AMERICA’S “CRYING INDIAN” WAS NOT REALLY NATIVE AMERICAN! Strange Life and Grave of Iron Eyes Cody

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Iron Eyes Cody (born Espera Oscar de Corti, April 3, 1904 - January 4, 1999) was an American actor of Sicilian descent who portrayed Native Americans in Hollywood films, including the role of Chief Iron Eyes in Bob Hope's The Paleface (1948). He also played a Native American shedding a tear about pollution in one of the country's most well-known television public service announcements from the group Keep America Beautiful. Living in Hollywood, he began to insist, even in his private life, that he was Native American, over time claiming membership in several different tribes. In 1996, Cody's half-sister said that he was of Italian ancestry, but he denied it. After his death, it was revealed that he was of Sicilian parentage and not Native American at all.
Cody was born Espera Oscar de Corti on April 3, 1904, in Kaplan in Vermilion Parish, in southwestern Louisiana, a second son of Francesca Salpietra from Sicily and her husband, Antonio de Corti from southern Italy. He had two brothers, Joseph and Frank, and a sister, Victoria. His parents had a local grocery store in Gueydan, Louisiana, where he grew up. His father left the family and moved to Texas, where he took the name Tony Corti. His mother married Alton Abshire and had five more children with him.
When the three de Corti brothers were teenagers, they joined their father in Texas and shortened their last name from de Corti to Corti. Cody's father, Tony Corti, died in Texas in 1924. The brothers moved on to California, where they were acting in movies, and changed their surname to Cody. Joseph William and Frank Henry Cody worked as extras, then moved on to other work. Frank was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 1949.
Cody began acting in the late 1920s. He worked in film and television until his death. Cody claimed his father was Cherokee and his mother Cree, also naming several different tribes, and frequently changing his claimed place of birth. To those unfamiliar with Indigenous American or First Nations cultures and people, he gave the appearance of living as if he were Native American, fulfilling the stereotypical expectations by wearing his film wardrobe as daily clothing-including braided wig, fringed leathers and beaded moccasins-at least when photographers were visiting, and in other ways continuing to play the same Hollywood-scripted roles off-screen as well as on.
He appeared in more than 200 films, including The Big Trail (1930), with John Wayne; The Scarlet Letter (1934), with Colleen Moore; Sitting Bull (1954), as Crazy Horse; The Light in the Forest (1958) as Cuyloga; The Great Sioux Massacre (1965), with Joseph Cotten; Nevada Smith (1966), with Steve McQueen; A Man Called Horse (1970), with Richard Harris; and Ernest Goes to Camp (1987) as Chief St. Cloud, with Jim Varney.
Cody was widely seen as the "Crying Indian" in the "Keep America Beautiful" public service announcements (PSA) in the early 1970s. The environmental commercial, first aired on Earth Day in 1971, depicted Cody in a Plains Indians/Hollywood Indian-style costume, shedding a tear after trash is thrown from the window of a car and it lands at his feet. The announcer, William Conrad, says: "People start pollution; people can stop it." The ad won two Clio awards, incited a frenzy of community involvement, and "helped reduce litter by 88% across 38 states", according to one reliable source.
Cody died at the age of 94 from mesothelioma at home in Los Angeles on January 4, 1999. Iron Eyes is interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

[@Catherine-259-s5u]

I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. Whether he was Indian or not; doesn’t matter. He was a huge part of my childhood. My parents always said he was sending a good message about pollution. We were mindful as kids to pick up our garbage and dispose of it properly.

[@Carol-D.1324]

I absolutely remember that commercial. I was stunned when I heard he was actually not a Native American. I guess he was supposed to be a representative of the First Nation. I would have used an actual Native American to reiterate the movement. It worked, I don’t throw trash out of the window. Soooo..it’s a win?!?! Love your channel!

[@blaughon]

My grandfather and Iron Eyes were friends back in their early 20s, both young men trying to break into acting. I actually have a stage headdress Iron Eyes and my grandfather made for my grandfather to wear in the Nelson Eddy-Jeannette McDonald movie, Rosemarie. My grandfather died young at 25. My grandmother never had many kind words for Mr. Cody. My father got to meet Mr. Cody when he came to my hometown to serve as a Grand Marshal of a local event. We will never know if the stories he shared of my grandfather were actually true or not, but Mr. Cody was very kind to a man, my father, who lost his father when he was just five. I hope they were friends and the stories were true. Most of all, I am grateful for his kindness to my Dad. Thanks, Scott, for showing his final resting place.

