Jay Silverheels

Birth Name:

Harold J. Smith

Birth Place:

Six Nations Reservation, Brantford, Ontario, , Canada

Profession

Actor

Supported California's Indian Actors Workshop in the early 1960s
Father of actor Jay Silverheels, Jr
Was the son of a Canadian Mohawk tribal chief
Was selected for the role of "Tonto" as one of 36 actors trying out for the part
Before beginning a career in acting, enjoyed playing lacrosse for the North American Amateur Lacrosse Association
Enjoyed participating in parodies of ABC's "The Lone Ranger," doing so on late-night TV sketches and in various commercials
Was the first Native American to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Fast Facts