Chief John Big Tree
Chief John Big Tree was born on June 2, 1877 in Buffalo, New York, as Isaac Johnny John. He was an actor, known for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) and Devil's Doorway (1950). He died on July 6, 1967 in Onondaga Indian Reservation, New York. One of three men who posed for artist James Fraser for the profile which became the famous "Indian head nickel" or "buffalo nickel" minted 1913-1938. The other two were Chief Two Moons (of the Cheyenne) and Chief Iron Tail (of the Lakota Sioux). The image was reused for a special commemorative $50 gold piece in 2006--the USA's first 24k (pure gold) coin. Big Tree was a member of the Seneca Nation.
Filmography (49 titles)
6.9MovieDevil's Doorway
Thundercloud · 1950
6.9MovieShe Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Chief Pony That Walks · 1949
6.4MovieLas Vegas Nights
Indian · 1941
6.0MovieWestern Union
Chief Spotted Horse · 1941
6.1MovieHudson's Bay
Chief · 1940
6.4MovieNorth West Mounted Police
Blue Owl (uncredited) · 1940
5.9MovieToo Many Girls
Chief (uncredited) · 1940
4.6MovieBrigham Young
Big Elk · 1940
Maintain the Right
Chief · 1940
7.2MovieDestry Rides Again
Indian in Saloon (uncredited) · 1939
6.5MovieDrums Along the Mohawk
Blue Back · 1939
7.5MovieThe Oregon Trail
Spotted Elk · 1939
6.5MovieSusannah of the Mounties
Chief (uncredited) · 1939
7.6MovieStagecoach
Indian Scout (uncredited) · 1939
5.3MovieThe Girl of the Golden West
Indian Chief in Prologue · 1938
4.3MoviePrairie Thunder
Indian (uncredited) · 1937
5.0MovieHills of Old Wyoming
Chief Big Tree · 1937
7.0MovieLost Horizon
Porter (uncredited) · 1937
6.2MovieMaid of Salem
Indian Man (Uncredited) · 1937
6.0MovieThe Bold Caballero
Tavern Indian (uncredited) · 1936
5.7MovieThe Adventures of Frank Merriwell
Indian John · 1936
5.3MovieCuster's Last Stand
Medicine Man · 1936
7.5MovieThe Singing Vagabond
Chief White Eagle (uncredited) · 1935
6.2MovieThe Farmer Takes a Wife
Indian · 1935
5.3MovieWheels of Destiny
Chief War Eagle · 1934
8.5MovieKing of the Arena
Circus Indian · 1933
4.9MovieThe Telegraph Trail
Indian Chief (uncredited) · 1933
5.5MovieThe Golden West
Indian (uncredited) · 1932
6.8MovieThe Last of the Mohicans
Huron Warrior (uncredited) · 1932
8.0MovieRed Fork Range
Chief Barking Fox · 1931