- Don Diamond
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Don Diamond Born Donald Alan Diamond[1]
June 4, 1921
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.Died June 19, 2011 (aged 90)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.Occupation Actor Years active 1949–1987 Spouse Louisa Diamond (1966–2011; his death) Donald Alan "Don" 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).
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Career
Although he often played a Mexican or Native American, Diamond's father, Benjamin Diamond, 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.[2]
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" role 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).
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. His interment was in Eden Memorial Park Cemetery.[1]
Personal
His wife, Louisa, was a teacher. She and their three daughters survive him.
References
- ^ a b "RIP Don Diamond". http://westernboothill.blogspot.com/2011/06/rip-don-diamond.html. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
- ^ U.S. Census 1930, Brooklyn, NY. Enumerator's district 24-1269, pg. 14B
External links
- Don Diamond at the Internet Movie Database
- Don Diamond profile at TV.com
- Obituary in Los Angeles Times
- Don Diamond at Find a Grave
Categories:- 1921 births
- 2011 deaths
- Actors from New York City
- American film actors
- American military personnel of World War II
- American people of Russian-Jewish descent
- American radio actors
- American television actors
- People from Brooklyn
- United States Army Air Forces officers
- University of Michigan alumni
- American television actor, 1920s birth stubs
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