Native Americans, frequently referred to as First Americans, American Indians, Indigenous Americans, and other titles, are the native inhabitants of the United States, including its territories, Northern Mexico, Hawaii, and Canada, as well as the mainland.
Furthermore, Native American actors have shown that even they can showcase their outstanding skills and talent and that they have more to offer when it comes to pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, most notably in their acting careers. Without further ado, here is a list of some of the famous and Native American-born performers.
#50: Danny Trejo
A native American actor of Mexican descent, Dan “Danny” Trejo, has already made appearances on several notable projects both on TV shows and in films, most significantly portraying as the film’s anti-heroes or villains. Before, the opportunity to teach boxing to actor Eric Roberts for the movie “Runaway Train” came to the actor when he worked as a youth drug counselor, ultimately leading to him receiving a minor role in the film.
He eventually rose to prominence for his striking appearance and established himself as a prolific actor, appearing in movies of all genres. Machete was a character created by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez in 2001 and played by Trejo in the film “Spy Kids.”
The veteran actor is 78-year-old, whose birth date was on May 16, 1944, as of 2022. In the United States, Actor Danny Trejo was born in Los Angeles’ Echo Park area. The parents who gave birth to the actor were Dionisio Trejo, his father, a construction worker, and his mother, Alice Rivera.
Trejo faced charges in reputed prisons like “Folsom State Prison” and “San Quentin State Prison” while being imprisoned on drug possession and robbery charges during his late teens and early 20s. There, he channeled his energy into boxing and won multiple championships in the prison’s lightweight and welterweight divisions. He engaged in a 12-step program to overcome drug addiction, which encouraged him to get over his addiction. Before the actor’s acting career took off, Danny worked as a labor supervisor.
#49: Jason Momoa
The native American actor Jason Momoa, whose real name is Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, became famously known for his long-running roles in the TV series “Baywatch Hawaii” and “Stargate: Atlantis.” But the outstanding actor’s portrayal of Khal Drogo in the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones” earned him gain rather more recognition. It drove his career further and caught the interest of both producers and the general public.
The well-known actor is currently 43-year-old as of the year 2022. Jason Momoa’s birth date was on August 1, 1979, the talented actor was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but he grew up in Norwalk, Lowa, with his mother. The remarkable artist is the only child of his parents, whose name is Joseph Momoa, his painter father, and his mother, Coni, a photographer. Jason studied marine biology while attending college in Iowa. Later, while actor Jason was still a student at Colorado State University, he switched his area of study to wildlife biology.
Furthermore, there was an incident that happened behind the scar Jason Momoa has on his face. The reason: the incident occurred on November 15, 2008, after a confrontation at the Bird Café in Hollywood; a guy wounded his face with a broken beer glass, leaving him with a scar visible in his recent films. The actor required 140 stitches due to his severe wounds.
#48: Benjamin Bratt
American TV and film actor Benjamin Bratt rose to prominence for portraying the role of NYPD Detective Reynaldo Curtis in “Law & Order,” an NBC drama series. Benjamin Bratt was nominated in 1999 as the “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series” for a Primetime Emmy Award for his outstanding acting role in “Law & Order.” Moreover, the actor also has received four ALMA Awards for “Outstanding Actor” for his roles in movies and television shows. Benjamin also received a Screen Actors Guild Award alongside his “Traffic” co-stars.
The native American actor Benjamin Bratt, whose birth date is December 16, 1963, is 59 years old as of 2022. He was born to his mother, Eldy, a nurse, and to his father, Peter Bratt Sr., a sheet metal worker, in San Francisco, California. However, when the actor was only four years old, the year 1968, his parents separated.
Benjamin’s mother, who was involved in the Alcatraz prison breakout, forced him and his four siblings to often travel between California and Alcatraz when he was around five years old. This very early encounter had a significant impact on him. And in his teenage years, he lived with his father, who later encouraged him to join a high school play, which made him decide to enroll in acting courses in college.
#47: Wes Studi
The Hollywood American actor West Studi earned his major break in 1988 when cast in the well-regarded indie film “Powwow Highway.” In the hit movie “Dances With Wolves,” the role led to a minor but significant role. Studi played an “angry Pawnee warrior who scalps actor Robert Pastorelli” in the Kevin Costner-directed film, as per Goodman.
The full-blooded Cherokee American actor Wes Studi, whose birth name is Wesley Studie, was born in Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma, the United States. His birth date was December 17, 1947, and as of 2022, the actor is currently 75 years old. He was married first to Rebecca Graves in 1974 and gave birth together to two children, but eventually separated in an unknown year. Maura Dhu Studi is his current wife and together have one child.
Before, the actor enlisted in the military in 1967 and ultimately served in Vietnam. But not every Army memory was unpleasant. On his return to the United States, Studi enrolled in Tulsa Junior College as an unfocused young man, which led to his involvement in the 1972 Trail of Broken Treaties protest march.
#46: Martin Sensmeier
Martin Sensmeier, an American actor, model, and producer who is of Tlingit, Koyukon-Athabaskan descent from Alaska, made the first step in his career as a professional model before transitioning into acting. In 2014, Martin Sensmeier made his first appearance, which is his acting debut in the short film “K’ina Kil: The Slaver’s Son.”
The outstanding actor was popularly known for his portrayal of the Native American role of Wanahton in the HBO television series “Westworld.” In addition, the actor gained more popularity for his prominent role in the movie “The Magnificent Seven,” which also included renowned actors such as Chris Pratt, Denzel Washington, Vincent D’Onofio, and Ethan Hawke.
As of the year 2022, actor Martin Sensmeier is currently 37 years old, whose birth date was on June 27, 1985. His birthplace was in Anchorage, Alaska, United States. The actor’s parents are Raymond Sensmeier and Eva Sensmeier. Furthermore, the actor is currently married to Kahara Hodges.
Other than his most recognized acting in “The Magnificent Seven,” Martin is also known for his portrayal in “Westworld,” “Wind River,” and “Yellowstone.”
