Origin of Tonto and Profile of Radio Actor John Todd

John Todd (born Fred McCarthy; 1877 – July 14, 1957) was an American actor. Known for Shakespearean roles, Todd soon gained work at Detroit radio station WXYZ, as part of director James Jewell's repertory company, with roles on the various series produced by the station. WIKIPEDIA His most famous work was on The Lone Ranger. He played a local sheriff in some of the show's earliest episodes, but on the twelfth broadcast, which aired February 25, 1933, Todd first played his most famous role, the masked man's Native American companion Tonto.

Tonto is a fictional character, the Native American companion of the Lone Ranger, a popular American Western character created by George W. Trendle and Fran Striker. Tonto has appeared in radio and television series and other presentations of the characters' adventures righting wrongs in 19th century western America. WIKIPEDIA In Spanish, "tonto" translates as "moron" or "fool". So in the Spanish dubbed version, the character is called "Toro" (bull). Tonto made his first appearance on the 11th episode of the radio show, which originated on the Detroit, Michigan, radio station WXYZ. Though he became well known as the Lone Ranger's friend, Tonto was originally created just so the Lone Ranger would have someone with whom to talk.

Throughout the radio run (which spanned 21 years), with only a few exceptions, Tonto was played by American actor John Todd.[3] This character was portrayed on television (arguably the most well-remembered version today) by Jay Silverheels. This was the highest-rated television program on the ABC network in the early 1950s and its first true "hit."

Essentially a pilot for The Lone Ranger TV Series, edited from the first three episodes of the series and telling the origin story: Episode 1 - Enter The Lone Ranger Episode 2 - The Lone Ranger Fights On Episode 3 - The Lone Ranger's Triumph The American western television series starring Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as Tonto based upon the famous radio show. This was by far the highest-rated television program on the ABC network in the early 1950s and its first true hit. Departing on his white stallion, Silver, the Lone Ranger would shout, "Hi-yo, Silver! Away!" As they galloped off, someone would ask, "Who was that masked man anyway?" Tonto usually referred to the Lone Ranger as "Ke-mo sah-bee", meaning "trusty scout" or "trusted friend." These catchphrases, his trademark silver bullets, and the theme music from the William Tell overture are fond memories for millions.

 

We all know about "The William Tell Overture", but the Lone Ranger also has an actual theme song, complete with lyrics. It's called "Hi-Yo Silver", and was written by Lenny Adelson and Les Baxter for the movie "The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold". The song tells the origin story of the Lone Ranger.