[@sarahb7440]

Hollywood Forever is such a beautiful cemetery. RIP to everyone spending eternity there

[@melindaroop1346]

I remember him! He was in Ernest Goes To Camp. That was one of my favorite movies as a kid.

[@PreludeFear2112]

Ernest goes to jail is the best movie ever

[@JoeFromJoplinMO]

My entire childhood was a lie lol...Thanks, Scott. Save travels!

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Haha sorry Joe!

[@susanna3]

Such an interesting story Scott, thank you! My Dad was a teacher but in his spare time, he taught Native American lore at Summer camp and when he retired as well. My Dad was Irish and Italian, but fascinated with Native culture a d traditions. When he was a child and staying at Mt great Grandparents summer cabin in CT, a young girl from a Native family died and the town was too snobby to allow her burial in the cemetery. So my great grandfather told her family she could be buried on his property in a nice spot near the lake. That was when my Dad's fascination began.❤

[@daniellebennis2126]

That's so nice of your great grandfather to do that for her family

[@susanna3]

@Daniellebennis216 Thank you! Yes he was a wonderful man from what I heard from my Dad. ✨️

[@daniellebennis2126]

@@susanna3 that's good

[@Tavington-xx3uz]

I remember watching that commercial on TV. Jesus I’m old.

[@Mszahnclass95]

Me too

[@Blueskys1972]

This commercial was a huge part of my childhood. Growing up in the 70s they really taught us about pollution and littering. They need to teach this again to the newer generations!!! Somehow I think people think that trash just disappears into thin air, but it all ends up in the ocean eventually through the storm drains here. I used to go to the beach (Venice and Santa Monica) in the mid-70s and there was no trash in the water. As time went on to the 80s and 90s there was a ton of trash in the ocean water, very sad. This guy sent a clear message whether he was dressed up as an Indian or not. BTW, I am native American, from a California tribe.

[@sharonbutcher4838]

I read where he said, he was a Native American!

[@debbylou5729]

Sure you are

[@loganstroganoff1284]

​@sharonbutcher4838 he was first generation American Sicilian from Louisiana. He never admitted it but his family members confirmed.

[@johnconway4161]

Scott I really enjoy watching your videos keep up the great work

[@BostonSteve922]

I vividly remember that commercial and Iron eyes Cody until I heard that he wasn’t Native American I always assumed he was. Rest In Peace Iron Eyes. Thank you Scott

[@VickieHubbard-po2ed]

Scott also want to say so sorry about your parents. You talk so lovely about your dad. i'll bet he's proud of you❤

[@kimglass4851]

I heard this long ago and couldnt believe it! He looked like a real Native American! Great video Scott!

[@TravelWithLisaMH]

Hello Scott. That is an interesting story about Iron Eyes. Thank you 👍🏻👏🏻

[@user-wb7ot1hl9m]

Hello Scott.Its good to see you back again.Thank you for shareling your video.❤❤❤❤❤❤😂😂😂🎉😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉😢😢😢😢😢

[@donnahunter3488]

Thank you Scott for doing this video about Iron Eyes. He was a huge part of my childhood. I remember his commercials so vividly. My father would watch the westerns however I wasn’t interested in them so I never knew that he starred in them until later. I’m glad to see that he lived a good long life. He may have been Italian but what he represented was really the message. That was what’s important….. 🥰❤️🙏

[@catherineferguson7388]

Hi Scott, that is such a beautiful cemetery. They did teach us not to litter, or to not talk to strangers, they did teach us good things in the 70’s. We should keep our Country tidy. Well done Iron Eyes Cody. You taught us good back then. RIP 💐💐💐💐, loving the peacocks, such pretty birds. RIP to your father Scott 💐💐💐🫶. Thank you for remembering him 👍✌️🤟🏼💖

[@richardwells8016]

Met iron eyes in 1986 at a powwow in my hometown very nice man very down to earth

[@Kat-hs6iz]

He attended many powwows in Santa Monica civic center.

[@daniellebennis2126]

I went to a couple of powwows when I was younger

[@MegaVthompson]

I remember him. Ty 4 sharing❣️

[@sandraponce9895]

Hi Scott, many years ago when i lived in Silver Lake i would see Iron Eyes at the market. He was always friendly and true to his character was always dressed in a leather fringed jacket and had his hair braided. He was always smiling. Too bad i never took a photo with him but who thinks to bring a camera to the market in those days, not like now where everyone has a camera in their phone. Thanks for the video.