#45: Zahn McClarnon
The main character in the AMC series “Dark Winds” in 2022 was played by American actor Zahn McClarnon, whose birth name is Zahn Tokiya-Ku McClarnon. He has gained notoriety for his portrayals in a number of Western crime drama series, including “Longmire,” “Fargo,” and “Westworld.” Additionally, he appears in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series “Hawkeye,” released in 2021, and the FX on Hulu comedy “Reservation Dogs,” and “Echo” which will happen in 2023.
The native American actor Zahn McClarnon, whose birth date was on October 24, 1966, was born in Denver, Colorado, US. The actor is currently 56 as of the year 2022. He is the son of Hunkpapa Lakota, his mother, while his father’s name is unknown; however, the actor is an Irish descent. Zahn McClarnon’s father was employed by the National Park Service at Glacier National Park, and he grew up close to Browning, Montana.
In addition, the outstanding actor Zahn McClarnon was a presenter at the NAMIC Vision Awards in 2006, which honors excellence in multiethnic communications.
#44: Adam Beach
The Canadian actor Adam Beach is also a native American actor whose career started in the TV series “Los in the Barrens,” which was released in 1990. The actor first appeared in the film “Cadillac Girls,” in 1993. Then Adam started to rose to prominence when he took the role of Victor in “Smoke Signals,” and the others included his portrayal of Chester Lake in “Law & Order” and Frank in “Dance me Outside.”
The Canadian and native American actor was born on November 11, 1972, and his birthplace was in Ashern, Manitoba, Canada. Adam Beach is currently 50 years old as of the year 2022. Adam and his two brothers’ parents are Sally Beach and Dennis Beach, and his parents raised them in the Dog Creek First Nations Reserved.
His father, an alcoholic, drowned weeks after his mother was attacked and killed by a drunk driver, which caused the actor to have a traumatic childhood. Adam enrolled in theatrical school and started appearing in regional theater shows when the three brothers moved and lived with their grandmother in Winnipeg, followed by their uncle and aunt.
#43: Raoul Max Trujillo
The native American actor Raoul Max Trujillo, whose birth name is Raoul Maximiano Trujillo de Chauvelon, is not only an actor but also a dancer, choreographer, and theatre director. The remarkable and skillful actor started his acting career in the television series “Counterstrike” in 1990 and made his first outstanding appearance in the film “Scanners II: The New Orders” in 1991. Furthermore, the native American actor is also famous for his portrayal of the roles of Kiotseaton in “Black Robe” and Zero Wolf in “Apocalypto.”
Raoul Max Trujillo’s birth date was on May 8, 1955, and his age is currently 67 years old as of 2022. The gifted actor was raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and after high school, spent three years in the army in Germany. After being freed, Raoul got a job teaching alpine skiing in Taos, New Mexico. Then, the actor was featured in the French publication Ski Flash Magazine along with his distinctive teaching methods.
However, the actor’s first paid professional employment and theatrical debut were in 1977 as an actor/dancer in a show of Equus in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He had no prior experience in the theater other than what he learned in high school drama. The native American actor began working in the theater as a scenic painter. Raoul was now driven to pursue formal education. At USC, where he started dancing, he witnessed his first ballet, contemporary dance, and choreography by Martha Graham, Rudolph Nureyev, and Pilobolus in 1978.
#42: Michael Horse
The native American actor Michael Horse, whose real name is Michael Heinrich Horse, is famously known for his portrayal in the movie, “Twin Peaks,” which was released in 1990, “The Legend of the Lone Ranger” in 1981, and his portrayal in the “Passenger 57” in 1992. Moreover, Michael Horse isn’t just an actor but also a writer and painter who has given the traditional Native American form of “ledger art” newfound inspiration.
Michael Heinrich Horse, professionally known as Michael Horse, is of Yaqui-Apache-Swedish-Hispanic descent, whose birth date is on December 21, 1949. The great actor was born in Los Angeles, California, in the United States, and is currently 73 years old. Pennie Opal Plant has been the actor’s current wife since 2009. Michael, however, married Sandra Horse and Linda D. Ridgway before his current spouse.
Horse and his mother, Nancie Belle Heinrich, resided together in Sun Valley, California, where Nancie Belle Heinrich lived on Sancola Street from 1971 until 2000. His Native American ancestry was not yet confirmed in 1996, despite the Los Angeles Times’ description of him as having “Yaqui, Mescalero Apache, and Zuni Indian bloodlines.”
#41: Tatanka Means
The native American actor Tatanka Means, whose full name is Tatanka Wanbli Sapa Xila Sabe Means, is not only an actor but also a talented comedian, entrepreneur, boxer, and activist of Oglala Lakota, Dine and Omaha descent. The versatile native American actor is popularly known for portraying a role in “Saints & Strangers” and “Tiger Eyes.” Above all, Tatanka Means is a renowned motivational speaker, stand-up comedian, and an award-winning actor.
The versatile actor Tatanka Wanbli Sapa Xila Sabe Means, better known as Tatanka Means, whose birthday was on February 19, 1985, in Porcupine, South Dakota, USA. Tatanka is one of Russell Means’ nine children, an Oglala Lakota activist, and an actor who is also the face of the American Indian Movement. The actor’s name means “Male Buffalo” in Lakota. In addition, his mother’s name is Gloria.
The versatile artist Tatanka does stand-up comedy all around Indian Country, bringing joy and encouraging words to people of all ages. The actor has also launched Tatanka Clothing, a screen printing business, in which the company makes clothing to encourage and promote cultural empowerment. Tatanka is proud to be a drug and alcohol-free performer and was recently recognized as “Entertainer of the Year” by the National Indian Gaming Association.
#40: Kiowa Gordon
Native American actor Kiowa Joseph Gordon, professionally known as Kiowa Gordon, started his acting career in 2009, portraying a role in the well-known movie series “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.” The actor rose to prominence for his role as Embry Call in the debut first film “The Twilight Saga” series and Junior in “The Red Road.”
The native American Kiowa Gordon, whose birth date was on March 25, 1990, was born in Berlin, Germany. Kiowa is currently 32 years old as of the year 2022. His father is Thomas Gordon, while his mother is Camille Nighthorse Gordon; additionally, the actor has four brothers and three sisters. The outstanding actor is currently single and has no report of dating involvement.
The native American actor also received recognition for his performance in the independent film “The Lesser Blessed,” winning the best supporting actor award at the 2013 American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco.
#39: Michael Greyeyes
American actor Michael Greyeyes, whose real name is Michael Joseph Charles Greyeyes, is an Indigenous Canadian. Michael isn’t just an actor in his journey to his career but also a choreographer, dancer, educator, and director. Michael portrayed the lead role in the sitcom, “Rutherford Falls,” from 2021 to 2022. Moreover, the actor’s portrayal in the zombie movie “Blood Quantum” earned him the Best Actor at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards in 2021.
The versatile and outstanding American actor, whose birth date was on June 4, 1967, was born in Qu’Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada. As of the year 2022, Michael Greyeyes is currently 55 years old. Both of the actor’s parents are from the Canadian state of Saskatchewan: his father is from the Muskeg Lake First Nation, and his mother is from the Sweetgrass First Nation.
Furthermore, at York University, Michael teaches theatre as an associate professor. Nancy Latoszewski is his wife, and they have two children together, Lilia and Eva, who were born in 2002 and 2004, respectively.
#38: Gil Birmingham
American actor Gil Birmingham is popularly known for his appearances in over 60 movie films and TV shows. Still, he earned more recognition for playing a role as Billy Jack in the movie series “The Twilight Saga.” Gil has also received several awards for his work performances, including the American Indian LA Film and Television Award for his Outstanding Supporting Role as Sam in “Dreamkeeper” and the First Americans in the Arts (FAITA) award for Outstanding Performance for his performance as Oz in the film “Body & Soul.”
The outstanding and award-winning actor Gil Birmingham, whose birth date was on July 13, 1953, is currently at the age of 69-year-old as of 2022. The actor was born in San Antonio, Texas; eventually, due to his father’s military job prompted his family to relocate a lot during his childhood. Gil began playing the guitar at a young age, which he claimed as his first love.
The actor also worked as a petrochemical engineer for quite a while after receiving a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California’s School of Policy, Planning, and Development. Later, Gil Birmingham changed careers and started to pursue his acting career.
#37: Tahmoh Penikett
A Canadian actor named Tahmoh Penikett is well-known for playing Karl Agathon on the television series “Battlestar Galactica.” The Canadian actor Tahmoh has also made appearances in other TV shows, including “Supernatural” and “Dollhouse.” Tony Penikett, his father, was a prominent politician. He made his television debut in the 1996 film “Murder on the Iditarod Trail,” and after that, he appeared in guest spots on series like “24” and “Dark Angel.”
Actor Tahmoh Penikett, who is Native American and Canadian, was born on May 20, 1975, in Whitehorse, Yukon. The actor is currently at the age of 47 as of the year 2022. Moreover, Tony John Penikett, a well-known politician, was his father, while his mother’s name was Lulla. Tahmoh has two siblings, and their names are Sarah and Stephanie. Tahmoh Penikett received his education at the Lyric School of Acting in Vancouver as well as the Victoria Motion Picture School.
One of the actor’s best-known movies is Michael Dougherty’s horror anthology “Trick ‘r Treat,” in which he had a minor role and shared a common concept with four different stories. The movie has garnered mixed to favorable reviews ranged for the movie. Additionally, it earned the Audience Choice Award at the Screamfest Horror Film Festival as well as the Silver Audience Award at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival.
#36: Alex Meraz
American actor and native Arizona Alex Meraz, whose real name is Alejandro Meraz Nomak, is also a producer, writer, martial artist, and talented dancer. The actor Alex is popularly known for his portrayal in several famous movies, such as “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” in 2009, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” in 2010, “Suicide Squad” in 2016, and “The Last Son,” which was only released in 2021.
American actor Alex Meraz’s birth date was on January 10, 1985, and he was born in Mesa, United States. The actor is currently 37 years old as of the year 2022. Alex Meraz was married to Kim Meraz in 2007, and they both have two children, whose names are Talus Alexander Meraz and Somak Meraz.
#35: Rick Mora
The full name of Native American actor and supermodel Rick Mora is Richard Mora, and he has achieved success in both the European and American modeling markets as a result of certain local photoshoots. The Native American actor Rick has appeared in several films, including “Yellow Rock,” “Avenged,” and the movie series “Twilight Saga.”
After being discovered by renowned Male Super Model agent Omar Alberto, he immediately began acting and modeling. After that, Rick successfully collaborated with prominent photographers like Cliff Watts, Carlos Reynosa, and Matthew Rolston to break into the American and European advertising and modeling markets.
The supermodel and actor Richard Mora, whose birth date was on February 1, 1975, makes him 47 years old as of 2022. Although Rick was born in a cornfield called Los Angeles and moved back to the city at the age of 7, he was raised in Crescent City, California, on a 100-acre farm without electricity and a wood-burning stove.
#34: Litefoot
For almost 30 years, the native outstanding American actor Gary “Litefoot” Davis has been a well-known personality in Indian Country. The actor is initially widely recognized for his notable accomplishments in music, film, and television, including eight award-winning albums and an award-winning movie starring roles. The “Indian in the Cupboard (Paramount Pictures)” and “House of Cards (Netflix),” as well as multiple motivational concert tours that took him to practically all tribal countries in the United States, are among the films that have garnered awards.
The American native actor Gary Paul Davis is professionally known by his stage name “Litefoot,” who was born in Upland, California, USA. The actor’s birth date was on September 11, 1968, and he is currently at the age of 54 as of the year 2022. He was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is of mixed Cherokee and Chichimeca (an indigenous tribe of northern Mexico) ancestry. Since 1997, he has resided in Seattle, Washington.
