Personal info
Known for
Actor
Gender
Male
Birthday
17 December
Location
Oklahoma, United States
Edit pageWes Studi
Biography
Wes Studi is an acclaimed Native American actor and film producer known for his powerful performances and significant contributions to the representation of Indigenous peoples in cinema. Born on December 17, 1947, in Nofire, Oklahoma, Studi is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and was raised speaking Cherokee as his first language. Before pursuing acting, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, an experience that shaped his discipline and worldview.
Studi began his acting career in the 1980s and gained early recognition for his role as the formidable Huron leader Magua in The Last of the Mohicans (1992). He became widely known for portraying complex Native American characters in films such as Geronimo: An American Legend, Dances with Wolves, and Hostiles, helping to move Indigenous roles beyond stereotypes and toward greater depth and authenticity. His performances are often marked by intensity, dignity, and emotional restraint.
In addition to film, Wes Studi has appeared in numerous television projects and lent his voice to animated features, including Avatar, where he voiced Eytukan. His contributions to the film industry were formally recognized in 2019 when he became the first Native American actor to receive an Academy Honorary Award. Through decades of work, Studi has remained a respected figure whose career reflects both artistic excellence and cultural significance.
