Don Diamond, American actor (F Troop, The Adventures of Kit Carson, Zorro) died he was , 90

Donald Alan "Don" Diamond was an American radio, film, and television actor probably most famous for his comic portrayal as "Crazy Cat", the sidekick and heir apparent to Chief Wild Eagle on the popular 1960s television sitcom, F Troop (1965-1967) died he was , 90.

(June 4, 1921 – June 19, 2011)

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 passed away due to a 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.

 

To see more of who died in 2010 click here