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Wow so cool u got to see him!

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

Amazing job Scott. I always ❤d this guy in those commercials. American icon like J silverheels❤

[@sylviamiller9047]

❤ Thanks for remembering this man and story remember that commercial fondly from my childhood!😢

[@SlimshadyVictoria]

As I,ve always,s said....I LOVE your respectful, informative video,s! Your parents certainly raised you right!!

[@marlenepearson3936]

That commercial was so impactful. I had heard he wasn't Native American and was shocked. 😮 But he seemed to live and embrace the culture. May he and his wife RIP 🙏

[@mattmontgomery8999]

The funniest mention of this story was in the Sopranos. Ralph visits Del Red Crow on behalf of Tony Soprano. He tells Del that Iron Eyes was Sicilian and really irks this guy off because he wasn’t aware of this fact. Great scene in season 4. I believe the episode is called Columbus Day.

[@dianewood15]

Another fab video Scott Really enjoying it I always think this cemetery is beautiful Of course I always love seeing the cats

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

Good Evening Scott 🙋🏽. The peacock was very interesting 😆. Thank You for inviting me to watch your video ‼️ I truly enjoyed it.Have a nice evening.👋🏽

[@tinawhite6450]

Hi Scott this video should be interesting much love ❤

[@margaretgood580]

Hello Scott ❤ Beautiful, Beautiful Cemetery.. Huge fan of the Western Movies, John Wayne was my HERO 🤠❤ RIP Cody 🕊

[@Anita3kidsS.]

@Scott on Tape…I was born in 1966 & remember growing up with this commercial as it was very relevant during my time . Yes, I knew he wasn’t an American Indian though many people while I was a preteen didn’t realize it. He was involved in so many movies that my Pop-Pop & my my Mom both loved to watch his movies. Thanks for always doing a great video. Please keep us posted on Richard Simmons…as I heard different versions in whether or not he was buried yet. Tnx ~ Anita3kids in NJ

[@born4md]

I definitely remember seeing that commercial many, many times. Super memory-invoking video. Thanks for it, Scott! ❤

[@THEBLIZZARDSIX]

Love westerns and Randolph Scott was my favorite western actor as well. Great video as always. Would love to see Randolph Scott's grave one day.

[@Cloudywithachanceofcaulk]

Early notification gang reporting in!

[@chadmears136]

Awesome video. I remember him in the Ernest movie back in the day. RIP Iron Eyes. ❤ Great work Scott

[@deirdrerosesharples7453]

My dad's fav John Wayne....all the westerns

[@anneholden9908]

I was 8 when the Crying Indian commercial was made. I remember it vividly. I was surprised to hear that Ironeyes was not a native American. But you're right, Scott, he looks Italian. Crazy stuff.

[@lucyhavrilla8949]

SCOTT, FROM WHEN I WAS A CHILD I LOVED THAT COMMERCIAL. IT WOULD BREAK MY HEART WHEN I SAW THAT TEAR. ITS OK HES NOT INDIAN, IM ITALIAN ALSO. LOVE YOU SCOTT, THANK YOU FOR A GREAT GREAT VIDEO!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@JackJones-j6x]

I remember seeing these commercials growing up in the 1960s early 70s, love your videos keep it going

[@nicholas87541]

The title caught my attention... peafowl sitting on a chair intro... looks like a great video!

[@jeffsquires6620]

Hey, native Italian. He made great buffalo pizza. Also famous Canadian native singer Buffy St. Mary is also a Italian born in the United States.

[@VickieHubbard-po2ed]

Aug 3rd is my dads birthday i miss him everyday. and love him. scott you remind of my dad your so loving and hard working.🥰❤Vickie

[@daniellebennis2126]

That's my mom's birthday

[@leticianunez3307]

Another great video, thank you, Scott.☺️

[@Corgis175]

I interviewed him in the early 80's at his home on Figueroa St., LA. Interesting character. He was going to ride my Appaloosa horse in the Rose Parade but that fell thru. He autographed a photo for me of him advertising a western boot. Interesting thing he had a large # of TV's in his living room and had some of his films running too

[@rolona59]

Omg, I remember this commercial!! I never knew he wasn’t Native American! Mind blown. Thanks, Scott for this video😊

[@paulevanko1465]

Love watching your videos scott

[@CCcastro336]

Oh my gosh I remember this commercial. First time I saw it I cried 😢 this was interesting thank you!! Rest in peace Ironeyes 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Rest in Peace to your father also. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 my dad also watched the old western movies.

