CT
Photo of Chief John Big Tree

Chief John Big Tree

Actor
Born June 2, 1877Died July 6, 1967 (90 years)
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.

Movies & Shows on Plex

  • Stagecoach
  • Fighting Caravans
  • The Telegraph Trail
  • Daniel Boone
  • The Bold Caballero

Known For

  • The Telegraph Trail
  • Red Fork Range

Filmography

2013
1950
Devil's Doorway · as Thundercloud
1949
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon · as Chief Pony That Walks
1947
Unconquered · as Indian
1941
Las Vegas Nights · as Indian
1941
Western Union · as Chief Spotted Horse
1940
Hudson's Bay · as Chief
1940
North West Mounted Police · as Blue Owl (uncredited)
1940
Too Many Girls · as Chief
1940
Brigham Young · as Big Elk
1939
Destry Rides Again · as Indian In Saloon (uncredited)
1939
Drums Along the Mohawk · as Blue Back
1939
The Oregon Trail · as Spotted Elk
1939
Susannah of the Mounties · as Chief (uncredited)
1939
Stagecoach · as Indian Scout (uncredited)
1938
Hawk of the Wilderness · as Medicine Man
1938
Flaming Frontiers · as Arapaho Chief
1938
The Girl of the Golden West · as Indian Chief In Prologue
1938
The Lone Ranger · as Indian
1938
The Painted Stallion · as Indian Chief
1937
Prairie Thunder · as Indian (uncredited)
1937
The Painted Stallion · as Commanche Chief
1937
Hills of Old Wyoming · as Chief Big Tree
1937
Lost Horizon · as Porter (uncredited)
1937
Maid of Salem · as Indian Man (uncredited)
1936
The Bold Caballero · as Tavern Indian (uncredited)
1936
Daniel Boone · as Wyandotte Warrior
1936
Custer's Last Stand · as Medicine Man
1936
1936
Custer's Last Stand · as Medicine Man
1935
The Singing Vagabond · as Chief White Eagle (uncredited)
1935
1935
The Miracle Rider · as Old Indian
1934
Wake Up and Dream · as 1st Indian
1934
The Cat's-Paw · as Chinese Guards
1934
Massacre · as Indian Judge
1933
The Telegraph Trail · as Indian Chief (uncredited)
1932
The Last of the Mohicans · as Huron Warrior (uncredited)
1931
Fighting Caravans · as Indian Chief In Opening Credits
1931
Red Fork Range · as Chief Barking Fox
1930
The Big Trail · as Indian (uncredited)
1927
Winners of the Wilderness · as Chief Pontiac
1926
Mantrap · as Indian (uncredited)
1926
Ranson's Folly · as Chief Standing Bear
1924
The Iron Horse · as Cheyenne Chief (uncredited)
1922
The Primitive Lover · as Chief Johnny Bluebottle
1919
A Fight for Love · as Swift Deer

Take Plex everywhere

Watch free anytime, anywhere, on almost any device.
See the full list of supported devices