15 Celebrated Native American Actors in Hollywood

In a world where stories shape our understanding, Native American actors have carved out spaces that honor their heritage and challenge stereotypes. These 15 celebrated actors have made significant contributions to Hollywood, offering unforgettable performances and advocating for more inclusive storytelling.

Will Rogers  

The “Cherokee Cowboy” conquered vaudeville, silent films, and talkies with his folksy wit. Rogers did 71 movies and was Hollywood’s highest-paid actor in the 1930s. Tragically, Rogers died in a 1935 plane crash, but his legacy as an entertainer and cultural icon endures.

Jay Silverheels  

Best known as Tonto in “The Lone Ranger,” Silverheels broke barriers for Native actors. He fought typecasting and advocated for more authentic portrayals of Indigenous people. Silverheels founded the Indian Actors Workshop and nurtured the next generation of talent up to 1980.  

Chief Dan George  

This Canadian actor didn’t start his film endeavors until age 60, but he made an impact! George earned an Oscar nomination for “Little Big Man” (1970), bringing depth and humor to his roles. He utilized his platform to uphold Indigenous rights until 1981, blending activism with artistry. 

Will Sampson 

The towering Will Sampson made an unforgettable debut in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which aired in 1975. This legend went on to star in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “Poltergeist II.” His influence lived on as a masterclass in nonverbal acting even after his demise.  

Ben Johnson  

This rodeo champion turned Oscar-winning actor took on the American West. Johnson’s genuineness shone in John Ford’s westerns and his Academy Award-winning role in “The Last Picture Show” (1971). His career spanned an impressive five decades before passing in 1996.

Ned Romero  

A veteran of stage and screen, Romero’s acting and opera singing career covered over fifty years. He was featured in countless TV shows and brought dignity to Native American roles in an era of stereotypes until he died in 2017.  

Graham Greene

Greene’s Oscar-nominated turn in “Dances with Wolves” (1990) catapulted him to stardom. He’s since appeared in over 100 films and TV shows. Not only that, Greene’s creativity is evident in many projects, notably “The Green Mile” and “Twilight.”  

Wes Studi 

From “Dances with Wolves” to “Avatar,” Studi’s intense conduct commands the screen. In 2019, he made history as the first Native American actor to receive an Academy Honorary Award. Studi’s dedication to his craft and culture makes him a dedicated star in Tinseltown.

Adam Beach 

“Smoke Signals” was a landmark film in the Native American cinema scene that helped establish Beach’s movie career. He’s starred in other big productions like “Flags of Our Fathers” and “Suicide Squad.” Both on and off-screen, he advocates for Indigenous representation. 

Irene Bedard 

One might know Bedard as the voice of Disney’s Pocahontas. She’s been in numerous pictures exploring Native American themes, including “Smoke Signals” and “The New World.” Bedard’s activism focuses on Indigenous women’s rights and representation.  

Zahn McClarnon 

McClarnon’s prolific performances in series like “Fargo” and “Westworld” have made him a TV powerhouse. He brings variety and color to every character, often subverting Native American clichés. Indeed, a shift in how Native stories are told in Hollywood is noted through McClarnon’s rise to prominence.

Gil Birmingham

From the “Twilight” saga to “Yellowstone,” Birmingham’s versatility shines. He seamlessly moves between blockbusters and independent projects, always bringing authenticity to his roles. Birmingham typically works to ensure an accurate depiction of Native cultures on set.  

Jason Momoa 

Who could ever forget Jason Momoa’s enactment of Khal Drogo in HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Aquaman in the DC Universe? He proudly embraces his Native Hawaiian and Native American heritage, often incorporating it into his roles. 

Lily Gladstone 

Gladstone’s breakout role in “Certain Women” (2016) announced the arrival of a major talent. She’s acted in critically acclaimed projects like “First Cow” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The actress is part of a new wave of Indigenous actors driving fresh perspectives to cinema.

Natar Ungalaaq

“The Fast Runner” (2001), starring Natar Ungalaaq, carried Inuit cinema to the world stage. This groundbreaking film, told entirely in Inuktitut, won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes. Ungalaaq continues to work as an actor, sculptor, and advocate for Inuit culture.