In 1952, Silvera made his film debut in the western, "The Cimarron Kid". Because of his strongly Latin appearance, he was cast in a variety of ethnic roles in films and television. He was cast as General Huerta in "Viva Zapata!" which starred Marlon Brando. Silvera also portrayed the role in the stage production, which opened at the Regent Theatre in New York City on February 28, 1952. He appeared in two films directed by Stanley Kubrick, "Fear and Desire" (1953) and "Killer's Kiss" (1955).