Chief John Big Tree
Chief John Big Tree ( born June 2, 1877 in Michigan; † 6 July 1967 in Onondaga Indian Reservation, born Isaac Johnny John ) was a member of the Seneca Nation of New York and an actor.
Life
In 1915, John first worked as an actor in the production of the movie Author! Author! with. Already in the production of the next film, The Cactus Blossom he slept with the stage name Chief John Big Tree.
It was followed by numerous productions in which he participated. Among other things, he was also seen in the films The Big Trail (1930) and Fighting Caravans ( 1931) from the Lone Star series. In 1939, he met with Shirley Temple in the production of the film Miss Winnetou, where he played at her side an Indian chief.
Among his most important film performances the role of Chief Pony That Walks in the film belongs to the devil captain (1949 ), who also became his penultimate film. With the movie Pirates of the blood from the year 1950, he said goodbye to the movie business.
The artist James Earle Fraser made sure that his face has been immortalized on the " Indian Head Nickel". In addition, the chiefs Iron Tail and Two Moons were visible on the coins yet. In addition, the artist created the sculpture "End of the Trail " in which the chief can be seen on a horse. She was the most famous work of James Earle Fraser.
In 1964, he appeared on the cover of Esquire.