5 Powerful Native American Actors Changing the Face of Film
Choosing just five Native American actors who have made a significant impact on film is actually a lot harder to do now than it was, say, even 20 years ago. Since the early 2000’s there has been a bigger push to cast authentically, and with immense talent available in the form of Native American, indigenous, and First Nations people, we thankfully have many talented people from which to choose.
The Problem with Pretendians
Say what? Yes, there has been a huge problem in the past with casting non-native people in roles that should have Native American actors. This has happened numerous times in film and TV.
One of the most famous controversies was the 1970s Ad Council campaigns for “Keep America Beautiful.” An actor named Iron Eyes Cody was the famed crying Indian in that spot. It was a powerful ad that won awards, but Cody was actually Italian. He was known as Oscar Espera DeCorti. DeCorti appeared in over 200 projects spanning over five decades. The actor often played “Indian” parts. DeCorti supported Native American causes.
5 Native American Actors Setting the Standard
Who are the Native/First Nations actors making waves? What about the trailblazers of old? Who are the ones to watch today? We’ll cover a few right now!
Tantoo Cardinal
In an iconic career that has spanned over five decades, Cardinal has portrayed anything from small, but memorable supporting roles, to a powerful tribal leader. She has appeared in “Dances with Wolves”, “Black Robe”, “Stumptown,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The Cree and Métis actress is a member of the prestigious Order of Canada. She is a founder of Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company. With over 140 credits to her name, she shows no sign of slowing down.
Lily Gladstone
Speaking of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” this actress played Mollie in the film. Although Gladstone has been around for a while, her portrayal of Mollie earned critical acclaim, and she was nominated for multiple awards. Of Blackfeet and Nez Perce descent, Gladstone was born in Montana and grew up on a reservation before moving to Washington. She is the first indigenous person to win a Golden Globe Award. Fun fact: the Ewoks in Star Wars are what inspired her to act!
Adam Beach
One of the most truly versatile actors on our Native American actors list is Adam Beach. Fans might recognize him from the long-running series “Law & Order: SVU,” where he played Detective Lake. He appeared on the eighth season playing Finn’s partner. Beach has also been in numerous films and television productions playing indigenous characters ranging from Navajo to Mohawk to his native tribe, Saulteaux Anishinaabe. Beach has overcome daunting obstacles in his life, including losing both of his parents at a young age. With his broad range, we can’t wait to see what he does next!
Zahn McClarnon
Now we get to one of the most soulful and emotive Native American actors, Zahn McClarnon. He got his start in the late 80s with small roles. It wasn’t until 2005 when he portrayed Running Fox in TNT’s miniseries “Into the West” that producers took notice and started casting him in more TV and movie roles. He received critical claim as the mysterious Hanzee Dent in season two of “Fargo.” McClarnon can be seen in “Dark Winds” portraying Detective Joe Leaphorn. The Hunkpapa Lakota actor dedicates countless hours to studying the culture and language of the characters he portrays.
Wes Studi
“Last of the Mohicans” prominently featured talented actor Daniel Day-Lewis, but the antagonist in the film was another haunting and highly memorable character, Magua. Studi’s portrayal of Magua ranked high among movie villains. Studi has lent his voice to assorted characters, taught his native language, Cherokee, and he’s a musician. Studi is also an army veteran. In 2019, he received an Academy Honorary Award; he was the first Native American actor to receive such an honor. He made #19 on the New York Times’ “25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century (So Far)” with Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott.
The article stated in part:
“Wes Studi has one of the screen’s most arresting faces… [he] doesn’t just play with a character’s facade; he peels its layers. A master of expressive opacity, he shows you the mask and what lies beneath, both the thinking and the feeling.”
If that doesn’t make Studi one of the best candidates for our influential Native American actors list, we don’t know who would better qualify!
Wrapping It Up
Okay, we may have an honorable mention. Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman, an actor and musician, should be on this list, too. Best known as Uncle Ray from “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Westerman was a scene stealer in nearly everything he did. The Dakota Sioux actor made huge strides for Native American musicians and actors to be recognized in entertainment.
It was tough to pick only a few of the talented Indigenous and Native American actors for this list. With increased cultural sensitivity, more opportunities for native storytelling, and fans who are hungry for more content, we hope to see more stories and fresh faces coming soon.
