Iron Eyes Cody, American actor and stuntman (b. 1904)

Iron Eyes Cody, born Espera Oscar de Corti (April 3, 1904 – January 4, 1999), was an American actor widely recognized for his portrayals of Native Americans in Hollywood films and television, despite his true Italian heritage. His enduring public image was largely built on this fabricated identity, which remained a subject of speculation and controversy throughout his life and beyond.

A Career Defined by Native American Portrayals

Cody's prolific acting career spanned decades, during which he appeared in over 200 films and television productions, almost exclusively cast as a Native American. His roles often perpetuated prevailing stereotypes of the time, yet he became one of the most recognizable faces in this type of casting. One of his most memorable big-screen appearances was as Chief Iron Eyes alongside Bob Hope in the 1948 Western comedy, The Paleface. This film further cemented his image as a prominent Native American figure in popular culture.

The "Crying Indian" Public Service Announcement

Beyond his film work, Cody achieved widespread fame for his role in one of the United States' most iconic television public service announcements (PSAs). Released in 1971 by the Keep America Beautiful organization, this powerful commercial, often referred to as the "Crying Indian" PSA or "Pollution: It's a Crying Shame," featured Cody as a Native American man paddling a canoe through a polluted landscape. He then walks by a littered roadside, where a passing car throws trash at his feet, prompting a single tear to roll down his cheek. The PSA concluded with the poignant slogan, "People Start Pollution. People Can Stop It." This advertisement resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a landmark campaign in the environmental movement and significantly shaping public perception of litter and conservation for decades.

A Lifelong Assertion of Native American Heritage

Throughout his career and personal life, Espera Oscar de Corti adamantly insisted that he was of Native American descent. While living in Hollywood, he not only embraced the identity professionally but also began to present himself as Native American in his private life, reportedly adopting the persona fully. Over time, he claimed membership in various indigenous tribes, including the Cherokee, Seneca, and Lakota, further solidifying his self-proclaimed heritage to the public and those around him.

The Truth Revealed: Italian Roots

The long-standing public perception of Iron Eyes Cody's ancestry began to unravel in 1996 when his half-sister, May Erz, publicly stated that he was of Italian rather than Native American ancestry. Despite this direct challenge to his identity, Cody vehemently denied the claims, maintaining his narrative. However, following his death on January 4, 1999, further investigations and revelations definitively confirmed his true origins. It was widely reported that Iron Eyes Cody was indeed of Sicilian parentage, born to immigrants Francesco de Corti and Francesca Salpietra, and had no verifiable Native American lineage whatsoever. This posthumous revelation fundamentally altered the understanding of his career and public persona.

Revisiting a Complex Legacy

The story of Iron Eyes Cody presents a complex narrative regarding identity, representation, and authenticity in Hollywood. His life's work, centered on portraying a heritage he did not possess, highlights a broader historical trend in filmmaking where non-Native actors were frequently cast in Native American roles, often contributing to stereotypical portrayals. His personal insistence on a fabricated identity, even in the face of contrary evidence, raises questions about cultural appropriation and the responsibility of public figures. While his iconic roles, particularly the "Crying Indian" PSA, left an undeniable mark on American culture and environmental awareness, the subsequent revelation of his true ancestry has led to critical re-evaluations of his legacy and the industry practices he exemplified.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iron Eyes Cody

Was Iron Eyes Cody actually Native American?

No. Despite his lifelong public assertion and his portrayal of Native Americans in numerous films and the iconic Keep America Beautiful PSA, it was definitively revealed after his death that Iron Eyes Cody was of Sicilian Italian descent, born Espera Oscar de Corti.

What was Iron Eyes Cody's most famous role?

Iron Eyes Cody is perhaps most widely recognized for his role as the "Crying Indian" in the impactful 1971 Keep America Beautiful public service announcement, which became a landmark in environmental awareness. He also notably played Chief Iron Eyes in Bob Hope's 1948 film, The Paleface.

When was the "Crying Indian" PSA released?

The famous "Crying Indian" public service announcement, featuring Iron Eyes Cody, was first released in 1971 by the Keep America Beautiful organization.

What was Iron Eyes Cody's real name and origin?

His birth name was Espera Oscar de Corti. He was born to Sicilian immigrant parents, Francesco de Corti and Francesca Salpietra, in Louisiana, making him of Italian ancestry.