Chief Yowlachie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chief Yowlachie
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Chief Yowlachie (right) with Gary Gray in a promotional poster for the 1951 film The Painted Hills
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| Born | August 15, 1890 Yakima, Washington, U.S.
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| Died | March 7, 1966 (aged 75) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood, California |
| Nationality | Native American |
| Other names | Daniel Simmons (birth name) |
| Occupation | Actor, opera singer |
| Spouse(s) | Lillian Simmons |
Chief Yowlachie (born Daniel Simmons; August 15, 1890 – March 7, 1966) was a talented Native American actor and opera singer. He was a member of the Yakama tribe from Washington state. Many people remember him for playing supporting roles in many films. He is especially known for his role as Two Jaw Quo in the famous 1948 Western movie Red River.
Contents
About Chief Yowlachie
Early Life and Talents
Chief Yowlachie was born on August 15, 1890, on the Yakima Indian Reservation in Washington. He attended the Government Indian Trade School. He was not only an actor but also a gifted singer. He had a deep bass-baritone voice.
He studied opera with a famous teacher named Pasquale Amato. From 1931 to 1939, he sang on the radio and on stage. He even performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
Singing for Presidents
Chief Yowlachie had the special honor of singing at the White House more than once. He performed for two different U.S. Presidents: Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt. He also sang at big events like the Pacific Southwest Exposition in 1928. In 1930, he performed at the opening of Griffith Park's Greek Theatre. He also shared his musical talent at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian in Los Angeles.
Acting Career
Chief Yowlachie started his film career in 1925. Between 1925 and 1930, he appeared in 12 movies. Most of these were Westerns. His very first movie role was the main character in Tonio, Son of the Sierras (1925).
He took a break from movies to focus on his singing. Then, he returned to acting in 1940. From 1940 to 1955, he acted in 32 more Westerns and two film series. Some of his notable roles include Quo in Red River (1948). He also played the famous Apache leader Geronimo in the 1952 film series Son of Geronimo: Apache Avenger. Even though he was a great singer, he never sang in the movies he acted in.
Television Appearances
Chief Yowlachie also appeared on television. He was in an episode of The Lone Ranger called "War Horse." He also appeared in "Rope of Lies," an episode of The Virginian. He was on the show The Range Rider twice. In the 1950s, he played Geronimo again in the TV series Stories of the Century. In 1962, he played "The Great Chief" in an episode of The Tall Man.
Later Life and Passing
Chief Yowlachie passed away on March 7, 1966, in Los Angeles, California. He had a stroke. His funeral included a special "Indian death chant and ritual." He is buried in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood, California. At the time of his death, he was married to Lillian Simmons.
Selected Film Roles
Chief Yowlachie acted in many movies throughout his career. Here are a few examples of the films he appeared in:
- Tonio, Son of the Sierras (1925) - Tonio
- The Scarlet Letter (1926) - Indian
- Sitting Bull at the Spirit Lake Massacre (1927) - Chief Sitting Bull
- The Santa Fe Trail (1930) - Brown Beaver
- Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe (1940, Serial) - King of the Rock People
- North West Mounted Police (1940) - Indian
- Ride 'Em Cowboy (1942) - Chief Tomahawk
- Red River (1948) - Quo
- The Paleface (1948) - Chief Yellow Feather
- Ma and Pa Kettle (1949) - Crowbar
- Annie Get Your Gun (1950) - Little Horse
- Winchester '73 (1950) - Indian at Rifle Shoot
- The Painted Hills (1951) - Bald Eagle
- Son of Geronimo: Apache Avenger (1952, Serial) - Geronimo
- Rose Marie (1954) - Black Eagle
- Nevada Smith (1966) - Medicine Man (his last film role)
