Tonto 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. Jay Silverheels portrayed the (arguably best-remembered version) in "The Lone Ranger" television series. This was the highest-rated television program on the ABC network in the early 1950s and its first true "hit". Ivan Naranjo, a Blackfoot/Southern Ute
Jay Garner (actor) Jay Garner (actor) Jay Garner (January 17, 1929 – January 21, 2011), born James H. Garner Jr., was an American actor. Born James H. Garner Jr. in 1929 in Sewanee, Tennessee, he graduated from the University of Tennessee and moved to Atlanta, where he worked in radio and began acting, he changed his first name to Jay upon entering Actors Equity as there was already a James Garner in the union. Garner was best known to theatre audiences for his diverse character roles, including the "side-stepping" Governor of Texas in the musical "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". He debuted