These Fascinating Facts About The Lone Ranger Will Have Fans Shouting “Hi-Yo Silver”
The Lone Ranger appeared in comic books, radio shows, movies, and TV series for almost a century. But in the past few years, no one has seen or heard from the beloved masked crusader. It's been so long, in fact, that some fans are beginning to wonder: what happened? Yet if you look at these facts – including Clayton Moore first bringing him to life and the newer budget-busting efforts – you’ll understand why we don’t see the Lone Ranger anymore.
40. The Lone Ranger is older than you think
The Lone Ranger made its official debut on a Detroit radio station called WXYZ in January 1933. But the character – which was created by series producer George Trendle and writer Fran Striker – is even older. Yep, earlier test episodes actually ran on Buffalo, New York, station WEBR. So there’s no lack of available interpretations of the cowboy character.
39. It was TV's first Western
The Lone Ranger TV series is slightly younger than the radio show. The ABC network commissioned it in 1949, and it became the first television serial for the Western genre. The series lasted for five seasons and aired 221 episodes. Yet despite its popularity, The Lone Ranger lost the two Emmys it was nominated for. Even then, the critics weren’t there for it.
38. He had a unique star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
It was actor Clayton Moore who portrayed the Lone Ranger on the original television series. Moore was actually so closely associated with the character that his Hollywood Walk of Fame star acknowledges him by both the character’s and his real name. Apparently, Moore is the only person to be recognized in this way. Have audiences ever accepted another actor in the role so fervently?
37. Tonto was a real Native American
Tonto – the character who served as the Lone Ranger’s trusty sidekick – was portrayed by Jay Silverheels in the TV series. Interestingly, the actor’s grandfather was a Mohawk chief heading the Six Nations Reservation in Brantford, Ontario. Fun fact: Silverheels first worked as a stuntman in Hollywood and was a lacrosse ace before he pursued a life in TV.
