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