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Goyko MitichYugoslavian film actor and stuntman, performer of Indian roles
Date of Birth: 03.06.1940
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
- Gojko Mitić: The Yugoslavian Star of Westerns
- Eastern Berlin and Indian Roles
- The Rise of an Icon
- Western Film Dominance
- Post-Western Career
- Filmography
Gojko Mitić: The Yugoslavian Star of Westerns
Early Life and CareerGojko Mitić was born on June 13, 1940, in Leskovac, Yugoslavia, into a farming family. He graduated from the Belgrade Institute of Physical Culture and made his film debut as a stuntman in "Lancelot and the Queen" in 1960.
Eastern Berlin and Indian Roles
In 1967, Mitić relocated to East Berlin where he joined the DEFA film studio and began portraying Native American characters. Notably, he played Chingachgook and other roles in 15 films.
The Rise of an Icon
East German filmmakers introduced "Indian pictures" in 1964, with "Sons of the Big Dipper" as the first in the series. Directed by Josef Mach, the film cast Mitić as Indian chief Tokei-ito. The 1966 release of this adventure epic was a massive success, leading to Mitić's subsequent role as Chingachgook in "Chingachgook - Big Serpent" (1967). The Soviet Union purchased the film for distribution, propelling Mitić to stardom across Eastern Europe.
Western Film Dominance
The popularity of "Indian films" surged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, comparable to the "Tarzan fever" of the 1950s. Films such as "The Falcon's Trail," "White Wolves," "Deadly Mistake," "Oceola," "Tecumseh," "Apaches," and "Ulzana" showcased Mitić's iconic portrayals. He also served as a screenwriter for "Apaches" and "Ulzana," and the latter was filmed in the Soviet Union near Samarkand.
Post-Western Career
As interest in the genre waned, Mitić transitioned to other roles. He played the villain Fabian in the 1975 film adaptation of Victor Hugo's "Mary Tudor." Subsequent theatrical roles included Spartacus, Robin Hood, and d'Artagnan. Mitić also appeared in the television series "Archive of Death" and "Servant of Two Masters" and directed several children's films.
Filmography
- Winnetou - Son of Intschu-tschuna(1963) Tokei-ito- White Bird(1963) Apache
- Winnetou - Apache Chief(1963)
- Winnetou 3(1964) Jicarilla
- Sons of the Big Dipper(1966) Tokei-ito
- Chingachgook - Big Serpent(1967) Chingachgook
- Oceola(1968) Oceola
- The Falcon's Trail(1968) Zorky Sokol
- White Wolves(1969) Zorky Sokol
- Deadly Mistake(1970) Black Panther
- Severino(1970) Severino
- Tecumseh(1972)
- Apaches(1973)
- Ulzana(1974) Ulzana
- Blood Brothers(1975) Hard Rock
- Chief White Feather(1983) White Feather
