Silvana Gallardo, an intense, talented actress, who has been likened to Anna Magnani, as a result of her vivid, fiery portrayals, has that indefinable quality known as presence. Either you have it or you don't.

A cosmopolitan mixture of Venezuelan, Cuban and Sicilian heritage, Silvana's air of mystique reflects her earlier avocation as a jet setter, gambling for high stakes and winning in such international locales as Monte Carlo, London, Nice, Venice and Estoril.

This glamorous existence was a world removed from her beginnings in the South Bronx where poverty and violence are a way of life. The youngest in the family of four children, Silvana dreamed at an early age of a better life and far away places. She began performing dramatic skits of her own creation in her mother's living room, charging two cents admission.

In high school she starred in BYE BYE BIRDIE and THE PAJAMA GAME. She won the gold medal for best actress of the graduating class. Silvana was also awarded the title of MISS TEEN QUEEN from the Police Athletic League. These honors convinced her that a theatrical career was more than possible.

After working on two Broadway productions, she was summoned to Hollywood to star in the PBS Special, THE PEOPLE vs. INEZ GARCIA. In the title role, she created a critical sensation. It was immediately followed by an excellent role in THE WINDWALKER, in which she co-stars with Trevor Howard and her future husband, Billy Drago. Silvana has since contributed her considerable talents to such movies as SOLAR CRISIS with Charlton Heston and Jack Palance, THE CALENDAR GIRL MURDERS opposite Sharon Stone and Tom Skeritt, PRISON STORIES, WOMEN ON THE INSIDE with Lolita Davidovitch, OUT OF THE DARK opposite Karen Black and Bud Cort, CHILDREN OF TIMES SQUARE, SILENCE OF THE HEART, and the hilarious send-up of Carmen Miranda, in COPACABANA with Barry Manilow.

Silvana starred in the mini-series THE BIG ONE: THE GREAT LOS ANGELES EARTHQUAKE and had a six month stint on DAYS OF OUR LIVES. When her story line was introduced it was the first time in fourteen years that the show had a number one and two rating. Her varied guest star roles include work on BABYLON-5, THE TRIALS OF ROSIE O'NEILL, CAGNEY AND LACEY, MacGYVER, L.A. LAW, EQUAL JUSTICE, FALCON CREST, KNOTS LANDING, and HUNTER. She also guested on multi-Emmy nominated episodes of HILL ST. BLUES AND LOU GRANT.

Silvana was given an honorary professorship by the International Academy of Authorized Education and Awarded the Academic World Star for her manuscript, Acting For Success. She was also honored by the Nosotros organization by being named Most Promising New Star, receiving their coveted GOLDEN EAGLE Award. Additionally, Silvana was recognized by "Who's Who Of America", by "Who's Who Of American Women", by the Latino version of "Who's Who", by "Madison Who's Who", and featured in "The Chicano/Hispanic Image Of American Cinema".

When she is not working in front of the cameras, Silvana runs an intense professional actors workshop in North Hollywood. After Alfonso Arau (Like Water for Chocolate) visited her class, he immediately hired her as the drama consultant/acting coach on his new film for Twentieth Century Fox, A Walk In The Clouds, starring Keanu Reeves, Anthony Quinn and Giancarlo Giannini. For three months the entire cast was introduced to Silvana's revolutionary acting technique and performed her exercises every day. She and her husband Billy Drago have produced a video, THE ACTING CLASS, a "How To" documentary on acting, depicting the technique and have received much critical success. It is in libraries and schools throughout the country.

Silvana will star opposite Billy Drago in the upcoming feature film, THE TIN ANGEL, written especially for her and the members of her acting class. It will be directed by Billy Drago. Additionally, Silvana is currently in pre-production on a documentary film of the Brookly Poet Laureate, Ken Siegelman (which she will be shooting in New York, this coming November).

A busy young woman, her interests include languages, (she speaks several) running (she was New York City champion), cooking, (excellent Italian cuisine) and writing. (She is co-author of the script THE ANGER and has just recently completed her novel, THE WINNING.)