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 to 1955.
Early years Don Diamond was born in New York City on June 4, 1921. His 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, and a daughter, Muriel, nine years younger than Don.
Diamond graduated from the University of Michigan, with a degree in drama supplemented by studies in Spanish. He then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He studied Spanish further while he was stationed in the Southwest.
Career Discharged in 1946 as a first lieutenant, he began acting on radio and became known for his dialect portrayals of Spaniards and Mexicans. He played El Toro in The Adventures of Kit Carson syndicated television series (1951–1955). Diamond additionally performed as Corporal Reyes on Walt Disney's television series Zorro and Crazy Cat on F Troop. 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.
On radio, Diamond was heard on the NBC crime drama Confession.
Death Diamond died due to heart failure in Los Angeles, California, on June 19, 2011, at age 90. He was cremated at Groman Eden Mortuary. His ashes were buried at Eden Memorial Park Cemetery afterwards.
Personal life His wife, Louisa, was a teacher.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1949 The Lone Ranger Pedro Episode #7, Pete and Pedro1950 Borderline Deusik 1957 Omar Khayyam Trooper Captain Uncredited1957 Raiders of Old California Pepe 1957 Mr. Adams and Eve Episode: "Man with Raven"1957-1959 Zorro Corporal Reyes 52 episodes1958 Fräulein Russian Soldier Uncredited1958 The Old Man and the Sea Cafe Proprietor 1959 Holiday for Lovers Airplane Steward Uncredited1960 The Story of Ruth Yomar 1961 Swingin' Along Tony 1961 Man-Trap Mexican Border Guard Uncredited1961 Rawhide Mexican Cowhand S3:E11, "Incident of the Broken Word"1963 Irma la Douce Man with Samples Uncredited1963 Fun in Acapulco Waiter Uncredited1964 Rawhide Tony 1964 The Carpetbaggers Gambler Uncredited1965-1967 F Troop Crazy Cat / Crazy Kat / Brave 50 episodes1966 The Dick Van Dyke Show Gonzales Episode #147, Remember the AlimonyNick at Nite's Classic TV Companion, edited by Tom Hill, © 1996 by Viacom International, p. 1741968 How Sweet It Is! Bartender 1969 Viva Max! Hernandez 1969 Get Smart Goldmouth Episode #117, The Treasure of C. Errol Madre1970 Mrs. Pollifax-Spy DeGamez 1972 Pete 'n' Tillie Policeman Uncredited1972 Hit Man Nano Zito 1973 Breezy Maitre'D 1978 The Toolbox Murders Sgt. Cameron 1978 The Rockford Files Coelho 1980 Herbie Goes Bananas Local #2
References
External links
Obituary in Los Angeles Times