Don Diamond

Don Diamond
Born
Donald Alan Diamond

(1921-06-04)June 4, 1921
DiedJune 19, 2011(2011-06-19) (aged 90)
Alma materUniversity of Michigan
OccupationActor
Years active1949–1987
Spouse
Louisa Diamond
(m. 1966)
Children3

Donald Alan Diamond (June 4, 1921 – June 19, 2011) was an American radio, film, and television actor who portrayed "Crazy Cat", the sidekick and heir apparent to Chief Wild Eagle on the popular 1960s television sitcom, F Troop (1965–1967). He also co-starred as "El Toro", the sidekick of Bill Williams' main character of Kit Carson in 105 episodes of the popular early television series, The Adventures of Kit Carson, from 1951 to 1955 .

Early years

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Don Diamond was born in New York City on June 4, 1921.[1] His father, Benjamin, emigrated to the United States from Russia in 1906 with his parents. Benjamin Diamond served in the United States Army in World War I and then became a prosperous clothing merchant. Benjamin and Ruth Diamond had another son, Neal, three years younger than Don, and a daughter, Muriel, nine years younger than Don.

Diamond graduated from the University of Michigan, with a degree in drama supplemented by studies in Spanish. He then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He studied Spanish further while he was stationed in the Southwest.[1]

Career

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Discharged in 1946 as a first lieutenant, he began acting on radio and became known for his dialect portrayals of Spaniards and Mexicans.[citation needed] He played El Toro in The Adventures of Kit Carson[2] syndicated television series (1951–1955). Diamond also played Corporal Reyes on the Walt Disney television series Zorro and Crazy Cat on F Troop.[3] In 1968, Diamond appeared as Diego on The Big Valley in the episode titled "Miranda." [citation needed]

Diamond (center) with Bill Williams and Neyle Morrow in The Adventures of Kit Carson, 1951

He appeared on more than 100 television shows and in many feature films. He performed extensive voice-over work in commercials and cartoons, most notably as the voice of Toro in the DePatie-Freleng Enterprises cartoon series Tijuana Toads.

On radio, Diamond was heard on the NBC crime drama Confession.[4]

Death

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Diamond died due to heart failure in Los Angeles, California, on June 19, 2011, at age 90.[1]

Personal

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His wife, Louisa, was a teacher.[citation needed]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1949 The Lone Ranger Pedro Episode #7, Pete and Pedro
1950 Borderline Deusik
1957 Omar Khayyam Trooper Captain Uncredited
1957 Raiders of Old California Pepe
1957 Mr. Adams and Eve Episode: "Man with Raven"
1957-1959 Zorro Corporal Reyes / Lancer Hivarro 52 episodes
1958 Fräulein Russian Soldier Uncredited
1958 The Old Man and the Sea Cafe Proprietor
1959 Holiday for Lovers Airplane Steward Uncredited
1960 The Story of Ruth Yomar
1961 Swingin' Along Tony
1961 Man-Trap Mexican Border Guard Uncredited
1961 Rawhide Mexican Cowhand S3:E11, "Incident of the Broken Word"
1963 Irma la Douce Man with Samples Uncredited
1963 Fun in Acapulco Waiter Uncredited
1964 Rawhide Tony
1964 The Carpetbaggers Gambler Uncredited
1965-1967 F Troop Crazy Cat / Crazy Kat / Brave 50 episodes
1966 The Dick Van Dyke Show Gonzales Episode #147, Remember the Alimony[5]
1968 How Sweet It Is! Bartender
1969 Viva Max! Hernandez
1969 Get Smart Goldmouth Episode #117, The Treasure of C. Errol Madre
1970 Mrs. Pollifax-Spy DeGamez
1972 Pete 'n' Tillie Policeman Uncredited
1972 Hit Man Nano Zito
1973 Breezy Maitre'D
1978 The Toolbox Murders Sgt. Cameron
1978 The Rockford Files Coelho
1980 Herbie Goes Bananas Local #2

References

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  1. ^ a b c Slotnik, Daniel E. (June 25, 2011). "Don Diamond, Character Actor, Is Dead at 90". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  2. ^ II, Clint C. Wilson; Gutierrez, Felix; Chao, Lena (August 28, 2003). Racism, Sexism, and the Media: The Rise of Class Communication in Multicultural America. SAGE. p. 103. ISBN 978-0-7619-2516-3. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  3. ^ Reinhold, Toni (March 13, 1987). "Gish and Marsh starred in Griffith's 'Birth of a Nation'". Mason Valley News. Nevada, Yerington. p. 37. Retrieved February 6, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ Dunning, John (May 7, 1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio. Oxford University Press. p. 180. ISBN 978-0-19-977078-6. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  5. ^ Nick at Nite's Classic TV Companion, edited by Tom Hill, © 1996 by Viacom International, p. 174
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