Chief John Big Tree
Biography
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
Devil's Doorway
1950
as Thundercloud
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
1949
as Chief Pony That Walks
Las Vegas Nights
1941
as Indian
Western Union
1941
as Chief Spotted Horse
Hudson's Bay
1940
as Chief
North West Mounted Police
1940
as Blue Owl (uncredited)
Too Many Girls
1940
as Chief (uncredited)
Brigham Young
1940
as Big Elk
- No poster
Maintain the Right
1940
as Chief
Destry Rides Again
1939
as Indian in Saloon (uncredited)
Drums Along the Mohawk
1939
as Blue Back
The Oregon Trail
1939
as Spotted Elk
Susannah of the Mounties
1939
as Chief (uncredited)
Stagecoach
1939
as Indian Scout (uncredited)
The Girl of the Golden West
1938
as Indian Chief in Prologue
Prairie Thunder
1937
as Indian (uncredited)
Hills of Old Wyoming
1937
as Chief Big Tree
Lost Horizon
1937
as Porter (uncredited)
Maid of Salem
1937
as Indian Man (Uncredited)
The Bold Caballero
1936
as Tavern Indian (uncredited)
The Adventures of Frank Merriwell
1936
as Indian John
Custer's Last Stand
1936
as Medicine Man
The Singing Vagabond
1935
as Chief White Eagle (uncredited)
The Farmer Takes a Wife
1935
as Indian