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.[2]

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. He played El Toro in The Adventures of Kit Carson[3] syndicated television series (1951–1955). Diamond also played Corporal Reyes on the Walt Disney television series Zorro and Crazy Cat on F Troop.[4] In 1968, Diamond appeared as Diego on The Big Valley in the episode titled "Miranda."

Diamond (center) with Bill Williams and Neyle Morrow in The Adventures of Kit Carson, 1951

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.[5]

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

His wife, Louisa, was a teacher.

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