The Big Picture
- Jay Silverheels, a Mohawk-Seneca actor, played Tonto in The Lone Ranger, becoming one of the most prolific faces in the Western genre.
- Silverheels, previously a lacrosse player, took on the role of Tonto after working as a stuntman in Hollywood.
- While Silverheels' portrayal of Tonto was revolutionary at the time, he and Native American writer Sherman Alexie criticized the character's pidgin English and role as a servant to the Lone Ranger. Despite this, Silverheels had a significant impact on the industry and was honored as the first Native American actor on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.