X
Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
Jay Silverheels Biography
Birth Name:Harold J. Smith
Birth Place:Six Nations Reservation, Brantford, Ontario, , Canada
Profession Actor
Fast Facts
- Supported California's Indian Actors Workshop in the early 1960s
- Father of actor Jay Silverheels, Jr
- Was the son of a Canadian Mohawk tribal chief
- Was selected for the role of "Tonto" as one of 36 actors trying out for the part
- Before beginning a career in acting, enjoyed playing lacrosse for the North American Amateur Lacrosse Association
- Enjoyed participating in parodies of ABC's "The Lone Ranger," doing so on late-night TV sketches and in various commercials
- Was the first Native American to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame