Background
He grew up on the Yankton Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
He grew up on the Yankton Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Between 1932 and 1977 — sometimes credited as Chief John War Eagle, Chief John Eagle or John Wareagle — he appeared in twenty-eight films, mostly in uncredited roles, and twenty-six television productions. His roles include appearing as Red Cloud in the historical, western-drama film Tomahawk (1951), starring Van Heflin. And as Chief Sitting Bulletin in the Disney family, adventure, western-drama film Tonka (1958), the story of a young Sioux boy, played by Sal Mineo on the brink of adulthood tries to tame a wild stallion to prove his courage and strength.
War Eagle also appeared as Wolf"s Brother in Disney western-drama film Westward Ho, the Wagons! (1956).