IndigiStudios is an indigenous film and production firm that Mr. Davis just established. Through a variety of theatrical, episodic, and documentary productions, the company hopes to recover the indigenous story in film and television. The first project of the firm to be made public is the documentary short film “Strong Hearts: An Indigenous Love Letter To My Sons,” which Davis wrote and directed. It will be preceded by various other feature film projects that he plans to create, direct, or produce.
#33: Tokala Black Elk
A native American actor named Tokala Black Elk became well-known for his roles in the films “Wind River” in 2017, “Yellowstone” in 2018, and “The Bygone” in 2019.
The native American actor Tokala Black Elk, whose birth year was in the year 1984, was born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, USA. His exact birth date and month were unclear and never had been indicated on any trusted site. Moreover, his name means “Warrior of the Kit Fox Warrior Society” in the Lakota Language.
Tokala has predominantly Native American ancestry, although his father’s side of the family dates back more than 2,000 years, making his bloodline unbroken from father to son. The Earl of Cumberland of England was Tokala’s father’s and father’s over back fifteen generations. Tokala can be directly linked to both the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and the Viking King Rollo the Ganger through this line of descent.
#32: Branscombe Richmond
The famous native American actor Branscombe Richmond, whose birth name is Branscombe Leo Charles Richmond, doesn’t only settle as an actor. Still, he is also a stuntman and singer who can portray either cold-hearted antagonists or warm-hearted, approachable “good guys” with equal ease, as proven by his broad grin and booming laugh.
The outstanding actor Branscombe Richmond, whose birth date was on August 8, 1955, is currently 67 years old in the year 2022. Branscombe was born in Los Angeles, California, USA, and he is the son of Leo C. Richmond, who is also an actor. Moreover, he is currently married to Leialoha Maa, and they have four children together. Fairai Richmond is also the actor’s loving child.
In the 1991 accident during the filming of the pool hustle scene for “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man,” the actor Branscombe was knocked unconscious after being accidentally hit by a billiard ball by his co-actor Don Johnson.
#31: Michael Spears
Native American and outstanding actor Michael Spears made his first appearance as Otter in the movie “Dances With Wolves.” After that, Michael had appearances in “Skins,” “Into The West,” “Yellow Rock,” guest roles on “Longmire,” and Cyril Morin’s “The Activist.” He won an APA Award for outstanding subject matter in a movie. Michael previously served as the 2013 American Indian Film Institute Awards’ host and co-host.
The native American actor Michael Spears, whose birth date was on December 28, 1977, is currently at the age of 45 as of 2022. Michael was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota, USA. However, the actor was a member of the Lakota Sioux Tribe and was raised in Montana with his sister and five brothers. Additionally, Eddie Spears’ older brother is an actor.
He participated in and acted as a mentor during the second HatcH audiovisual festival in Bozeman, Montana, in October 2005. The aim of the HatcH film and arts festival is to support the next generation of creative innovators by giving advice, instruction, inspiration, and recognition.
#30: Bronson Pelletier
Native American actor Bronson Pelletier appears both in Canadian films and TV shows; he began his career in the acting industry as the host of the famous TV children’s show “Art Zone.” However, his first significant breakthrough came after his performance as Jack Sinclair in the Canadian television series “Renegadepress,” for which the actor earned Gemini and Leo nominations.
He filmed several episodes for the BBC and Discoveries Dinosaur, but his portrayal of Jared, a Quileute shape-shifter, in the “Twilight Saga” brought him worldwide recognition.
The actor Bronson Pelletier, whose birthday was on December 31, 1986, was born in Alberta, Canada. However, the actor has been in Los Angeles since 2014 and has four brothers. Bronson often makes annual trips to Denmark to visit his wife’s relatives. The native American actor was named after Charles Bronson.
In 2014, Bronson expanded his career beyond acting to include producing. He married Sabine Bezzelt Moestrup Pelletier, a Danish model whom he met in Copenhagen in 2009.
#29: Chaske Spencer
The native American actor Chaske Spencer is most known for playing the character Sam Uley in the “Twilight Saga” movie series in “Eclipse,” “New Moon,” and “Breaking Dawn I and II.” In addition, Chaske featured in the Susanna White-directed film “Woman Walks Ahead,” which had its world premiere at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival with Jessica Chastain and Sam Rockwell.
The outstanding actor Chaske Spencer, whose birth date was on March 9, 1975, has two younger sisters. Originally from the Lakota (Sioux) Nation, Chaske is a Native American Indian or First Nation person. Spencer was reared on Indian reservations in Montana and Idaho and is a member of the Lakota Sioux tribe. Chaske Spencer is committed to collaborating with everyone to fight poverty and create sustainable communities. The outstanding actor also represents United Global Shift as a spokesman.
The English (Amazon/BBC), a limited series by Hugo Blick, stars Chaske Spencer as the co-lead alongside “Emily Blunt.” The actor most recently starred in the “Sundance” premiere of the feature film “Wild Indian,” for which Chaske received a 2022 Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Actor Chaske next appears in the new Marvel series “Echo” on Disney+ this coming 2023.
#28: Jay Tavare
American actor who is also blogger Jay Tavare, also known as JT, his acting roles in several Oscar-winning movies, alongside some of the most gifted and well-respected actors and directors of our time, is the natural result of his diverse range of life experiences as well as the end result of his laser-like focus on excellence and commitment to actual characters.
The actor Jay Tavare, whose birth date was on March 23, 1971, was born in Navajo Nation, Arizona, USA. The actor’s father’s name is A. Wallace Tashina. Jay Tavare defines himself well when he says he is a storyteller and a global citizen.
#27: Jerry Wolf
Native American actor Jerry Wolf currently resides in Los Angeles and recently announced a role in Martin Scorcese’s upcoming film “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The most current film was created by Napesni Motion Pictures (shot on film), a firm co-founded in 2011 by Jerry and his partner Nick Brokaw, and he may be seen on the festival circuit in “Last Patrol” on Okinawa.
