Jana Schmieding

Cheyenne River Lakota · comedians

Jana Schmieding is a Mniconjou and Sicangu Lakota comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster enrolled in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Born and raised in rural Oregon, she made history as the first Native American woman to be a series regular on a broadcast network comedy when she starred as Reagan Wells in NBC's "Rutherford Falls" (2021–2022) alongside Ed Helms. She also served as a writer on the show, bringing authentic Native perspectives to the writers room. Schmieding hosts the popular podcast "Woman of Size" and has performed stand-up comedy across the country. She has spoken publicly about representation, body positivity, and what it means to be Native in Hollywood. Her comedy is warm, sharp, and deeply personal.