HARRY J. SMITH He was born Harold Jay Smith. On the Six Nations of the Grand River Indian Reserve near Brantford, Ontario, Canada. His birth date has been debatable. The Screen Actors Guild {SAG}, has it listed as May 26, 1919. But Government and family records confirm the date of May 26, 1912. He was one of 10 brothers and 2 sisters. His father was George Alexander Smith. He developed his talents as a wrestler, boxer and lacrosse player. He won two wrestling championships. He finished second in the Eastern Square finals of the Golden Gloves boxing championship in Madison Square Garden. He also became a very successful member of Canada's National Lacrosse Team. It was with this team that Mr Silverheels came to the U.S. in 1933. While in Hollywood performing with the team. He was noticed by actor/comedian Joe E. Brown, who felt he could make a career of acting. He supported himself as a busboy and waiter until the bits parts started in 1938. Mostly as an 'Indian'. Parts like an native american scout in THE SEAHAWK {1940} with Errol Flynn. A local native american in 'TO MANY GIRLS' {1940} with Lucille BallandDesi Arnaz But don't blink while watching this one or You'll miss Him. He was given noticable acclaim for his part as John Oscelo in KEY LARGO {1948} with Humprey Bogartand
Lauren Bacall. His first credible speaking part. But it was not until 1949 when He accepted the character in the first made for television western, did he become known thoughout the world as TONTO The Lone Ranger's friend and companion.
Jeff Chandler was a very fine actor in his own right. He played the native american chief Cochise on more than one occasion. Including 'Broken Arrow' {50} with Jay Silverheels as Geronimo. But he wore heavy brown grease paint. A white man playing an native american. Once Mr Silverheels established the respectful position in Hollywood that He so rightly deserved. He voiced his opposition to such practices. His feelings were strong with the ideal that only native americans should play themselves in the movies. He felt that only a native american could offer a more credible performance of such historical figures as Cochise, and Geronimo. Dirctor John Ford had already validated that theory in his western movies. Mr Silverheels felt so adamant about the subject. That in the early 1960's. He joined together with friends
1969 - JAY SIVERHEELS AT THE INDIAN ACTORS WORKSHOP
and established the American Indian Actors Work Shop in Echo Park, Ca. His goal was to provide a means for native american actors to study, practice, and perfect their talents in acting. The workshop is still in existence today with a impressive alumni. He fufilled his dream and He would be very pleased to know that it is now common practice to hire native americans to play themselves.
TONTO I had the profound pleasure of meeting Mr Silverheels on two ocassions. I was 6+ the first time and 8+ the second. Ironically both times were when Uncle Clayton and Mr Silverheels were about to shoot their two full length motion pictures, The Lone Ranger, and The Lone Ranger and The Lost City of Gold. On each occassion they were going over details of the movies when my parents and I arrived at the house. My memory recalls that Mr Silverheels was just like Uncle Clayton, very tall, with a deep commanding voice, and a captivating smile. The handshake was firm, but gentle. The first time is not so clear. That is to say, I was fasinated but scared of these two giant figures standing before me. By the second encounter. I was very much aware of my surroundings, but still very much naive. Being so young I didn't understand why He didn't sound anything like 'TONTO'. He wasn't saying things like, 'Me Do!' or 'Hmm, You right Kemo Sabe'. He was instead very eloquent and intelligent. I didn't mention it to Dad and Uncle Clayton until after Mr Silverheels had departed. They just simply smiled and proceeded to give me my first lesson on what it means to be a character actor. I however was fortunate enough to have been in the same room with these two special gentlemen who had influenced so many young lives. I really felt safe in the house that day. After all, I had both 'The Lone Ranger'and 'Tonto' to protect me. A very special memory.
JAY SILVERHEELS Mr Silverheels left us on March 5, 1980 at the Motion Picture Country Home and Hospital in Calabassas, Ca. He was just 60 years young. But in that short time. He left us with a legacy of Pride, Integrity, Decency, and Respect. He helped shape the moral values of so many lives. While also giving of his time to help those that could not always help themselves. He certainly gave more than He ever received. May His memory carry over to future generations. They can do well by learning from a man like Mr. Jay Silverheels.