In keeping with the name of his production firm, Napesni Motion Pictures, Wolf’s vision for his success and the ensuing successes in entertainment will allow him to achieve inside Native America. His Lakota grandmother Ollie Napesni’s last name, “Napesni,” means “never retreats” in Lakota. Jerry is motivated by the same unyielding will to join the next generation of Native American leaders by being the first cross-over Native American Leading Man.
The American actor Jerry Wolf was born in the year 1987, and his birthplace is in Malibu, California, but he currently resides in Los Angeles. His parents are Susie Duff, his mother, and Larry Sellers, his father.
#26: Justin Rain
An architecture major at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, actor Justin Rain later transferred to the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts. In the well-known series “Fear the Walking Dead,” he also portrayed the crazed dog.
Through “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” film, Justin earned a tremendous break in a supporting role. The actor Justin is also known for his portrayal in “Lean on Pete” in 2017 and “Resident Alien” in 2021.
The Canadian actor Justin Rain, whose birthday was October 27, 1981, is currently 41 years old as of 2022. Justin was born in Vancouver, Canada.
#25: Rudy Youngblood
Native American descent Rudy Youngblood is one of the versatile actors in the entertainment industry. Rudy isn’t only just an actor, but he is also a musician, dancer, and artist. Rudy began his acting career in Peter Buffett’s “Spirit: The Seventh Fire.” The most major movie of his career, “Apocalypto,” which Mel Gibson directed the year after, features him as Jaguar Paw.
Actor Rudy Youngblood, whose birth date was September 21, 1982, is a Virgo and is currently at age 40 as of 2022. The native American actor belongs to and is part of the Comanche, Cree, and Yaqui tribes. His birthplace was in Belton, Texas, USA. His father was absent from his childhood; thus, the actor’s mother raised him and his two younger sisters by herself.
Rudy saw a family member die from issues associated with AIDS and felt the need to “give back and make a difference.” One of the most well-known AIDS activists in the Native American community, the actor Rudy, has drawn attention to the high HIV infection rate among Native Americans by participating in AIDS rallies, speaking in front of HIV-positive children in hospitals, and more.
#24: Eddie Spears
Native American model and actor Eddie Spears, whose real name is Edward Spears, started his career in the entertainment industry in the television film “Geronimo” in the year 1993, portraying the role of Ishkiye. The actor was also famous for his role as a Black Cloud in the movie “Black Cloud.” Eddie Spears’s most rewarding role he earned was portraying Shane Chasing Horse in “Dreamkeeper” in 2003.
The outstanding actor Eddie Spears, whose birthday was on November 29, 1982, is currently at the age of 40 as of 2022. His birthplace was in Chamberlain, South Dakota, USA. Eddie took part as a mentor in the second annual HatcH audiovisual festival in Bozeman, Montana, in October 2005.
The purpose of the HatcH film and arts festival is to promote the next generation of creative innovators by offering guidance, instruction, inspiration, and recognition. In addition, the actor, Eddie Spears, belongs to the South Dakota Lakota Sioux Lower Brule Tribe.
#23: Larry Sellers
Native American Larry Sellers, other than his acting career, the actor is also a stuntman. Larry rose to fame in 1993 for his recurring role as Cloud Dancing in the hit CBS television series “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Additionally, he served as the show’s technical advisor, particularly with regard to language matters.
The actor and stuntman Larry Sellers, father of Jerry Wolf, was born on October 2, 1949. However, Larry died at the age of 72 on December 9, 2021. His birthplace was located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, USA. Moreover, Larry Sellers is of Lakota, Cherokee, and Osage ancestry.
Larry Sellers allegedly declined a role in the 1990 epic “Dances with Wolves” starring Kevin Costner because he was unable to finish the Sun Dance ritual in the allotted four days.
#22: Noah Watts
Native American actor Noah Watts is famously known for his portrayal role in “Ringer” in 2011, “Assassin’s Creed III” in 2012, and “Assassin’s Creed III: The Tyranny of King Washington,” which was released in just two years after a third movie was released 2012. In addition to providing the motion and visual representation for “Ratonhnhaké:ton,” Native American actor Noah Watts also performed the voiceover.
Early in his career, Noah started acting on stage, and throughout high school, he was able to hone his acting skill. At the National Forensic League National Tournament, the actor competed in speech and debate competitions to hone his acting skills and placed in fourth place while representing Montana.
The actor, Noah Watts, was born in the year 1983 and is currently at the age of 39 as of the year 2022. Noah was born in Livingston, Montana, and later spent his early life in Bozeman. The actor is a native of the Crow Nation and Blackfeet Nation ancestry.
#21: Alex Kruz
American actor Alex Kruz is well-known for his performances in theater, cinema, and television. As for his role, the actor is famous for his portrayal of Jake Red Cloud in the movie film “Red Cloud: Deliverance” and in the movie “Tim in America.” The Maverick Movie Awards have nominated Alex Kruz for best performance. Alex has been awarded The Best Actor awards from the Amiens International Film Festival, Bare Bones International Film Festival, Mexico International Film Festival, and DC Independent Film Festival.
The native American actor Alex Kruz, whose birth date was on November 11, 1978, is currently age 44 as of 2022. Alex is a well-known warrior from the Mescalero Apache Shadow Wolf Clan. His father was born in New Jersey and is an American Indian of the Kaari (Quichua) Nation.
In addition to his acting job, Alex has helped various organizations that support children and victims of human trafficking. The actor has also created documentaries like “Godka Cirka” (Sundance Premiere), “Madina’s Dream” (SXSW Premiere), and “Fight Church,” which was picked up by LionsGate Films and is currently streaming on Netflix. These films raise awareness of issues like female circumcision, children without voices against war, and other topics that the West typically keeps to itself.
#20: Wesley French
The outstanding artist Wesley French is famously known for his portrayal of Justin Tommy in “Cashing In,” which was aired between 2009 to 2014, “Skin Walking” in 2006, and “In Einem Wilden Land,” also called “Wild Land” in 2013. Wesley also had a starring role in the science fiction series “Defiance” as Luke McCawley, Rafe’s elder son.
