The 20 Most Attractive Native American Actors of All Time

Native American representation in Hollywood has evolved significantly over the years with talented actors bringing authenticity and depth to diverse roles across film and television. These performers come from various tribal backgrounds and have established themselves through compelling performances in both independent projects and major blockbuster franchises. Their contributions extend beyond acting as many advocate for indigenous rights and work to ensure accurate cultural depictions in media. This list highlights twenty actors who have made a lasting impact on the industry through their charisma and professional achievements.

Martin Sensmeier

Martin Sensmeier is an actor of Tlingit and Koyukon-Athabascan descent who began his career working on an oil rig before pursuing modeling and acting. He gained significant recognition for his role as Red Harvest in the remake of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ where he starred alongside Denzel Washington. Sensmeier also appeared in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ and played a key role in the film ‘Wind River’. His work often involves physically demanding roles that showcase his athletic background and dedication to stunt performance.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa was born in Honolulu and has Native Hawaiian heritage on his father’s side and Pawnee ancestry on his mother’s side. He rose to international fame portraying Khal Drogo in the hit fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’ before taking on the mantle of Arthur Curry in the DC Universe film ‘Aquaman’. His career includes a starring role in the Apple TV+ series ‘See’ where he plays a warrior in a dystopian future. Momoa is also known for writing and directing his own projects such as ‘Road to Paloma’ which highlights indigenous stories.

Chaske Spencer

Chaske Spencer is a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes and gained widespread popularity for his role as Sam Uley in ‘The Twilight Saga’ film series. He delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the drama ‘Winter in the Blood’ which was based on a novel by Native American author James Welch. Recently he starred opposite Emily Blunt in the western series ‘The English’ where he played the character Eli Whipp. Spencer acts as a spokesperson for Native initiatives and works to support youth in indigenous communities.

Adam Beach

Adam Beach represents the Saulteaux First Nations and has built an extensive filmography over three decades in the entertainment industry. He garnered critical praise for his portrayal of Victor Joseph in the groundbreaking film ‘Smoke Signals’ which won awards at the Sundance Film Festival. Beach starred as Marine Corporal Ira Hayes in the World War II drama ‘Flags of Our Fathers’ directed by Clint Eastwood. His television work includes a long-running role on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ as Detective Chester Lake.

Michael Greyeyes

Michael Greyeyes is a Plains Cree actor and choreographer from the Muskeg Lake First Nation who has transitioned successfully between stage and screen. He received critical acclaim for his leading role in the film ‘Wild Indian’ and portrayed sitting Bull in the biographical drama ‘Woman Walks Ahead’. Greyeyes played Qaletaqa Walker in the television series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ where he brought complexity to the antagonist role. In addition to acting he serves as an associate professor of theatre and works to advance indigenous academic research.

Alex Meraz

Alex Meraz is of Purepecha heritage and is well known for his work as a martial artist and dancer as well as an actor. He reached a global audience playing Paul Lahote in ‘The Twilight Saga’ where his physical agility was a central part of his character. Meraz appeared in the action film ‘Suicide Squad’ and had a recurring role in the television series ‘Animal Kingdom’. His background in mixed martial arts and capoeira often informs the physical intensity he brings to his action-oriented performances.

Kiowa Gordon

Kiowa Gordon is a Hualapai actor who made his film debut as Embry Call in ‘The Twilight Saga’ alongside other indigenous actors. He later starred in the independent film ‘The Red Road’ which explored the dynamics between a mesmerizing community and neighboring town. Gordon took on the lead role in the zombie thriller ‘Blood Quantum’ which received praise for its unique spin on the horror genre. He continues to work in television and recently appeared in the series ‘Dark Winds’ based on the Tony Hillerman novels.

Zahn McClarnon

Zahn McClarnon has a career spanning several decades and is of Hunkpapa Lakota and Irish descent. He delivered a memorable performance as Hanzee Dent in the second season of ‘Fargo’ which earned him widespread critical recognition. McClarnon stars as Joe Leaphorn in the psychological thriller series ‘Dark Winds’ and had a significant role in the Marvel series ‘Hawkeye’. His voice work includes diverse projects and he is frequently cast in roles that require gravitas and intense dramatic range.

Tatanka Means

Tatanka Means represents the Oglala Lakota and Omaha nations and is the son of activist and actor Russell Means. He has appeared in major productions such as ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ directed by Martin Scorsese. Means is also a professional stand-up comedian who tours across North America performing comedy that addresses indigenous issues. His acting credits include the miniseries ‘Saints & Strangers’ and a role in the modern western series ‘The Son’.

