1939Winner
Best Performance
Stagecoach
Chief John Big Tree
Actor
Buffalo, New York, USA
June 2, 1877
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.
Photo
Representative Works
Awards and Honors
Critical Favorites
1937Nominee
Best Performance
Lost Horizon
1949Nominee
Best Performance
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Career Highlights
1939Highlight
Best Performance
Destry Rides Again
1930Highlight
Best Performance
The Big Trail
Video
Stagecoach
Lost Horizon
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon