SAGINAW GRANT (Sac & Fox Tribe). His acting credits go back to "War Party" (1988). He appeared in films and TV mainly as an elder Indian. His most famous role came as "Chief Big Bear" in the big screen adaptation of "The Lone Ranger" (2013). It starred Johnny Depp who portrayed "Tonto." The western was supposed to jump-start a film series like, "Pirates of the Carribean." That idea never came to fruition.
The controversy of the film surrounded the casting of Johnny Depp as "Tonto." Depp claimed to have Native American ancestry who provided no proof. He was adopted as a "Comanche" before the film's release in 2013.
Saginaw Grant supported the film and Depp's casting. Saginaw was then widely criticized by Native Activist groups. "They" believed that a real Native American should have portrayed "Tonto."
"The Lone Ranger" was plagued by problems besides the casting. The production budget climbed to $250 million because of film re-shoots. The release was pushed forward and finally premiered in 2013. The world-wide box office brought in $260 million. It was considered a "flop" because of those re-shoots and the big promotion costs which climbed to $375 million. In the end - the film lost $150 million for Disney.
The western was an infamous production that was a commercial commodity. It would become Saginaw Grant's most public role. Rest in Peace....
Click photos below for HOLLYWOOD REPORTER news on Saginaw Grant.
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