Introduction
Hollywood has always celebrated the talent of many actors and actresses that have made history on the big screen. Today, we want to celebrate the Native American actors and actresses who have made their mark in Hollywood by being incredible talents, representing their cultures, and breaking down barriers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the careers of 10 famous Native American actors and actresses who have successfully made it to the industry, making great strides in their craft. From Graham Greene to Irene Bedard, all these actors and actresses from varying tribes have all been successful in their respective roles.
Section 1: Graham Greene
Graham Greene is a prominent Oneida and Canadian actor, known for his roles in Dances with Wolves and The Green Mile. He has an illustrious career in the film industry, specializing in portraying Native American characters on-screen. In 2020, he made headlines with his part in the critically acclaimed television show, Defending Jacob. Graham Greene has won the National Board of Review Award, Independent Spirit Award, and Gemini Award.
Section 2: Irene Bedard
Irene Bedard is a beautiful, multi-talented actress with Inupiaq and Métis roots. She has appeared in multiple Disney films, including Pocahontas, where she was the voice of the titular character, and Rugged Gold. She has also snagged two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, for her performances in Truman and Into the West. Bedard co-founded the Indigenous Inclusion Committee, with the goal of increasing inclusion of Native Americans and First Nations people in the entertainment industry.
Section 3: Wes Studi
Wes Studi is an iconic Cherokee-American actor who has been in the movie business for over 30 years. He has starred in multiple blockbusters, including Avatar and Last of the Mohicans. Studi has been recognized with an honorary Academy Award, making him the second Native American actor to receive this prestigious award after Buffy Sainte-Marie. Wes Studi is also a Vietnam War veteran and an ardent environmental activist.
Section 4: Q’orianka Kilcher
Q’orianka Kilcher is a multi-faceted American electrician of Swiss-Peruvian and Quechua-Huachipaeri. She has come to be known in the film industry by her roles in films such as The New World and Princess Kaiulani. Kilcher is a staunch advocate for Native American rights, having demonstrated outside the White House to protest the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline.
Section 5: Adam Beach
Adam Beach is a prolific Canadian actor with Anishinaabe heritage. He has starred in notable titles, including Windtalkers, Flags of Our Fathers and Suicide Squad. Adam has won numerous awards, including the Best Actor award at the American Indian Film Festival and Best Supporting Actor at the First Americans in the Arts.
Section 6: Misty Upham
Misty Upham was a multi-talented actress of Blackfeet descent. Her breakout role came in Frozen River, which earned her a nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards. She also appeared in renowned movies such as Django Unchained and August: Osage County. Misty Upham was a fierce advocate for Native American rights and was an outspoken critic of the mistreatment of Native American women in Hollywood.
Section 7: Rodney A. Grant
Rodney A. Grant is a Native American actor of Omaha heritage. He is known for his performance in Dances with Wolves, where he played the role of Wind In His Hair. Grant starred in the movie Geronimo: An American Legend, where he played the role of Geronimo. Grant has the certification of being the first Native American actor to become a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Section 8: Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy Sainte-Marie, a Cree woman, is a prominent singer-songwriter known for her musical career as well as her contributions to native rights and education. Despite not being an actress, she made history when she became the first Native American actor to win an Academy Award for her co-written music in the 1982 movie An Officer and a Gentleman.
7 FAQs About Famous Native American Actors and Actresses
Q1: Who was the first Native American actor to become a member of the Screen Actors Guild?
A: Rodney A. Grant, a Native American actor of Omaha heritage, was the first Native American actor to become a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
Q2: Who is Irene Bedard?
A: Irene Bedard is a beautiful, multi-talented actress, of Inupiaq and Métis roots, who has appeared in multiple Disney films, including Pocahontas, where she was the voice of the titular character.
Q3: What is Wes Studi famous for?
A: Wes Studi is famous for his iconic roles in movies such as Last of the Mohicans and Avatar.
Q4: What is the name of the first Native American actor to win an Academy Award?
A:Buffy Sainte-Marie, a Cree woman, became the first Native American actor to win an Academy Award for her co-written music in the 1983 movie An Officer and a Gentleman.
Q5: Who is Adam Beach?
A: Adam Beach is a prolific Canadian actor with Anishinaabe heritage, known for his performances in movies such as Flags of Our Fathers and Smoke Signals.
Q6: What organization does Irene Bedard co-found?
A: Irene Bedard is the co-founder of the Indigenous Inclusion Committee, with the goal of increasing inclusion of Native Americans and First Nations people in the entertainment industry.
Q7: Who was Misty Upham?
A: Misty Upham was a multi-talented actress of Blackfeet descent. Her breakout role came in Frozen River, which earned her a nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Conclusion
Native American actors and actresses have contributed significantly to Hollywood’s success, providing a unique perspective and talent that has enriched the entertainment industry. They have been successful in overcoming many cultural obstacles to portray Native American characters and raise awareness of Native American cultures. With role models like Graham Greene, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Wes Studi, the next generation of Native American actors and actresses has something to aspire to, knowing that anything is possible.
In conclusion, we encourage more individuals to support Native American actors and actresses and the industry as a whole. Their inclusivity is paramount to Hollywood’s growth and its audiences. Let’s also acknowledge their individual struggles, achievements, and contributions, not only to cinema but also to the Native American communities. We hope that this post has been informative and helpful for anyone interested in the talented Native American actors and actresses who continue to amaze us with their craft.