[@MarriedWithParanormal]

My wife and I talk to spirits in cemeteries with our Spiritbox. I’d love to try that cemetery. Beautiful!!!

[@karenthorburn3413]

Good evening my lovely tour guide scott ❤ enjoyed that thanks for sharing hugs from dublin ❣❣

[@afwalker1921]

Hugs from Bray! For now...

[@bakercarl8518]

Will always remember that commercial. It hit so hard. It had to be one the best. May he and his sister RIP.

[@Prellium]

My late Father loved Westerns too. Another great video Scott.

[@andreaweingarten-pj7jc]

I sure remember this commercial! I read about this a while ago and was surprised RIP 😢

[@gilhodges2025]

I was a kid when the ad came out. I remember it well

[@tarrtruck2869]

I had no idea that the 'Crying Indian' was Italian. Absolutely fascinating, great story and video. Nice job!

[@beccatosser]

Oh my gosh. I remember this commercial as a kid. Made me want to be more mindful of throwing away trash. Try to get others to do the same. It really is a shame that a lot of people take this earth for granted

[@splashenful]

Wonder if the Native Americans were angered by the fact that an actor was used to play a Native, rather than an actual Native person.

[@garibaldi54]

They probably had bigger issues.

[@splashenful]

@@garibaldi54 True.

[@AdventureswithmelanywithaY0731]

That’s so neat your dad & my grandfather had the same thing in common which is loving westerns. My grandpa loved John Wayne he had a lot of John Wayne stuff in his lake house in Florida. I’ve heard of this guy as well, Iron Eyes Cody & you are right he does look Italian. Learn something new everyday especially from you sweet Scott. Thank you always for your awesome videos. I hope you have an amazing day. Btw I’m 35 today😎(but I think u knew that already lol)

[@_Denisa_H]

My father knew Iron Eyes. Back in the 1970s my father worked for city of Chicago. Iron eyes was at his place of work and they met. He told me that then if he didn't let him when he wasn't Native American.

[@alanprice9453]

That's hilarious my dad loved westerns and randolf scott was his favorite too. Like your dad's! 😊❤

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Twins! Haha

[@vickywood5234]

Wow! I never knew this fact. Thanks for saying about it. I'm glad you think of your parents and may they RIP.

[@Catherine3296]

Thank you Scott.

[@mr.garlicman3134]

The Indian crying commercial was a great commercial.

[@jackiecota-ne8ye]

I remember that commercial with Iron Eyes Cody. Wow thought he was American Indian ❤❤❤

[@timbit72]

Good work as always Scott! Reminds me of the Buffy St Marie fiasco a few months back & didnt that just drop off the news all of a sudden

[@demah8655]

I remember that commercial. Those commercials need to be shown again to stop people from throwing 🗑️ trash out. Everywhere you go there is a 🗑️ trash can. I just couldn't throw trash out because of him. God bless you for changing a lot of lives

[@ericmangels4917]

I grew up watching this commercial too,i heard he wasnt really an indian but didnt know to be true until i watched this,and he got his message across,and he was funny in Ernest Goes To Camp ! Hopefully the Stop Pollution Movement gets started up again ! Great video Scott,! Great tribute to Iron Eyes Cody too !

[@Bella1neverknows670]

I barely remember seeing these commercials when I was little...lol

[@aprillisa5950]

Very interesting video.

[@erikduhon2369]

Thank you Scott for covering this story. He was my grandmother's half brother. I was able to meet him a few years before he passed away. You're great Scott thank you!! Also, his wife was full blooded indian her name was Ruby.

[@aaphotofilm]

Love it scott, you probably dont realise how much you make me smile just by when your new thumbnail comes up, because i know your always gonna give me something interesting to watch, i always have full faith in you when it comes to new videos, i mentioned last time the one you did with adam the whoo on adventures of baby sitting house, u be surprised how much i watched that one, keep up the amazing work, you turned my monday blues into a happy one

[@josephcarino5829]

I saw that commercial a 100 times probably Freaked me out

[@Adventures-with-Mel]

Came over from Adam the Woo's Channel. Love your videos. ❤✌🏼❤✌🏼

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you so much !

[@Csilover1968]

Great video Scott!! Thank you!

