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List of Native American actors

{{Short description|List of Native American actors from the United States}}

{{Cleanup|reason=flagged for poor sourcing for five years|date=June 2023}}

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{{For-text|Indigenous actors from Canada|list of Indigenous Canadian actors}}

This is a list of Native American actors in the United States, including Alaskan Natives.

While Native American identity can be complex, it is rooted in political sovereignty that predates the creation of colonial nation states like the United States, Canada, and Mexico and persists into the 21st century recognized under international law by treaty. The Bureau of Indian Affairs defines Native American as having American Indian or Alaska Native ancestry. Legally, being Native American is defined as being enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, including Alaskan villages. Ethnologically, factors such as culture, history, language, religion, and familial kinships can influence Native American identity.[http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm "IV. Our Nation’s American Indian and Alaska Native Citizens."] US Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. Retrieved 8 July 2012. All individuals on this list should have confirmed Native American ancestry. Historical figures might predate tribal enrollment practices and would be included based on ethnological tribal membership, while any contemporary individuals should either be enrolled members of federally recognized tribes or have cited Native American ancestry and be recognized as being Native American by their respective tribes(s). Contemporary unenrolled individuals should only be listed as being of descent from a tribe if they have confirmed heritage.

{{Compact TOC|center=yes|align=center|top=no|seealso=yes|refs=yes|extlinks=yes}}

{{incomplete list|date=March 2020}}

A

  • Victor Aaron (1956–1996), Yaqui descent{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}
  • Apesanahkwat, Menominee Nation
  • Nathan Apodaca (Northern Arapaho/Mexican-American{{cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Darren |title=TikTok Star Nathan Apodaca Doesn’t Celebrate Columbus Day |url=https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/tiktok-star-nathan-apodaca-doesn-t-celebrate-columbus-day |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Native News Online |date=12 October 2020}}), actor, TikTok star

B

C

  • Tonantzin Carmelo, Tongva/Kumeyaay descent{{cite web |last=Martindale |first=David |url=http://www.tnt.tv/dramalounge/article/0,,7121,00.html |title=Meet Tonantzin Carmelo |publisher=Tnt.tv |date=July 15, 2003 |access-date=January 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606234649/http://www.tnt.tv/dramalounge/article/0,,7121,00.html |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
  • Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma{{cite news |last1=Hagens |first1=Nate |title=Casey Camp-Horinek: "Indigenous Wisdom: Resilience, Adaptation, and Seeing Nature as Ourselves" |url=https://www.resilience.org/stories/2024-07-25/casey-camp-horinek-indigenous-wisdom-resilience-adaptation-and-seeing-nature-as-ourselves/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Resilience |date=25 July 2024}}), activist, speaker, actor
  • Alaqua Cox, Menominee/Mohican{{cite news |last1=Vaisvillas |first1=Frank |title=Menominee actresses Alaqua Cox and Darnell Besaw star in the new Marvel 'Hawkeye' series on Disney+ |url=https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/native-american-issues/2021/12/20/marvel-hawkeye-series-disney-features-native-american-actress-alaqua-cox/8929909002/ |access-date=27 March 2022 |work=Green Bay Press Gazette |date=20 December 2021}}

D

  • Cody Deal (born 1986), Osage NationPolacca, Benny. [http://osagenews.org/article/osage-actor-stars-cable-tv-movie-year "Osage actor stars in cable TV movie this year."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521050744/http://www.osagenews.org/article/osage-actor-stars-cable-tv-movie-year |date=2013-05-21 }} Osage News. 7 March 2011. Retrieved 30 June 2013.

E

F

  • Abel Fernandez (1930–2016), Yaqui descent{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}
  • Sydney Freeland (Diné), director, filmmaker, producer, writer{{cite web |title=Sydney Freeland, writer/director/producer |url=https://www.televisionacademy.com/features/news/online-originals/nahm/sydney-freeland |website=Television Academy |access-date=13 March 2025}}

