Chief John Big Tree
Actor
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
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
as Chief Pony That Walks 1949
Lost Horizon
as Porter (uncredited) 1937
Destry Rides Again
as Indian in Saloon (uncredited) 1939
The Big Trail
as Indian (uncredited) 1930
Drums Along the Mohawk
as Blue Back 1939
Western Union
as Chief Spotted Horse 1941
The Iron Horse
as Cheyenne Chief (uncredited) 1925
Devil's Doorway
as Thundercloud 1950
North West Mounted Police
as Blue Owl (uncredited) 1940
The Telegraph Trail
as Indian Chief (uncredited) 1933
Susannah of the Mounties
as Chief (uncredited) 1939
Brigham Young
as Big Elk 1940
The Bold Caballero
as Tavern Indian (uncredited) 1936
Mantrap
as Indian (uncredited) 1926
Too Many Girls
as Chief 1940
Hudson's Bay
as Chief 1940