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 Neill (actor) as "Doctor Who", "The Onedin Line", "Fawlty Towers", "Sykes", "Terry and June" and "Upstairs, Downstairs". He died in Twickenham, England, in 2006 at the age of 74. Jay Neill (actor) Jay Neill (21 May 1932 – 14 June 2006) was an English variety performer and television actor who often appeared in comedic roles. Born in London, Neill started work as a stage hand at the Chiswick Empire theatre before auditioning for a role within the Dior Dancers adagio act. The Dior Dancers went on to achieve considerable success on the international variety circuit in the 1950s appearing in Las Vegas,