Tonto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tonto |
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| Publication information | |
| First appearance | WXYZ radio; Detroit, Michigan, USA; February 25, 1933 |
| Created by | George W. Trendle |
| In-story information | |
| Place of origin | Earth (nation: Comanche) |
| Partnerships | The Lone Ranger |
| Abilities | Expert marksman and horseman Trained hand-to-hand combatant |
Tonto is a made-up character, a brave Native American friend of the famous Lone Ranger. They are popular Western heroes from old American stories. Tonto helps the Lone Ranger fight for what is right in the western United States during the 1800s. You might know Tonto from radio shows, TV series, and movies.
The name "Tonto" means "fool" in some languages like Italian and Spanish. However, the person who created Tonto, George W. Trendle, grew up near the Potawatomi tribe. They told him that in their language, a similar word meant "wild one." Trendle chose the name for the Lone Ranger's friend, not knowing it had a different meaning in other languages.
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Meet Tonto: The Lone Ranger's Friend
Tonto first appeared in the 11th episode of The Lone Ranger radio show. This show started in Detroit, Michigan, on radio station WXYZ. Tonto was created so the Lone Ranger would have someone to talk to. This made the stories more interesting for listeners.
For most of the 21 years the radio show was on, an American actor named John Todd played Tonto. He helped make Tonto a well-known and loved character.
Tonto's Look and Actors
Over the years, many actors have played Tonto. Each one has helped shape how people imagine this famous character.
Early Portrayals
Chief Thundercloud played Tonto in two early movies: The Lone Ranger and The Lone Ranger Rides Again. Before these movies, Tonto was often shown as an older helper on the radio. These films changed Tonto's image. He became known as a strong, young warrior wearing buckskins.
The Famous TV Tonto
One of the most famous actors to play Tonto was Jay Silverheels. He starred in The Lone Ranger television series. This show was a huge success for the ABC network in the early 1950s. Many people remember Jay Silverheels as the perfect Tonto.
Other Actors Who Played Tonto
- Ivan Naranjo, an actor from the Blackfoot and Southern Ute tribes, voiced Tonto in The Tarzan/Lone Ranger Adventure Hour.
- Michael Horse played Tonto in the 1981 movie The Legend of the Lone Ranger.
- Most recently, Johnny Depp played Tonto in the 2013 Disney movie The Lone Ranger. This movie offered a new look at the classic character.
