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) actor, Jay Lawrence performed in movies such as "The Big Chase" (1954), in which he portrayed Jim Bellows, "Train Ride to Hollywood" (1975), and "The Halliday Brand" (1957), and a prominent supporting role as Sgt. Bagradian in the critically acclaimed Billy Wilder directed war/German POW prison camp drama "Stalag 17" (1953) alongside actor William Holden, who won an Oscar for his role in 1954 for Best Actor in a drama film. Lawrence died on June 18, 1987 in Los Angeles. He is interred at the Italian Cemetery in Colma, California, (San Mateo County). Jay Lawrence (actor) Jay Lawrence (born Jay