Harold J. Smith was born on the Six Nations Indian Reservation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada May 26, 1919. Jay was a full bloodied Mohawk, son of a Chief. He was one of seven children. He as a outstanding athlete, he was a wrestler, Golden Glove Boxer and he was a member of Canada's National Lacrosse team. (He did not officially change his name until 1971).

In 1938 he came to the US to play in a tournament. He was spotted by comedian Joe E. Brown and with Brown's help he joined the Actor's Guild. He soon found work as an extra. He worked in over 30 movies, but it would be his role as Tonto that would make him a baby-boomer icon. With the Lone Ranger, he became one of America's favorite son's. As the faithful companion of the Lone Ranger, they fought for truth and justice in the American west.

On radio Silverheels had played as a servant to the Lone Ranger, however when he appeared as Tonto on televison, he was treated as a equal. In real life, Clayton Moore (Lone Ranger) and Silverheels became great friends and their friendship extended beyond the studio.

Silverheels had a lot of concerns about how Hollywood portrayed native Americans. He formed the Indian Actor's Workshop and encouraged talented performers to study their craft.