Chief John Big Tree
Known for ActingBorn 1877-06-02 — died 1967-07-06Buffalo, New York, USA
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.
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Big Tree was a member of the Seneca Nation.
Known for
Stagecoach
1939 · as Indian Scout (uncredited)
Brigham Young
1940 · as Big Elk
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
1949 · as Chief Pony That Walks
Drums Along the Mohawk
1939 · as Blue Back
Lost Horizon
1937 · as Porter (uncredited)
The Iron Horse
1925 · as Cheyenne Chief (uncredited)
Western Union
1941 · as Chief Spotted Horse
Destry Rides Again
1939 · as Indian in Saloon (uncredited)
The Big Trail
1930 · as Indian (uncredited)
Susannah of the Mounties
1939 · as Chief (uncredited)
The Bold Caballero
1936 · as Tavern Indian (uncredited)
North West Mounted Police
1940 · as Blue Owl (uncredited)
Devil's Doorway
1950 · as Thundercloud
The Oregon Trail
1939 · as Spotted Elk
Too Many Girls
1940 · as Chief
Maid of Salem
1937 · as Indian Man (Uncredited)
Hudson's Bay
1940 · as Chief
Mantrap
1926 · as Indian (uncredited)