Wes Studi

Cherokee · actors

Wes Studi is a Cherokee actor who is one of the most celebrated Native American actors in Hollywood history. In 2019, he became the first Native American to receive an Honorary Academy Award.

Studi is known for powerful performances in "Dances with Wolves," "The Last of the Mohicans" as Magua, "Geronimo: An American Legend," "Heat," and "Avatar." His ability to bring depth and dignity to Indigenous characters has set the standard for Native American representation in film.

A Vietnam War veteran and fluent Cherokee speaker, Studi has been a vocal advocate for accurate Indigenous representation in Hollywood. He has worked to preserve the Cherokee language and has been honored by numerous tribal organizations.