Chief John Big Tree
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.
Acting
Movie
Stagecoach
as Indian Scout (uncredited)
1939
Movie
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
as Chief Pony That Walks
1949
Movie
Lost Horizon
as Porter (uncredited)
1937
Movie
Destry Rides Again
as Indian in Saloon (uncredited)
1939
Movie
The Big Trail
as Indian (uncredited)
1930
Movie
Drums Along the Mohawk
as Blue Back
1939
Movie
Western Union
as Chief Spotted Horse
1941
Movie
The Iron Horse
as Cheyenne Chief (uncredited)
1925
Movie
Devil's Doorway
as Thundercloud
1950
Movie
North West Mounted Police
as Blue Owl (uncredited)
1940
Movie
The Telegraph Trail
as Indian Chief (uncredited)
1933
Movie
Susannah of the Mounties
as Chief (uncredited)
1939
Movie
Brigham Young
as Big Elk
1940
Movie
Too Many Girls
as Chief
1940
Movie
The Bold Caballero
as Tavern Indian (uncredited)
1936
Movie
Mantrap
as Indian (uncredited)
1926
Movie
Hudson's Bay
as Chief
1940
Movie
The Farmer Takes a Wife
as Indian
1935
Movie
Maid of Salem
as Indian Man (Uncredited)
1937
Movie
The Girl of the Golden West
as Indian Chief in Prologue
1938
Movie
The Primitive Lover
as Chief Johnny Bluebottle
1922
Movie
Las Vegas Nights
as Indian
1941
Movie
The Last of the Mohicans
as Huron Warrior (uncredited)
1932
Movie
Prairie Thunder
as Indian (uncredited)
1937