Wes Studi

Wesley Studi, more commonly known as Wes Studi, is a distinguished Native American (Cherokee Nation) actor and film producer, born on December 17, 1947. With a career spanning several decades from 1972 to the present, he has made a significant impact on the film industry, particularly for his authentic portrayal of Native Americans. His acclaimed roles have cemented his position in cinema, earning him an Academy Honorary Award in 2019, a groundbreaking moment as he was the first Native American and the first Indigenous person from North America to be recognized by the academy. From his impressive performance in Academy Award-winning films like Dances with Wolves (1990) and The Last of the Mohicans (1992), to nuanced roles in films like Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) and The New World (2005), Studi's versatility is evident. His acting career also includes notable appearances in TV series like Penny Dreadful and in blockbusters like James Cameron's Avatar.

Studi, a native of Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma, was born into a Cherokee family and spoke only Cherokee at home until his elementary school years. His life journey took him from enlisting in the Oklahoma National Guard at the age of 17, serving in Vietnam for 12 months and subsequent involvement in Native American activism, to making his acting debut. Despite his major in dry cleaning - as a student at the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School from where he graduated in 1964, Studi discovered his passion for acting during his time at Tulsa Community College post his military service. Besides his illustrious career in acting, Studi is also known for his efforts in promoting the Cherokee language and his ranching stint. The New York Times, in December 2020, ranked him #19 in its list of the '25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century (So Far)', cementing his legacy as a versatile and impactful actor.