G

  • Lily Gladstone, Blackfeet/Nez Perce descent actress{{cite news |last1=Aleiss |first1=Angela |title=From Lillian St. Cyr to Lily Gladstone: A Brief History of Hollywood Honoring Native Talent |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lillian-st-cyr-lily-gladstone-history-hollywood-honoring-native-talent-1235710307/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=19 December 2023}}
  • Dallas Goldtooth (Mdewakanton Dakota/Diné){{cite web|title=Dallas Goldtooth |url= https://www.theguardian.com/profile/dallas-goldtooth |website=The Guardian|access-date=13 March 2025}})
  • Forrest Goodluck, Navajo
  • Kiowa Gordon (Hualapai{{cite news |title=‘Dark Winds’ returns for expanded third season |url=https://indianz.com/News/2024/11/01/dark-winds-returns-for-expanded-third-season/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Indianz.com |date=1 November 2024}})
  • Rodney A. Grant, Omaha{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20010723033036/http://www.turtletrack.org/Issues00/Co09092000/CO_09092000_Rodney.htm]}} "Rodney A. Grant is a well-known celebrity in the Native Community. A Native American actor who is in support of Native American issues and is always willing to speak for the Native American people."
  • Saginaw Grant, Sac and Fox NationBreslauer, Jan (February 20, 1996). [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-02-20-ca-37827-story.html "The Spirit Moves Him in New and Traditional Ways"]. Los Angeles Times.
  • Elva Guerra (Ponca/Mexican-American{{cite news |last1=Bardwell |first1=Neely |title=Q&A: Two-Spirit Actor and ‘Reservation Dogs’ Star Elva Guerra |url=https://nativenewsonline.net/arts-entertainment/q-a-two-spirit-actor-and-reservation-dogs-star-elva-guerra |access-date=13 March 2025 |date=29 June 2023}}), actor
  • Kimberly Norris Guerrero, Colville (enrolled), Salish-Kootenai descent{{cite web |url=http://www.indiancountrynews.com/icountrytv-mainmenu-138/indian-country-tv/10795-kimberly-norris-guerrero-jumps-into-romantic-comedy-with-both-feet |title=Kimberly Norris Guerrero jumps into romantic comedy with both feet - Indian Country News |access-date=2015-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222160302/http://www.indiancountrynews.com/icountrytv-mainmenu-138/indian-country-tv/10795-kimberly-norris-guerrero-jumps-into-romantic-comedy-with-both-feet |archive-date=2015-12-22 }}

H

  • Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Muscogee{{cite news |last1=Lillie |first1=Vanessa |title='Reservation Dogs' Reminded Me That I Carry My Native Community with Me |url=https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2023/10/05/sterlin-harjo-deer-lady-reservation-dogs-finale-vanessa-lillie |access-date=11 March 2025 |work=WBUR |date=October 5, 2023 |archive-date=September 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919094012/https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2023/10/05/sterlin-harjo-deer-lady-reservation-dogs-finale-vanessa-lillie |url-status=live }}) actor, comedian, director, writer
  • Charlie Hill, Oneida Nation, Mohawk, Cree
  • Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, Rosebud Lakota
  • Jack Hoxie, Nez Perce{{cite web |url=http://www.ptsi.net/user/museum/hoxie.html |title=Jack Hoxie |access-date=2006-05-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618104352/http://www.ptsi.net/user/museum/hoxie.html |archive-date=2006-06-18 }} "in an interview with LeRoy Sebastian in 1963, he said "Pastor, I am an Indian, and therefore I have lived these many years believing in the Red Man's God..."
  • Miko Hughes, Chickasaw
  • Blu Hunt - American actress, Oglala Lakota

I

J

  • Devery Jacobs (Kahnawà:ke Mohawk{{cite news |last1=Valdez |first1=Ysenia |title=Devery Jacobs Sees the Bigger Picture |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/new-hollywood-2022-devery-jacobs |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Teen Vogue |date=14 March 2022}})
  • Ben Johnson,Thurman, Tom. - Ben Johnson: Third Cowboy on the Right.Erickson, Hal. "Ben Johnson". Allmovie. Cherokee, grew up on an Osage reservation

K

  • Oscar Kawagley, Yup'ik
  • Geraldine Keams (Diné{{cite news |last1=Aleiss |first1=Angela |title=From Lillian St. Cyr to Lily Gladstone: A Brief History of Hollywood Honoring Native Talent |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lillian-st-cyr-lily-gladstone-history-hollywood-honoring-native-talent-1235710307/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=19 December 2023}}), actor
  • Stepfanie Kramer, Eastern Band Cherokee{{cite web |url=http://www.wonderfulworldofhunter.com/Text/translation1.htm |title=Untitled Document |access-date=2006-05-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509010655/http://www.wonderfulworldofhunter.com/Text/translation1.htm |archive-date=2006-05-09 }} "Stephanie Kramer also intends to resume her music career, preparing a new album. Meanwhile, she devotes herself to Indian children. "I'm half Cherokee. I'd like so much for these children, who are a bit mine, to continue their studies. Life is hard In their land ravaged by extreme poverty. Thanks to an official organization, we can help them." The good-hearted actress has even taken a little girl from the Hopi tribe under her wing and she contributes a lot of money."

