First aboriginal actor to portray a Native American on TV. A full-blooded Mohawk, was a champion wrestler, a boxer, and a star lacrosse player with Canada's national team before setting his sights on Hollywood. He started to gain some notice in 1948 when John Huston cast him as Tom Osceola in Key Largo but it was television, not the movies, that would bring him fame. In 1949, Silverheels landed the role of Tonto, the Lone Ranger's faithful sidekick, and found himself forever typecast. DS, seven pages both sides, 8.5 x 11, April 1, 1966. Contract in which Silverheels enlists All Connor-Alexis Corfino Assoc. as his agent for a period of one year at the usual fee of ten percent. Signed “Jay Silverheels” in blue ink on the last page. He has also initialed “J.S.” on the first page. Interesting to note that in 1966, Silverheels founded the Indian Actors' Workshop with Will Sampson and offered free classes for Native Americans who wanted to work in the industry. In fine condition, with usual staple to upper left, a few mild creases, slight overlap of Silverheels’ and agent’s signatures. R&R COA.
