Howard Da Silva (Cleveland, 1909 – Ossining, 1986) was an American actor, a prominent character actor known for his imposing presence and deep voice. Throughout his film career, he distinguished himself playing tough men, often authoritarian figures, policemen, or ambiguous characters.

His most memorable roles include the wise bartender Nat in *The Lost Weekend* (1945), the unsettling Chicamaw in *They Live by Night* (1948), and the police officer in *Fourteen Hours* (1951).

His career was abruptly interrupted in the 1950s due to McCarthyism and his inclusion on the Hollywood blacklist. After a decade dedicated primarily to theater, he returned to the big screen, appearing in films such as *Slaughterhouse-Five* (1972) in the role of Eliot Rosewater, and portraying Benjamin Franklin in *1776* (1972). Da Silva excelled at imbuing his characters with depth and credibility, often making them unforgettable figures.