Jay Silverheels, born Harold Jay Smith, May 26, 1912 on the Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario, was an actor, stunt man, athlete, and poet. His grandfather was a Mohawk Chief and his mother was a Mohawk and paternal Seneca.
He is best known as his role as Tonto in the television series The Lone Ranger, which ran from 1949 to 1957. He reprised his role in two movies The Lone Ranger and The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold. He continued to be typecast to portray Native Americans throughout his career.
He became an outspoken activist for Native American rights and established an acting school for Native American actors.
He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, July 19, 1979, making him the first Native American (Mohawk) to receive such an honor.
He passed away in March 1980 from a stroke in California. His ashes were returned to Six Nations Reserve in Ontario.
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