Iron Eyes Cody (April 3, 1904 - January 4, 1999) was a actor born in Kaplan, Louisiana. He was born Espera DeCorti, the son of Italian immigrants Francesca Salpietra and Antonio DeCorti. He was not born a Native American, but he claimed to be part Cherokee and part Cree. His wife Bertha Parker and adopted children were Native American. Cody began his acting career at the age of 12 and continued to work until the time of his death. In 1996, the New Orleans Times-Picayune exposed his true heritage, but Cody denied it.

He appeared in more than 200 films. However, he's most famous for his Crying Indian role in the Keep America Beautiful public service announcement, an ecology commercial in which he shows a tear after looking at a polluted river.

Quote

"Nearly all my life, it has been my policy to help those less fortunate than myself. My foremost endeavors have been with the help of the Great Spirit to dignify my People's image through humility and love of my country. It is my sincerest wish to reach the hearts of the people of the world by my Keep America Beautiful film of 'The Crying Indian' so they will be more aware of the dangers of pollution facing the world today. If I have done that, then I have done all I need to do!"

External link

• Snopes article: Was Iron Eyes Cody an American Indian?