L

M

  • Randolph Mantooth, Seminole[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19791114&id=mJlHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R38MAAAAIBAJ&pg=7187,3474485] "...Randy, whose father is a Seminole Indian, "Got to make some comments I've been waiting all my life to say in a powerful picture."
  • Trixie Mattel, Ojibwe descent
  • Robin Maxkii, Stockbridge-Munsee, actress
  • Zahn McClarnon, Hunkpapa Lakota, actor{{cite web |url=http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1057592842 |title=ICT [2003/07/07] Zahn McClarnon, more than just Indian and Irish |access-date=2006-05-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050416183708/http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1057592842 |archive-date=2005-04-16 }} "Over the past 12 years Zahn McClarnon (Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux) has made dozens of appearances on TV, cable network movies and feature films."
  • Russell Means, Oglala Lakota, activist, actor[http://www.russellmeans.com/] "The L.A. Times has described him as the most famous American Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse."
  • Tatanka Means, Navajo, Lakota{{Cite web |url=http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/06/07/tatanka-means-rises-next-level-tiger-eyes-149784 |title=Tatanka Means Rises to Next Level with 'Tiger Eyes' - ICTMN.com |access-date=2015-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505175709/http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/06/07/tatanka-means-rises-next-level-tiger-eyes-149784 |archive-date=2014-05-05 |url-status=dead }}
  • Amber Midthunder (Fort Peck Sioux){{cite news |last1=Sarner |first1=Lauren |title=Father/daughter duo are among rare Native American actors in Hollywood |url=https://nypost.com/2018/06/14/father-daughter-duo-are-among-rare-native-american-actors-in-hollywood/ |access-date=1 March 2022 |work=New York Post |date=14 June 2018}}
  • Cara Jade Myers (Wichita/Kiowa{{cite news |last1=Aleiss |first1=Angela |title=From Lillian St. Cyr to Lily Gladstone: A Brief History of Hollywood Honoring Native Talent |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/lillian-st-cyr-lily-gladstone-history-hollywood-honoring-native-talent-1235710307/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=19 December 2023}}), actor

O

P

  • Migizi Pensoneau (Ponca/Ojibwe){{cite news|title=Migizi Pensoneau|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/migizi-pensoneau/|access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Huffington Post}}), actor, comedian, writer
  • Jon Proudstar (Pascua Yaqui{{cite news |last1=Bailer |first1=Bryn |title=The first comic book with an all-Native American superhero team returns |url=https://www.hcn.org/issues/46-3/the-first-comic-book-with-an-all-native-american-superhero-team-returns/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=High Country News |date=17 February 2014}})

Q

R

  • Arthur Redcloud, Navajo
  • Ryan RedCorn (Osage Nation{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Rachel |title=For this Native community, photography has harmed—and healed |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/photography-tells-osage-nation-story-past-and-present |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=National Geographic |date=19 May 2020}})
  • Red Shirt (Oglala), Lakota
  • Red Wing, (Lillian St. Cyr), Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
  • Steve Reevis, Blackfeet{{Cite web|url=http://www.nativecelebs.com/profiles/steve_reevis.htm|title = Steve Reevis - NativeCelebs profiles}}
  • Branscombe Richmond, Aleut{{cite web |url=http://www.americanmotorcycle.net/br_articles/halloffame.html |title=Branscombe Richmond's Acting Bio |access-date=2006-04-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060403123936/http://www.americanmotorcycle.net/br_articles/halloffame.html |archive-date=2006-04-03 }} "Of Aleut Indian descent, Branscombe has said, "I am a Native American first, last and always.""
  • Will Rogers (1879–1935), Cherokee, film and vaudeville actor, movie producerCarter, Joseph H. [http://www.willrogers.com/writers/stories/molded/Molded.html "Father and Cherokee Tradition Molded Will Rogers."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026202459/http://www.willrogers.com/writers/stories/molded/Molded.html |date=2012-10-26 }} Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  • Ned Romero, film and television actor, Chitimacha{{cite web |url=http://www.wildestwesterns.com/no_6/ned_romero.htm |title=Ned Romero-The Definitive Native American Actor |publisher=Wildestwesterns.com |access-date=January 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412110127/http://www.wildestwesterns.com/no_6/ned_romero.htm |archive-date=April 12, 2009 }}
  • Lois Red Elk, enrolled member of the Ft. Peck Sioux in Montana.

