John Hart, often remembered as television’s “other” Lone Ranger, carved out a notable career in Hollywood, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal. While he stepped into the iconic mask for 52 episodes in 1952, replacing Clayton Moore during a contract dispute, Hart’s contributions extend far beyond his stint as the masked hero. A man of striking looks and athletic prowess, honed by his youthful summers as a cowboy, Hart brought a unique interpretation to the Lone Ranger role, making it his own despite facing initial audience resistance.
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From Bit Parts to Masked Hero: Hart’s Early Career
Born in Los Angeles in 1917, John Hart’s journey into acting began at the Pasadena Playhouse after attending South Pasadena High School and growing up in San Morino. His early career saw him taking on uncredited roles, starting with a sailor in the 1937 crime film Daughter of Shanghai. He also appeared in Cecil B. DeMille’s epic The Buccaneer (1938), which led to a contract with Paramount Pictures, allowing him to leave behind his job as a truck driver. Hart’s association with DeMille continued with roles in North West Mounted Police (1940) and later, The Ten Commandments (1956).
Hart’s burgeoning career was interrupted by World War II. He served in the US Army, achieving the rank of first sergeant in the Coast Artillery, and saw action in the Philippines and Okinawa. Later, he transferred to the US Air Force in Texas, where he organized entertainment shows and even returned to Hollywood to create training films at Hal Roach Studios, demonstrating his multifaceted talents beyond acting.
The Lone Ranger: Stepping into Big Boots
Upon his return to Hollywood after the war, Hart initially worked as a stunt double. A significant break seemed to arrive when he landed the lead in the cinema serial Jack Armstrong (1947), based on the popular radio program. However, consistent leading roles remained elusive, and Hart found himself frequently cast in smaller parts, sometimes appearing in as many as a dozen films annually. This led him to explore television acting, and in 1950, he actually appeared in two different episodes of The Lone Ranger – ironically, two years before he would don the mask himself.
In 1952, John Hart was offered the role of the Lone Ranger, replacing Clayton Moore. Despite his qualifications – his cowboy background, his commanding presence, and his acting experience – audiences struggled to accept a new face behind the mask. Hart’s portrayal, which he intentionally steered away from a rigid, military-like interpretation, was not initially embraced by viewers who were accustomed to Moore’s depiction. Ultimately, Clayton Moore was brought back to the series in 1954, continuing until The Lone Ranger concluded in 1957.
Beyond the Mask: Leading Roles and Lasting Contributions
Despite the Lone Ranger setback, John Hart’s career flourished. He quickly secured the lead role in the 1955 cinema serial Adventures of Captain Africa, Mighty Jungle Avenger!, showcasing his action hero capabilities. Following this, he starred as the eponymous Hawkeye in 39 episodes of Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans (1957), a television series set during the French and Indian War. In this role, he once again shared the screen with a Native American companion, Chingachgook, played by Lon Chaney, Jr., further cementing his association with adventure and Western-themed productions.
Hart continued to work steadily in film and television throughout his career. He even appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller Marnie (1964), playing a minister, demonstrating his range as an actor. He lent his voice to characters in Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962), a landmark animated Christmas special. Interestingly, he revisited the Lone Ranger persona in later years, making appearances as the masked hero in episodes of The Greatest American Hero (1981) and Happy Days (1982), bringing a touch of nostalgia to these popular shows.
Later Career and Legacy
John Hart’s career extended behind the camera as well. He worked as a post-production supervisor for the successful television series Quincy, M.E. from 1979 to 1981 and produced educational and travel films, adding another dimension to his contributions to the entertainment industry. In a lighter vein, he authored Cowboys in the Kitchen, a cookbook featuring recipes from himself and fellow actors, including Jay Silverheels, published in 2000, revealing a personal and engaging side of the actor. His final film role was in The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981), where he played a newspaper editor, a fitting bookend to his association with the iconic character.
John Hart’s personal life also saw enduring success. While filming Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans in Canada in 1957, he married actress Beryl Braithwaite. Their marriage lasted until his death in 2009, a testament to their lasting bond. Although he may be primarily remembered as the “other” Lone Ranger, John Hart’s extensive and varied career solidifies his place as a respected and versatile actor in Hollywood history. He passed away in Rosarito Beach, Baja California, Mexico, leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond the mask and silver horse.
