The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

DEER, GEORGE WEIDLEN, JR. (1917–1959).

An American Indian actor, George Weidlen Deer, Jr., was born on December 1, 1917, near Okemah, Oklahoma, to George W. Deer, Sr., an enrolled Muscogee (Creek) and professional wrestler in the 1920s, and Lillian George. Deer, Jr.,'s Muscogee-language name was Eco Hacoce, "Little Crazy Deer." He attended college at Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University) and was a standout member of the boxing team. He was Oklahoma Golden Gloves welterweight champion in 1939.

A well-known Hollywood "extra," George Deer appeared in several hundred Western films during the 1950s, many times uncredited. He sometimes appeared in scenes in three movies in one day during his twelve-year movie career. He appeared in films such as Distant Drums (1951, with Gary Cooper), Pony Soldier (1952, with Tyrone Power), River of No Return (1954, with Marilyn Monroe), and The Americano (1955, with Glenn Ford). In Distant Drums he spoke the Muscogee language. During World War II, due to five deferments for bone spurs, he built bombers in Wichita, Kansas. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Screen Extras Guild. He also worked as a stunt man, which paid more, and as a longshoreman and house mover.

George W. Deer, Jr., married twice, first to Fern Lena Bosin and then to Betty Keahtigh. The two unions produced two sons and two daughters. One son, Alvin, also performed in Western films. Deer, Jr., died of pneumonia on February 6, 1959, at the Motion Picture Relief Home in Woodland Hills, California.

Richenda Davis Bates