The native American Wesley, whose birth date was yearly celebrated on Good Friday, April 13, 1973, was born in London, Ontario, Canada. However, the actor is currently residing in Toronto, Canada. Wesley belongs to the Thames First Nation of the Chippewas in southwest Ontario.
Wesley continued his education at Ryerson Theatre School in Toronto after discovering his love for acting and received his degree there in 2001. Later, he continued his education at Carter Thor Studios East, where he claims he found the meaning of acting.
#19: Billy Wirth
Versatile and talented actor Willian E. Worth, famously known by his stage name Billy Wirth, acting career started with a role in the 1985 film “Seven Minutes in Heaven.” Following his portrayal as Dwayne in “The Lost Boys,” he was cast as the lead in the 1988 movie “War Party.” The actor is also recognized for his role in the hit TV show “American Gladiators,” in which he tossed a ball at the back of gladiator Gemini’s head during the Powerball game, prompting Gemini to assault Billy rightfully.
Along with his acting skills, the actor has been producing, directing, and writing independent films since 1999. In addition to the mentioned, Billy also manages to showcase that he is a skilled musician and artist. The actor headed the “Dust N’ Bones” band and intermittently played with a group named “The Cronies.”
The versatile artist Billy Wirth, whose birth date was on June 23, 1962, is currently at age 60 as of 2022. The actor was born in New York City to an artist mother who may have had some Huron Native American heritage and a lawyer father. Billy attended Collegiate Prep School in Manhattan and Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
#18: Forrest Goodluck
Native American actor Forrest Goodluck makes his feature film debut alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Domnhall Gleeson, Tom Hardy, and Will Poulter in Alejandro González Iárritu’s epic drama “The Revenant,” which airs on FOX. Forrest is a gifted young filmmaker who has won awards for his projects at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the Taos Shortz Film Festival, the LA Skins Festival, and the Taos Shortz Film Festival.
Forrest was also recognized as the Class X Youth Winner for the SWAIA Santa Fe Indian Market. The actor’s filmmaking also contributed to his selection as a 2015 Full Circle Fellow of the Sundance Institute.
The Native American Forrest Goodluck, whose birth date was on August 6, 1998, is currently 24 years old as of the year 2022, the youngest on the list. Forrest is an American actor who belongs to the Dine, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian tribes. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is the son of Laurie and Kevin, who work as a practice manager and an internal medicine doctor, and Forrest has one sibling, whose name is Kalen Goodluck.
#17: Ryan Cunningham
Canadian actor and director Ryan Cunningham is best known for his portrayal in the movie “Dracula,” “Downtown” in 2003, and “The River You Step In,” which was released on the year 2019. He played himself in a documentary called “Chasing Lear,” one of his creations. Some of his works are “Black Stone,” “Playing the Murder,” “Mixed Blessings,” and “Blue Murder.”
The award-winning show “HUFF,” created and sung by Cliff Cardinal, which is produced and performed on tour by the actor’s company, Cunning Concepts & Creations. It was developed by Native Earth Performing Arts under Ryan Cunningham’s artistic direction.
Actor Ryan Cunningham’s birthplace was in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Then, at Grant MacEwan University, he majored in performing arts. Ryan is an Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) Nhiyawi/Cree whose roots are from the Michel Band First Nation.
#16: Chief Yowlachie
Daniel Simmons, a famous Native American actor, better known by his stage name Chief Yowlachie, was a member of the Yakama tribe in the state of Washington. The Native American actor is most known for his work in a number of films in minor roles and supporting roles. Among his most prominent role is that of Two Jaw Quo, Nadine Groot’s cook, in the legendary 1948 “Western Red River.”
Daniel Simmons, professionally known by his name Chief Yowlachie, was born on August 15, 1890. Chief Yowlachie’s birthplace was Kitsap County, Washington, and eventually, with his family on the Yakima Indian Reservation. However, Chief Yowlachie died at the age of 75, on March 7, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, US.
Chief’s parents, John W. Simmons and Lucy Riddle, both had Puyallup ancestry and property allotments on the Yakima reservation, despite the fact that he was not listed in the Yakima Nation.
#15: Chris Eyre
Native American Chris Eyre, an American film producer, and director, served as president of Santa Fe University of Arts and Design in 2012. Chris also identifies as Native American, belonging to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The director and film producer’s works include “Skins,” “Signals,” and “Edge of America.”
The outstanding producer and film director Chris Eyre, whose birth date was on December 4, 1968, is the age of 54 as of the year 2022. Chris Eyre was born in Portland, Oregon, USA, to his parents, Earl and Barbara Eyre.
Chris Eyre’s desire to end “humiliating” conventional portrayals of Native Americans in cinema and television results from his early experiences going to the movies. Chris Eyre, a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, makes an effort to portray modern Native Americans as people who struggle with issues that affect all people but respond to their own unique set of circumstances.
#14: Eric Schweig
The role of Uncas, son of Chingachgook, in the 1992 movie “The Last of the Mohicans,” played by native Canadian actor Eric Schweig, better known by his birth name Ray Dean Thrasher, is his most well-known work. The actor’s other works include “Big Eden” from the year 2000 and “Tom and Huck” from the year 1995.
Following his outstanding performances in dramas like the 2000’s “The Big Eden,” Eric became one of Canada’s most well-known actors in the 2000s. In 2011, he was cast in a major role in the critically acclaimed drama “Blackstone,” which is set on a First Nations reservation. The actor works with Resource Assistance for Youth in Winnipeg, using his reputation to serve as a good role model for troubled youth.
The actor Eric Schweig, whose birth date was on June 19, 1967, is currently at the age of 55 as of the year 2022. Canada’s Northwest Territories is where Eric was born. Moreover, the actor has formerly resided in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Eric was married to Leah on September 9, 1999. However, the couple eventually split up after a year.
#13: David Midthunder
Native American actor David Midthunder is famously known for his portrayal of the leading role of “Famous Shoes” in the movie of Larry McMurtry’s “Comanche Moon,” and David Ridges’ role in Longmire’s Nemesis in both seasons 2 and 3 of the film “Longmire.” David is also well-known for his passion for solitary activities outside of acting, including surfing, skating, dirt biking, and horseback riding.
