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 Lawrence (actor) KYW-AM in Cleveland, Ohio (as "The Jay Bird"). He also provided the source material for a distinctive laugh track that played at the conclusion of all filmed skits which aired on "Hoolihan and Big Chuck" and "Big Chuck and Lil' John" on WJW-TV in Cleveland. In addition to his work in television, Lawrence also appeared in nine film projects, also lending his voice to the 1974 adult-themed animated feature length project "The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat" He also appeared as a voice actor on the ABC-TV animated Saturday morning cartoon "Hong Kong Phooey" (1976). Also as a film