

Early Life and Education

Silvana grew up in the South Bronx, a neighborhood in New York City. Her parents were Edward Francis Gallardo and Grace Mallory. She had a diverse background, including Puerto Rican, Sicilian, Cuban, and Native American heritage.

She went to Morris High School. There, her music teacher, Herbert Fein, greatly influenced her acting journey. After high school, Silvana attended a drama school called the HB Studio in Greenwich Village, New York City. She studied acting with James Patterson, a well-known actor who had won a Tony Award.

Acting Career

Silvana Gallardo appeared in many popular television shows. Some of these include Starsky & Hutch, Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, Kojak, The Golden Girls, MacGyver, L.A. Law, Babylon 5, ER, and NYPD Blue.

She also acted in several films, such as Windwalker, Death Wish II, and Silence of the Heart.

Teaching and the Gallardo Method

Besides acting, Silvana was also a talented acting coach and teacher. She started teaching in New York City and later coached many famous actors in Hollywood. Some of her students included Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Billy Drago, and Peta Wilson.

Silvana created her own way of teaching acting, which she called the "Gallardo Method." This method focused on the idea that there are "no boundaries, there are no limits, there simply is The Art of the Infinite Possibility." She believed in pushing creative limits and always trying to make a difference.

Silvana moved to Paris, Kentucky, after directing a film called Fading To Zero. She passed away in Louisville on January 2, 2012.

Personal Life

In 1968, Silvana Gallardo married Gerald O'Connor, but they divorced in 1978. Later, in 1985, she married actor Billy Drago. They worked together, offering acting workshops for people who wanted to become actors. Silvana was survived by her partner and collaborator, John Gavigan.

Filmography