[@lovebuzz1979]

Great Video Scott! I remember an episode of Sopranos mentioned Iron Eyes.your at my favorite Cemetery ya know😊

[@taratopia6475]

WOW! That is wild. I had no idea he wasn't a Native American and the fact he lied about being Italian.

[@therick106]

Your the best Scott

[@jessicacoley8745]

wow, my husband is Native American, Choctaw. the Cherokee tribe is north of us here in Oklahoma. we ae in Choctaw nation south east Oklahoma,

[@juliogonzales5441]

GREAT VIDEO MR SCOTT....PEACE OUT

[@MarthaJOHNSON-iu4wk]

Great video

[@limlianhui9462]

The glass niches are nice. Over here we can purchase something similar-the ashes and memorabilia are behind a glass door etched with the picture, name, dates and epitaph but that in turn is behind a solid door with the same details as the glass one-a carbon copy, so it looks exactly like a regular niche and is only opened when the family come to visit and then closed and the items are still kept private for the family as the culture here is more of keeping things private within the family.

[@tomfranco4866]

Thanks Scott I remember that crying Indian commercial like yesterday wow

[@Amy-hl4rx]

I remember that commercial/ campaign. I had no idea he wasn’t of native descent. I a,ways remembered the message though. So where he was from ( for me) didn’t matter, the message and commercial were powerful🙂When the video began with all of those beautiful headstones, which I just loved the lovely pictures that were on each one. I noticed quite a few had like metal teeth on the top of the headstones, so of course I was curious what they were for, if anything in particular? They just caught my eye and thought I would ask 🙂 @SCOTT ON TAPE Love 🫶🏻 & Light ☀️

[@brendacarter3714]

Hello peacock how you doing? Now going to watch the video.

[@flocosta]

This cemetery is just so beautiful! I do remember the Indian commercial and how effective it was on me. After that I never wanted to litter again. I never knew though that he wasn't a real Indian. He did a great job. For someone who never spoke a word he still managed to speak volumes. It's funny how most actors don't want to be typecast when here he was wanting to be typecast. He had the perfect role though. He sure convinced me he was a real Indian. I love the decorative niches you showed us at the end, very interesting and a great idea to add the persons memorabilia to them. They tell a story about the person all in itself. I super enjoyed this video, Scott! RIP to Mr. & Mrs. Iron Eyes. ❤ 💐

[@HBHArtLife]

Reminds me of the whole Buffy Sainte-Marie story that's unfolded recently, how she's made a whole career being a singer and activist in the Native community but a journalist actually uncovered that she's of Italian and English lineage.

[@AquariusSoul]

I've never heard of him. Thanks for the info Scott!

[@lisabudascasey1234]

This also was a big impact on my generation we started the clean up our towns I still pick up trash anywhere and the way the younger generations leave public bathrooms is horrible

[@Mszahnclass95]

Thanks! Scott for all the great episode an stories ❤

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Thank you so much Angela !

[@Mszahnclass95]

@@SCOTTONTAPE your welcome 🤗

[@TyhlerNovac]

I'm Indian native American I am comfortable with you Saying Indian

[@jackiemurria3966]

Oh Hi Scott! 👋😊

[@SCOTTONTAPE]

Hi!

[@VickieHubbard-po2ed]

I love all birds.❤

[@andreajohnson1796]

I thought he really was a Native American ! 😮😢...another one just like Buffy St.Marie you can't be one of us if you don't have the blood , SAD....what did he contribute to never heard that before?

[@rlawrence71]

The film Wayne's World made a reference to this commercial.

[@SPACEMAN_fkYT]

I remember that commercial very well. I never liked litter bugs because of it. I still pick up trash if I see it. I'll also make someone pick up their trash if I see them throw it down.

[@warehouseworkwithkim]

very good cinema photography, you put a lot of time in these videos

[@michelleschweikert8593]

I remember the time this commercial came on TV. ( I think I’m dating myself). I always liked that commercial. RIP Sir. ❤️🙏🏻

[@caroltaylor3445]

I knew long time ago he was not native. Its sad that he played this role as native until he died. But I remember the commercial very well. My mom side of the family is Cherokee

[@reneedennis2011]

I remember this ad as a kid!

[@GalaxyTheCrazyQuilt]

This commercial was always on when I was growing up in the 70s😢

[@Michelle-kf8me]

Thanks for the notification my dad watch John Wayne was he a rascid

[@sonjastanger5858]

Heya Scott🖐🏾❤