X Brands
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X Brands (b. July 24, 1927 — d. May 15, 2000), sometimes credited as Jay X. Brands, was an American actor of German descent known for his roles in television series and some films. His best-known role was "Pahoo-Ka-Ta-Wah" ("Wolf who stands in water"[1]), the shotgun-toting Indian sidekick on the 1958 series Yancy Derringer.
Although Brands was of European stock, his portrayals of Native Americans earned praise for their authenticity. Brummett Echohawk, a spokesman for the Pawnee Indians, wrote a letter to Hollywood producers in which he commended Brands for his authentic performance and his ability at speaking the tribe's language.[2]
Brands' unusual first name comes from his family's history. In the small German town where Brands' ancestors lived, there were two Jan Brands. One of them invented the middle initial "X" to distinguish himself. He became known as "X" Brands, and the name stuck on his descendants. Family tradition held that no one could use that initial until the previous "X" had died.[3]
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[edit] Career
X Brands was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He appeared in ten films. The first was in 1956, the last in 1978. The most noteworthy of these may be Santee (1973), a western about a sheriff who adopts the son of the man he killed.
[edit] Best-known role
The television series Yancy Derringer ran for 34 episodes from October 1958 through June 1959 and starred Jock Mahoney in the title role. X Brands played "Pahoo-Ka-Ta-Wa", a tall Pawnee Indian who was Yancy's frequent companion and very useful in a fight with his double barrel shotgun. Yancy spoke normally to his friend, shortening his name to "Pahoo"; but Pahoo was silent throughout the series, communicating only with hand gestures.
[edit] Other notable roles
Brands always played a supporting role in films. His most noteworthy roles may be "Hook" in Santee, a 1973 western starring Glenn Ford, and the second remake of Beau Geste (1966), in which he played "Vallejo".
His television appearances covered a similar time period. The series in which he guest-starred included Bat Masterson, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, The High Chaparral, Alias Smith and Jones, Bonanza, Wagon Train, The Rifleman, and Broken Arrow. While he did not always play Native Americans, or appear in westerns, the majority of his roles were of this type. For example, his episode of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. was called "The Indian Affairs Affair".
Almost always non speaking roles, in 1960, X Brands had a rare talking role on Bat Masterson. The episode is highly sought after by his fans who want to see if he really can talk. He talks well. On 28 April 1960, X Brands talks in episode "Masterson's Arcadia Club", as Jeb Mitchell, trail boss.
[edit] Film roles
| Year | Film Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Frontier Gambler (dir. Sam Newfield) | "Gregg" (uncredited) |
| 1957 | She Devil (dir. Kurt Neumann) | First Doctor |
| 1957 | Young and Dangerous (dir. William F. Claxton) | Motorcycle cop (uncredited) |
| 1958 | Escort West (dir. Francis D. Lyon) | "Tago" |
| 1959 | Gunmen from Laredo (dir. Wallace MacDonald) | "Delgados" (uncredited) |
| 1960 | Oklahoma Territory (dir. Edward L. Cahn) | "Running Cloud" |
| 1966 | Beau Geste (dir. Douglas Heyes) | "Vallejo" |
| 1971 | Captain Apache (dir. Alexander Singer) | (Brands' role unlisted) |
| 1973 | Santee (dir. Gary Nelson) | "Hook" |
| 1978 | Avalanche (dir. Corey Allen) | "Marty Brenner" |
[edit] References
- ^ The Fifties Website - Yancy Derringer
- ^ TV ACRES: Ethnic Groups - Native American
- ^ Bonanza Episode Guide: Season 6
[edit] External links
- X Brands at the Internet Movie Database