The Native American actor, whose birth date was on August 8, 1962, age 60 as of the year 2022. David was raised and born in Fort Peck Reservation, Montana, USA. Moreover, his parents are from Assiniboine and Lakota Sioux tribes. He is married to his spouse Angelique Midthunder and, together, have a child named Amber Midthunder.
As an enrolled tribal member, David Midthunder is a part of the Montanan Fort Peck Indian Reservation. After completing his education at Stewart Indian School in Nevada, the actor enrolled at the University of Utah to earn a degree in cultural anthropology.
#12: Buffalo Child
Native American Chief Buffalo Child Long Lance, also known by his birth name Sylvester Clark Long, had his career started when he worked for a wild west show whose producer believed him to be a native American. The actor also starred in “The Silent Enemy,” a movie that showed how hunger at the time was quietly murdering Native Americans on reservations.
The actor Chief Buffalo Child Long Lance, whose birth date was on December 1, 1890, was 42 years old before he took his life by suicide; it happened on March 20, 1932. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was the birthplace of Sylvester Clark Long, also known as Chief Buffalo Child Long Lance. In addition, Joseph S. Long was his father.
Due to the racial stereotypes of the 1920s, he was aware that if he ever disclosed his background to someone, it would prevent him from succeeding in his job. Chief Buffalo made the most of the chance to immerse himself in the culture of his coworkers and even developed fluency in Cherokee.
The actor lost his job and many friends when it was revealed that he was partially African American. This motivated him to struggle with alcoholism, ultimately leading to his death. On March 20, 1932, he took his own life.
#11: Saginaw Grant
Native American artist Saginaw Grant, also known by his birth name Morgan Saginaw Grant, whose known for playing roles in the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian,” “The Lone Ranger,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Community.” Saginaw is also a musician.
The actor Saginaw Grant, whose birthday was on July 20, 1936, was at age 85 before he passed away from natural causes. The Native American actor was born to Sarah Grant and Austin Grant Sr. at the Pawnee Indian Hospital in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He grew up on a farm in Cushing, Oklahoma, with two brothers and a sister.
Saginaw is the Hereditary Chief and a well-liked member of the Sac and Fox, Iowa, and Otoe-Missouria Nations. Saginaw was raised traditionally by both of his parents and was notably impacted by his grandparents. The actor’s other grandpa Saginaw (for whom he was named), was also a deeply spiritual guy, in addition to his powerful medicine man grandfather Kirvin.
#10: Chief Thundercloud
Victor Daniels is an American actor better known by his stage name Chief Thundercloud. He is very well-known for his character of devoted sidekick “Tonto” in the 1938 television series “The Lone Ranger,” and its 1959 sequel, “The Lone Ranger Rides Again,” is undoubtedly Chief Thundercloud’s most well-known creation. The actor was given the stage name “Chief Thundercloud” by Hollywood in 1935, and at that time, he was taking on acting parts, many of which went unnoticed.
Chief Thundercloud’s birthdate was on April 12, 1988, born in Muskogee, Indian Territory, USA, which is now Oklahoma, USA. However, the actor passed away when he was at age 59 due to stomach cancer on December 1, 1955. Victor Daniels, whose history is hazy, claimed to be a Cherokee and was granted the honorific title of “Chief.”
According to his social security application, Chief Thundercloud is the oldest of nine children raised by his parents, Jesus Daniels and Tomaca Daniels, who are listed as being his parents. However, he listed his name as “Victor Vazquez” on the 1925 document of his marriage to Mildred Turner.
Despite the fact that Victor Daniels was raised on an Arizona ranch and claimed to have attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, the Office of the Registrar searched its databases and was unable to locate any records of Victor Daniels’ attendance.
#9: Rodney A. Grant
The native American artist Rodney A. Grant, whose full name is Rodney Arnold Grant, is famously known for “Wind In His Hair” in the “Dances with Wolves” movie from 1990. Over time, Rodney has made appearances on television as well as in excellent film movies. One, in particular, is the 1997 CBS film “Stolen Women, Captured Hearts,” starring Michael Greyeyes and Janine Turner.
American actor Rodney Arnold Grant, whose birth date was on March 9, 1959, was born on the Omaha Reservation in Macy, Nebraska. From when the time he was six months old until 1982, his grandparents raised him when his birth family abandoned him. Rodney has three daughters from his ex-wife, who were all raised by their mother, and two boys from other relationships, altogether five grown children.
Rodney supports others who are in “need” in a variety of various ways, particularly Native American youth. For instance, Rodney is a part of the South Dakota Boys and Girls Club of Cheyenne Country’s board of directors. Currently, the actor Rodney is taking a break from acting to devote more of his time to his family, charity, and independent filmmaking.
#8: Chief Dan George
Chief Dan George is one of those versatile actors in Hollywood; other than his acting career, he is also an author and musician. At the age of 65, the actor began his film career. Based on his portrayal in the series and his experience portraying the same role in “Smith! In Little Big Man” in 1969, a Disney version of one of the series’ episodes based on “Breaking Smith’s Quarterhorse,” a novella by Paul St. Pierre, and starring Glenn Ford, he was chosen to portray “Old Lodge Skins” in 1970.
The talented artist Chief Dan George, whose birth name is Geswanouth Slahoot, was born on July 24, 1899, and was at the age of 82 when the actor passed away due to heart failure. Canada’s British Columbia is where Chief Dan was born and raised. Furthermore, he is the son of a tribal leader on Burrard Indian Reserve No. 2, subsequently became known as Dan Slahoot no. 3.
The Burrard Band, commonly known as the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation today, was ruled by Chief Dan from 1951 to 1963 in North Vancouver, British Columbia. His son Chief Leonard George is the current chief even though the post is elected rather than inherited.
