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
Born
Donald Alan Diamond

(1921-06-04)June 4, 1921
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedJune 19, 2011(2011-06-19) (aged 90)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting placeEden Memorial Park Cemetery, Mission Hills, California
Alma materUniversity of Michigan
OccupationActor
Years active1949–1987
Spouse(s)Louisa Diamond (1966–2011; his death)
Children3

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. She and their three daughters survived him.

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1950BorderlineDeusik
1957Omar KhayyamTrooper CaptainUncredited
1957Raiders of Old CaliforniaPepe
1957-1959ZorroCorporal Reyes / Lancer Hivarro52 episodes
1958FräuleinRussian SoldierUncredited
1958The Old Man and the SeaCafe Proprietor
1959Holiday for LoversAirplane StewardUncredited
1960The Story of RuthYomar
1961Swingin' AlongTony
1961Man-TrapMexican Border GuardUncredited
1963Irma la DouceMan with SamplesUncredited
1963Fun in AcapulcoWaiterUncredited
1964The CarpetbaggersGamblerUncredited
1965-1967F TroopCrazy Cat / Crazy Kat / Brave50 episodes
1966The Dick Van Dyke ShowGonzalesEpisode #147, Remember the Alimony[3]
1968How Sweet It Is!Bartender
1969Viva Max!Hernandez
1969Get SmartGoldmouthEpisode #117, The Treasure of C. Errol Madre
1970Mrs. Pollifax-SpyDeGamez
1972Pete 'n' TilliePolicemanUncredited
1972Hit ManNano Zito
1973BreezyMaitre'D
1978The Toolbox MurdersSgt. Cameron
1978The Rockford FilesCoelho
1980Herbie Goes BananasLocal #2

References
  1. U.S. Census 1930, Brooklyn, NY. Enumerator's district 24-1269, pg. 14B
  2. Don Diamond, Character Actor, is dead at 90
  3. Nick at Nite's Classic TV Companion, edited by Tom Hill, © 1996 by Viacom International, p. 174
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