Eddie Spears

Eddie Spears is a member of the Kul Wicasa Oyate Lakota Lower Brule Tribe and started his acting career as a child. He gained attention for his role in the film ‘Black Cloud’ which was directed by Rick Schroder and focused on a Native American boxer. Spears played the character Joseph Black Moon in the television series ‘Hell on Wheels’ for several seasons. His work is characterized by a commitment to roles that depict the historical and contemporary struggles of Native people.

Gil Birmingham

Gil Birmingham is of Comanche descent and is one of the most recognizable Native American actors working in Hollywood today. He played Billy Black in ‘The Twilight Saga’ and had a major role as Thomas Rainwater in the hit series ‘Yellowstone’. Birmingham delivered a poignant performance in the film ‘Wind River’ as a grieving father seeking justice. His extensive television career includes appearances in ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ showcasing his versatility in both drama and comedy.

Forrest Goodluck

Forrest Goodluck is a member of the Diné, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian tribes and made his big screen debut in ‘The Revenant’. He played the son of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in the survival drama which won multiple Academy Awards. Goodluck starred in the film ‘The Miseducation of Cameron Post’ which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. He recently took on a role in the series ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ and continues to select projects that challenge traditional narratives.

Booboo Stewart

Booboo Stewart has Blackfoot ancestry alongside his Asian and European roots and began his career performing stunts and music. He became a teen idol through his role as Seth Clearwater in ‘The Twilight Saga’ and later starred as Jay in the ‘Descendants’ franchise. Stewart appeared in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ as the mutant Warpath showcasing his ability to handle action-heavy roles. He is also an accomplished visual artist and musician who often contributes to the soundtracks of his projects.

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is an Oji-Cree actor who rose to prominence as the lead character Bear Smallhill in the acclaimed series ‘Reservation Dogs’. His performance in the show earned him nominations for prestigious acting awards and praise for his comedic timing. He appeared in the film ‘Beans’ which depicts the Oka Crisis through the eyes of a young girl. Woon-A-Tai is part of a new generation of actors bringing modern indigenous stories to mainstream television audiences.

Rick Mora

Rick Mora is of Yaqui and Apache descent and began his career as a model before transitioning into acting roles. He gained a following after his appearance in ‘The Twilight Saga’ and has since worked on various independent films and documentaries. Mora is known for his long flowing hair and distinct features which have made him a favorite for photography and fantasy artwork. He actively participates in cultural events and uses his platform to promote environmental awareness and indigenous preservation.

Kalani Queypo

Kalani Queypo is of Blackfeet and Hawaiian heritage and has worked in the film industry as an actor, writer, and director. He played the character Squanto in the historical drama ‘Saints & Strangers’ and appeared in the film ‘The New World’. Queypo is well known for his role as Wade in the series ‘Trickster’ and frequently advocates for greater inclusion of Native voices in screenwriting. His background in theatre informs his approach to character development and storytelling.

Jay Tavare

Jay Tavare is a White Mountain Apache actor who has appeared in several high-profile films including ‘Street Fighter’ and ‘Cold Mountain’. He played the role of Vega in the live-action video game adaptation and has lent his voice to the ‘Metal Gear Solid’ video game franchise. Tavare often writes about health and fitness for various publications and maintains an active lifestyle that supports his physical roles. He devotes time to visiting youth on reservations to encourage them to pursue their artistic goals.

Jeremiah Bitsui

Jeremiah Bitsui is of Diné and Omaha descent and is best known for his portrayal of Victor in the critically acclaimed series ‘Breaking Bad’. He reprised this role in the prequel series ‘Better Call Saul’ cementing his place in television history. Bitsui starred in the film ‘Drunktown’s Finest’ which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and explored complex themes within the Navajo Nation. He also runs a construction company and works to create economic opportunities for his community.

Rudy Youngblood

Rudy Youngblood is of Comanche, Cree, and Yaqui ancestry and was cast as the lead in the epic film ‘Apocalypto’ directed by Mel Gibson. He performed his own stunts in the movie and learned the Yucatec Maya language specifically for the role. Youngblood has since appeared in various action and thriller films such as ‘Wind Walkers’ and ‘Attrition’. He is also a skilled powwow dancer and artist who tours internationally to share his culture.

Cody Lightning

Cody Lightning is a Cree actor from the Samson Cree Nation who began acting at a very young age in the film ‘Geronimo’. He played the younger version of Adam Beach’s character in ‘Smoke Signals’ and later starred in the film ‘Four Sheets to the Wind’. Lightning wrote and directed the mockumentary ‘Hey, Viktor!’ which explores the legacy of his early fame. His career spans over two decades and includes roles in both dramatic films and comedy series.

Please comment below to tell us which of these talented actors is your favorite or if we missed someone you admire.