S

  • Frank Salsedo, Wappo
  • Jana Schmieding (Cheyenne River Lakota{{cite news |last1=Soo Hoo |first1=Fawnia |title=The Fashion on 'Rutherford Falls' Supports and Celebrated Native Design |url=https://fashionista.com/2022/06/rutherford-falls-jana-schmieding-costumes-outfits |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Fashionista |date=16 June 2022}}), actor
  • Will Sampson, Muscogee (Creek) Nation{{cite web |url=http://www13.addr.com/~rodneygrant/will.htm |title=Will Sampson |access-date=2006-05-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060426191037/http://www13.addr.com/~rodneygrant/will.htm |archive-date=2006-04-26 }} "Will was a Muscogee Creek Indian born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, in 1934."
  • Larry Sellers, Osage, Cherokee, Lakota[http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jcoles/lsbio.html] "He drew on his heritage as an Osage/Cherokee/Lakota Indian to also become an educator, historian and historical consultant."
  • Martin Sensmeier (Tlingit/Koyukon Athabascan{{cite news |last1=Patil |first1=Tulsi |title=How Alaskan actor Martin Sensmeier became one of 'The Magnificent Seven' |url=https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/Tlingit-Athabascan-from-Yakutat-is-one-of-the-Magnificent-Seven-394614611.html |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=Alaska's News Source |date=23 September 2016}}),
  • Sitting Bull, Lakota, Hunkpapa
  • John Sitting Bull, Lakota, Hunkpapa
  • William Sitting Bull, Lakota, Hunkpapa
  • Charles Soldani, Osage and Kaw actor
  • Eddie Spears, Brulé[http://www.eddiespearsactor.com] "Best Actor Native Voice Film Festival 2005 for the lead role in Black Cloud"
  • Michael Spears, Brulé
  • Chaske Spencer, Sioux/Nez Perce/Cherokee/Muscogee descent{{cite web |url=http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/Interview-with-a-New-Moon-Werewolf.html |title=Interview with a New Moon Werewolf |publisher=BettyConfidential.com.com |access-date=January 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707231008/http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/Interview-with-a-New-Moon-Werewolf.html |archive-date=July 7, 2011 }}
  • Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Lakota author and actor
  • Wes Studi, Cherokee Nation{{cite web|url=http://www.mohicanpress.com/mo06018.html |title=Meeting Magua: A Wes Studi Interview |publisher=Mohicanpress.com |date=May 8, 1999 |access-date=January 29, 2011}}

T

  • Jim Thorpe, Sac and Fox[http://www.signature-reads.com/2011/04/jim-thorpe-goes-to-hollywood-1931-1950/ Jim Thorpe Goes to Hollywood: 1931-1950], Signature, April 20, 2011
  • Chief Thunderbird, Cheyenne{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}
  • John Trudell, Santee Dakota, activist, actor
  • Sheila Tousey, Menominee, Stockbridge-Munsee
  • Erica Tremblay (Seneca-Cayuga{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Matt |title=Local Seneca-Cayuga Nation director debuts first feature film ahead of major release |url=https://ithacavoice.org/2024/06/local-seneca-cayuga-nation-director-debuts-first-feature-film-ahead-of-major-release/ |access-date=13 March 2025 |work=The Ithaca Voice |date=21 June 2024}}), director, filmmaker
  • Ernest David Tsosie III (Diné), actor{{cite web |last1=Wittenberg |first1=Alexandra |title=Meet the Diné cast of "Rez Ball" |url=https://www.nhonews.com/features/meet-the-din-cast-of-rez-ball/article_7c140d02-920a-11ef-9aa1-43db3f030c00.html |website=Navajo-Hopi Observer |access-date=13 March 2025 |date=11 November 2024}})

U

  • Misty Upham, Blackfeet TribeSchmidt, Rob. [http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/09/30/misty-upham-reflects-filming-jimmy-p-benicio-del-toro-151514 "Blackfeet Actress Misty Upham On Filming 'Jimmy P.' with Benicio Del Toro."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015191815/http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/09/30/misty-upham-reflects-filming-jimmy-p-benicio-del-toro-151514 |date=2014-10-15 }} Indian Country Today Media Network. 30 Sept 2013. Accessed 1 Feb 2014.

W

  • Noah Watts, Crow/Blackfeet
  • Floyd Red Crow Westerman, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate{{cite web|url=http://www.ipl.org/div/natam/bin/browse.pl/A354 |title=Native American Authors: Floyd Westerman |publisher=Ipl.org |access-date=January 29, 2011}}
  • Richard Ray Whitman (Muscogee/Yuchi{{cite web |title=Richard Ray Whitman |url=https://www.arts.ok.gov/oklahoma_teaching_artists/Richard_Ray_Whitman.html |website=Oklahoma Arts Council |access-date=13 March 2025}}), actor, activist, artist
  • Bobby Wilson (aka Bobby Dues) (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota{{cite web|title=Meet 8 Indigenous Beaders Who Are Modernizing Their Craft|url=https://www.vogue.com/vogueworld/article/indigenous-beadwork-instagram-artists-jewelry-accessories|website=Vogue|date=24 April 2019 |access-date=11 March 2025}}), actor, comedian, writer

Y

See also

Notes

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Native American Actors}}

Native American

Actors

Native