Don Diamond

Don Diamond was born in New York City on June 4, 1921.^[1] His father, Benjamin, emigrated to the United States from Russia in 1906 with his parents. Benjamin Diamond served in the United States Army in World War I and then became a prosperous clothing merchant. Benjamin and Ruth Diamond had another son, Neal, three years younger than Don, and a daughter, Muriel, nine years younger than Don.

Diamond graduated from the University of Michigan, with a degree in drama supplemented by studies in Spanish. He then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He studied Spanish further while he was stationed in the Southwest.^[1]

Discharged in 1946 as a first lieutenant, he began acting on radio and became known for his dialect portrayals of Spaniards and Mexicans.^{[citation needed]} He played El Toro in The Adventures of Kit Carson^[2] syndicated television series (1951–1955). Diamond also played Corporal Reyes on the Walt Disney television series Zorro and Crazy Cat on F Troop.^[3] In 1968, Diamond appeared as Diego on The Big Valley in the episode titled "Miranda." ^{[citation needed]}

 

He appeared on more than 100 television shows and in many feature films. He performed extensive voice-over work in commercials and cartoons, most notably as the voice of Toro in the DePatie-Freleng Enterprises cartoon series Tijuana Toads.

On radio, Diamond was heard on the NBC crime drama Confession.^[4]

Diamond died due to heart failure in Los Angeles, California, on June 19, 2011, at age 90.^[1]

His wife, Louisa, was a teacher.^{[citation needed]}

• Don Diamond at IMDb
• Obituary in Los Angeles Times
• Don Diamond at Find a Grave