#7: Floyd Red Crow Westerman
Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman is a Dakota Sioux Indian who works as an actor, singer, composer, and Native American rights activist. Floyd debuted on the big screen in “Renegades” in 1989 but is most known for his role as Ten Bear, an elder, and leader, in “Dances with Wolves” in 1990. The artist’s works, such as “Custer Died For Your Sins” and “BIA Blues,” have helped the American Indian Movement’s message spread throughout the world.
Pop Wharton, another name for Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman, was born on August 17, 1936, in Roberts County, South Dakota, in the United States. However, the talented Native American artist passed away at the age of 71 due to complications from leukemia.
Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman was born in South Dakota in the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Sioux tribe. Floyd left the reservation as a youngster to enroll in a government boarding school, where his hair was cut, and he was forbidden from using his native language.
#6: Graham Greene
Canadian Indigenous actor Graham Greene is famously known for his portrayal in the movies, “Dances with Wolves” which was released In 1990, “The Green Mile” in 1999, and the movie “Wind River” in 2017. In 2005, the actor played James Clearwater on the television program “Numb3rs,” and in 2009, Graham played Harry Clearwater in the popular film series “Twilight: New Moon.”
Native actor Graham, whose birth date was on June 22, 1952, is currently at age 70 as of 2022. Graham is an Oneida Indian and was born in the Six Nations Reserve in Ontario, Canada. Moreover, he was married on December 20, 1990, to Hilary Blackmore.
Graham Greene received his doctorate in law from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in June 2008. This university is close to the Oneida tribe where Greene was born.
#5: Iron Eyes Cody
Born Espera Oscar De Corti, the Italian-American actor Iron Eyes Cody is well-known for playing Native Americans in Hollywood feature films, most notably in Bob Hope’s 1948 film “The Paleface.” In one of the most well-known TV public service ads in the country, “Keep America Beautiful,” he also played a Native American.
Espera Oscar De Corti, professionally known by his stage name “Iron Eyes Code,” was born in Kaplan, Louisiana, United States. The actor’s birth date was April 3, 1904; however, the actor passed away at age 94 on January 4, 1999. The actor’s parents are Antonio de Corti (also known as Tony Corti) and Francesca Salpietra. Along with his sister Victoria and two brothers, Joseph and Frank, he grew up in Gueydan, Louisiana.
The couple remained together until Bertha’s passing in 1978 and adopted two kids. Cody’s Sicilian background and lack of Native American heritage were both disclosed after his death. In 1936, archaeologist Bertha Parker married Iron Eyes Cody. Arthur and Robert, who are of Dakota and Maricopa descent, were adopted by them. They stayed together till Parker passed away in 1978.
#4: Jay Silverheels
An athlete and actor of American and Canadian descent, Jay Silverheels is best known for his work as Tonto in the television series “The Lone Ranger,” which is what people most often recognize him for. Given that Silverheels was raised in a Native American family, Tonto, who was also a Native American, was portrayed to perfection by him.
The American and Canadian descent Jay Silverheels, whose birth date was on May 26, 1912, was at the age of 67 before he passed away on March 5, 1980. The actor was born in Six Nations of the Grand River, near Ontario, Canada, and he grew up in the indigenous American tribe, Mohawk.
His parents were Mabel Phoebe Doxtater and Captain Alexander George Edwin Smith, while a Mohawk chief was his grandfather. Jay’s parents had a total of eleven children, including Silverheels. Silverheels experienced a rough childhood. To escape poverty, he turned to sports and athletics. The actor was a talented boxer and lacrosse player, and he also competed in several boxing “Golden Gloves” tournaments.
#3: Jim Thorpe (Olympic Athlete)
Native American Jim Thorpe was a professional football and baseball player who later pursued an acting career. In his sports career, he won the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Olympics, but he was disqualified for breaking the amateur eligibility requirements and had his gold medals taken away.
The birthdate of Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe varies greatly; nonetheless, it was generally accepted that he was born on May 22, 1887. However, Thorpe declared that he was actually born on May 28, 1888, “near and south of Bellemont – Pottawatomie County – along the banks of the North Fork River.” Moreover, Jim was born in the Indian Territory of the United States, which was later Oklahoma.
Thorpe experienced heart failure for the third time in early 1953 while having dinner with Patricia in their Lomita, California, home. Artificial breathing brought him back to life for a while, and he communicated with people around him before quickly losing consciousness. At 65, he passed away on March 28.
#2: Russell Means
The American actor Russell Means served as the American Indian Movement’s (AIM) first national director, a position that made him rise to prominence in this position during the 1973 standoff with the American authorities at Wounded Knee. Moreover, Russell also made appearances in several movies, such as “Natural Born Killers,” which was released in 1994, “The Last of the Mohicans” in 1992, and others.
The Oglala/Lakota Sioux Indian actor Russel, whose birth date was on November 10, 1939, however, the actor, Russell, passed away at the age of 73 due to esophageal cancer on October 22, 2012. Moreover, Russel Means was born in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, USA.
Along with the United States, he has fought to protect the rights of indigenous people globally. Means stated in a broadcast speech at the Libertarian Party National Convention in 2000 that he favors the term “Indian” to the more politically correct “Native American.”
Every person born in the US, according to the actor, is a native American.
#1: Will Sampson
American actor Will Sampson, whose birth name was William Sampson Jr., is also a talented painter and rodeo performer. Will started his acting career in which he made a portrayal in the movie “Crazy Mama,” and another television movie “Relentless.” Moreover, William, a Creek Nation Native American actor, received his “big break” when he costarred with Jack Nicholson in the iconic role of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” in 1975.
Actor Will Sampson, whose birth date was on September 27, 1933, was at the age of 54 when he passed away due to complications from his heart and lung transplant surgery. Moreover, the actor was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, USA, to his parents, William Sampson Sr. and Mabel Sampson.
Will is allegedly the third person to fall victim to the fabled “Poltergeist Curse.” Sampson supposedly made the claim that the set of “Poltergeist II: The Other Side” was haunted while it was being filmed. The actor is said to have blessed sets and places using Native American traditions to ward off the curse.