These Fascinating Facts About The Lone Ranger Will Have Fans Shouting “Hi-Yo Silver”
The Lone Ranger is a character who needs no introduction. He has graced comic books, radio shows and TV series for almost a century! Yet the beloved masked crusader has failed to connect with audiences in his more recent appearances. So, from Clayton Moore first bringing him to life to newer budget-busting box office flops, here is every fact you need to know about the character and franchise.
40. The Lone Ranger Is Older Than People 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 Francis Striker – is even older. Yep, test episodes actually ran on Buffalo, New York station WEBR – meaning the masked avenger made his first public appearance even earlier.
39. It Was A TV First
Amazingly, The Lone Ranger first appeared on radio way back in 1933, though the TV series is slightly younger. The ABC network commissioned it 16 years later, and it became the first television serial for the Western genre. The series lasted for five seasons and aired 221 episodes, though despite its popularity, The Lone Ranger lost the two Emmys it was nominated for.
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. And besides a brief period mid-run, he was there until the end. Moore was actually so closely associated with the character that his Hollywood Walk of Fame star acknowledges him by both the character and his real name. Apparently, Moore is the only person to be recognised as such.
37. Tonto Was 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 father 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.
