Indigenous Americans have persevered in the entertainment industry, and their efforts are now gaining recognition. After years of dedication, Native American actors are beginning to receive the acclaim they deserve. Many of these talented individuals have toiled for decades, and their persistence is paying off. Some are landing roles in major films and compelling TV shows, while others use their platforms to share indigenous stories and foster cultural understanding. Let’s take a look at some of these actors who won the hearts of many around the world.
Wes Studi
Stage 6 Films
Wes Studi boasts an impressive five-decade-long career in the film industry. Born into a Cherokee family, he spoke only Cherokee and pursued a vocational major in dry cleaning. After serving in Vietnam for a year, Studi made the pivotal choice to pursue action, which transformed his life. His career highlights include remarkable performances in iconic films such as Mystery Men, Avatar, Dances with Wolves, and many more.
Additionally, he has made significant contributions to television, being featured in shows like Penny Dreadful, The Red Road, and Reservation Dogs. Studi’s talent and dedication have earned him immense respect. He was honored with the first Honorary Academy Award for a Native American, a recognition that was truly well-deserved.
Graham Greene
Graham Greene, an Oneida Native American, was born on the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. He embarked on his acting journey by performing in stage plays in England and Toronto during the early 1970s. Greene made his TV debut in a 1976 episode of The Great Detectives, and gained prominence in the early 1980s with the film Running Brave.
Greene’s filmography is remarkable, featuring iconic roles such as Kicking Bird in Dances with Wolves and Detective Joe in Die Hard with a Vengeance. He’s portrayed notable Native American figures like Sitting Bull and Tecumseh, showcasing his versatility. Notably, he was honored as a member of the Order of Canada in 2015, recognizing his contributions to the arts.
Martin Sensmeier
Representing the new wave of indigenous actors, Martin Sensmeier embraces his Alaskan and European-American heritage. He transitioned from a career as an oil rig welder to follow his acting dreams, relocating to Los Angeles and securing his first role in the sci-fi film, Beyond the Sky. Sensmeier is crafting a promising path for himself, landing recurring roles in popular TV shows like Westworld, Yellowstone, and 1883.
He also shared the screen with Liam Neeson in The Ice Road. Known for his strong work ethic and deep cultural pride, Sensmeier is strategically climbing the Hollywood ladder, making impactful strikes in the industry. His dedication to his craft and heritage shines through as he continues to make waves in the entertainment world.
Amber Midthunder
Action enthusiasts were thrilled with the release of the latest Predator movie, Prey, last year. The film, a welcomed addition to the franchise, stars the incredibly talented Assiniboine Native American actress, Amber Midthunder. Despite her early start in acting during childhood, the 26-year-old member of the Fort Peck Sioux Tribe is now truly making her mark.
Before her breakout role in Prey, Midthunder delivered noteworthy performances in movies like The Marksman, The Ice Road, and Hell or High Water. She also played significant roles in TV series such as Legion. She is set to appear in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, based on the popular anime series.
Zahn McClarnon
Another renowned Native American actor with a three-decade-long career, Zahn McClarnon is widely acknowledged for his exceptional roles in TV series like Longmire, Fargo, Westworld, and Reservation Dogs. Of Hunkpapa Lakota heritage through his mother, he spent weekends with his grandparents on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, immersing himself in his roots.
McClarnon’s passion for acting was ignited when he was cast in a theatre production. He has since maintained a steady presence in the industry. He delivered standout performances in films such as Bone Tomahawk and Doctor Sleep, as well as TV shows like Barkskins and Dark Winds, showcasing his talent and versatility.
Forrest Goodluck
Forrest Goodluck, a promising Native American actor, gained recognition for his role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant. Hailing from New Mexico, Goodluck boasts a rich heritage, with his father being of Navajo descent and his mother’s ancestry comprising Hidatsa, Mandan, Navajo, and Tsimshian roots.
Despite being in the early stages of his career, Goodluck is leaving a significant impact with his compelling portrayal in the drama film Cherry and the TV series The Republic of Sarah. His talents and diverse heritage contribute to his rising status in the entertainment industry.
Tantoo Cardinal
Born in Fort McMurray, Tantoo Cardinal co-founded the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company and has been active in theatrical productions since the 1970s. She participated in a Native American rendition of Shakespeare’s King Lear and appeared in numerous TV shows and films. Cardinal’s notable film credits include Silent Tongue, Wind River, Hold the Dark, and many more.
Recently, she portrayed Lily Gladestone’s mother in Martin Scorsese’s Killer of the Flower Moon. Cardinal, an environmental activist, was arrested in 2011 for protesting the Keystone XL pipeline. In 2017, she received the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television’s Earle Grey Award for her outstanding lifetime achievements.
Adam Beach
Shadow Shows Distribution
Cineplex Odeon Films
Adam Beach, a member of the Anishinaabe indigenous community, grew up facing hardships. Orphaned at a young age, he lived with his grandmother in Winnipeg, where he discovered his love for acting as a way to express himself. Beach’s acting journey began with the 1990 film Lost in the Barrens, marking the start of a successful career.
The war film Windtalkers was his breakthrough, alongside Nicolas Cage, opening doors to significant roles in movies like Skinwalkers, Hostiles, and many more, as well as TV series such as The Good Doctor. Remarkably, his portrayal of Victor Joseph in Smoke Signals, a culturally significant indie film produced entirely by Native Americans, earned recognition and preservation in the US National Film Registry.
Raoul Trujillo
Icon Film Distribution
With a career spanning over four decades, Native American actor Raoul Trujillo gained fame for his role in Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto, but his journey began as a soloist with the Nikolais Dance Theatre. Throughout the ’80s, he danced for various theaters and co-directed the American Indian Dance Theatre.
Transitioning to acting in the ’90s, Trujillo diligently built his filmography, landing significant roles in movies like The New World, Blood Father, Riddick, and the two Sicario films. In recent years, he has garnered a new fan base for his portrayal of Che Taza Romero in Mayans M.C., showcasing his versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.
Michael Horse
Identifying as Yaqui descent, Michael Horse doesn’t affiliate with a specific tribute but has built a successful career portraying Native American characters in various media. His debut movie role was as Tonto in The Legend of the Lone Ranger. Notable moments in his film career include appearances in Passenger 57, The Call of the Wild, and Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces.
On television, he has been featured in series like Twin Peaks, The Untouchables, and the popular show Claws. Additionally, he has made numerous one-episode cameos in well-known series such as The X–Files, Walker, Texas Ranger, and Hell on Wheels. Horse is appreciated in the industry for his diverse roles and extensive contributions to both movies and television.
