Chief John Big Tree
Acting
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.
Known for
1950Devil's Doorway
Thundercloud
1949She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Chief Pony That Walks
1941Western Union
Chief Spotted Horse
1941Las Vegas Nights
Indian
1940Hudson's Bay
Chief
1940Brigham Young
Big Elk
1940North West Mounted Police
Blue Owl (uncredited)
1940Too Many Girls
Chief
1939Stagecoach
Indian Scout (uncredited)
1939Susannah of the Mounties
Chief (uncredited)
1939The Oregon Trail
Spotted Elk
1939Destry Rides Again
Indian in Saloon (uncredited)
1939Drums Along the Mohawk
Blue Back
1938The Girl of the Golden West
Indian Chief in Prologue
1937Lost Horizon
Porter (uncredited)
1937Hills of Old Wyoming
Chief Big Tree
1937Prairie Thunder
Indian (uncredited)
1937Maid of Salem
Indian Man (Uncredited)
1936Custer's Last Stand
Medicine Man
1936The Adventures of Frank Merriwell
Indian John
1936The Bold Caballero
Tavern Indian (uncredited)
1935The Singing Vagabond
Chief White Eagle (uncredited)
1935The Farmer Takes a Wife
Indian
1934Wheels of Destiny
Chief War Eagle