Felix Silla, a talented individual, was born on January 11, 1937, in a small village situated outside the bustling city of Rome, located in the region of Lazio, Italy. Growing up, Silla developed a passion for the world of circus performance, and he began training in various skills such as bareback riding, trapeze artistry, and tumbling.
In 1955, Silla made the bold decision to leave his native Italy and embark on a journey to the United States. He eventually found himself touring with the renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Show, showcasing his impressive range of talents to audiences across the country.
As his career progressed, Silla's multifaceted abilities caught the attention of Hollywood, and he soon found himself working as a stuntman in various films. His first notable role was in the 1963 movie "A Ticklish Affair," starring Gig Young and Shirley Jones.
Throughout his illustrious career, Silla is perhaps best known for his memorable performances in two iconic roles. Firstly, he played the maniacal, miniature "Hitler" who posed a threat to George Segal's character in the 1975 film "The Black Bird." Secondly, he brought to life the eccentric character Cousin Itt on the popular 1964 television show "The Addams Family."
In addition to his work in film and television, Silla also doubled for child actors in several notable movies, including "The Towering Inferno" (1974),"The Hindenburg" (1975),and "Battlestar Galactica" (1978).
When he wasn't working on set, Silla would often take to the stage, performing with his own musical group, "The Original Harmonica Band," in Las Vegas and Reno nightclubs.
In his personal life, Silla was married to his wife, Sue Silla, a fellow "little person," from 1965 until his passing on April 16, 2021. Together, they had three children, Bonnie, Michael, and Diana.
