Well, I'm stunned -

"Iron Eyes Cody, or “Espera Oscar de Corti,” was born in a rural southwestern Louisiana town on April 3, 1904, the second of four children. His parents, Antonio de Corti and Francesca Salpietra had both emigrated from Sicily, Italy just a few years prior.

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Seems he feel in love with the American Indian lore and culture, went to Hollywood and hit it just at the right time as movie makers were looking for authentic American Indians for their films. He and his famous teared face ad is credited with helping reduce roadside litter by 88%.

Dying in 1999, he embraced his adopted heritage with the following:

"Make me ready to stand before you with clean and straight eyes,” he wrote. “When Life fades, as the fading sunset, may our spirits stand before you without shame.”

http://priceonomics.com/the-true-story-of-the-crying-indian/