Radio and TV fans of long, long ago remember "those thrilling days of yesteryear" when out of the past rode...the Lone Ranger and his "faithful Indian companion" Tonto. Every little boy in those days wanted to be like the Lone Ranger, or, failing that, at least like Tonto, who, although only a sidekick, was also brave, resolute, "trail smart" and straight shooting. Also, he wore a really cool buckskin outfit.
The part of Tonto was played by a Canadian Mohawk whose birth name was Harold J. Smith, but whose adopted stage name, Jay Silverheels, sounded far more appropriate in Hollywood or New York.
The young Mohawk went from being a gifted athlete and Golden Gloves boxer to work as a movie stunt man. Early movies in which he had small parts include "Key Largo," "Broken Arrow," and "War Arrow."
His claim on celebrity, however, derives entirely from "The Lone Ranger" TV show, which appeared from 1949 to 1957 and to a lesser extent, its radio predecessor. It was a great job, even though he was required to speak in the manner that show biz producers liked to assume Indians might speak: "See-um fresh tracks. Me track-um, Kemo Sabe," for instance.
Silverheels had small movie parts and made other TV appearances after that time, but never again had a role that re-ignited his celebrity. He died in 1980 at age 67, following a stroke.
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