Don Diamond
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 1951-1955 .
Don Diamond | |
|---|---|
 Diamond in Raiders of Old California | |
| Born | Donald Alan Diamond June 4, 1921 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | June 19, 2011 (aged 90) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Eden Memorial Park Cemetery, Mission Hills, California |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1949–1987 |
| Spouse(s) | Louisa Diamond (1966–2011; his death) |
| Children | 3 |
Career
Don Diamond's 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.[1]
Diamond studied drama at the University of Michigan, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1942. He then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he earned a commission. Already fluent in Yiddish, he learned to speak Spanish while he was stationed in New Mexico during World War II.
Discharged in 1946 as a first lieutenant, he began acting on radio and became known for his dialect portrayals of Spaniards and Mexicans. This led to his playing the role of "El Toro" in The Adventures of Kit Carson syndicated television series (1951–1955). Diamond also played Corporal Reyes on the Walt Disney television series Zorro (1957–1959) alongside Henry Calvin, who portrayed Sergeant Garcia. In 1968, Diamond appeared as Diego on The Big Valley in the episode titled "Miranda",
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.
Death
Diamond died due to heart failure in Los Angeles, California, on June 19, 2011, at age 90.[2]
Personal
His wife, Louisa, was a teacher. Their three daughters and she survived him.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Borderline | Deusik | |
| 1957 | Omar Khayyam | Trooper Captain | Uncredited |
| 1957 | Raiders of Old California | Pepe | |
| 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 |
| 1963 | Irma la Douce | Man with Samples | Uncredited |
| 1963 | Fun in Acapulco | Waiter | Uncredited |
| 1964 | The Carpetbaggers | Gambler | Uncredited |
| 1965-1967 | F Troop | Crazy Cat / Crazy Kat / Brave | 50 episodes |
| 1968 | How Sweet It Is! | Bartender | |
| 1969 | Viva Max! | Hernandez | |
| 1969 | Get Smart, The treasure of C Errol Madre | Goldmouth | |
| 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
- U.S. Census 1930, Brooklyn, NY. Enumerator's district 24-1269, pg. 14B
- Don Diamond, Character Actor, is dead at 90