The 20 Most Attractive Native American Actors of All Time

Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans has improved greatly, thanks to skilled actors who bring genuine depth to a variety of roles in movies and TV. These actors, representing many different tribes, have proven their talent in both small independent films and large blockbuster movies. Beyond acting, they also often speak up for Native American rights and work to make sure their culture is shown accurately in the media. Here’s a look at twenty actors who have truly made a difference in the entertainment industry with their talent and dedication.

Martin Sensmeier

Martin Sensmeier is a talented actor with Tlingit and Koyukon-Athabascan heritage. Before becoming an actor, he worked on an oil rig and then transitioned into modeling. He became well-known for playing Red Harvest in the 2016 film ‘The Magnificent Seven,’ alongside Denzel Washington. He’s also appeared in the popular series ‘Westworld’ and had a significant role in the movie ‘Wind River.’ Sensmeier often takes on challenging, physical roles, drawing on his athletic abilities and commitment to performing his own stunts.

Jason Momoa

Born in Honolulu, Jason Momoa has both Native Hawaiian and Pawnee roots. He first gained worldwide recognition for his role as Khal Drogo in the popular series ‘Game of Thrones,’ and later became known as Aquaman in the DC films. Momoa also starred in the Apple TV+ series ‘See,’ playing a warrior in a futuristic, challenging world. Beyond acting, he’s a filmmaker who writes and directs, including the film ‘Road to Paloma,’ which focuses on stories from indigenous communities.

Chaske Spencer

As a huge movie fan, I’ve been really impressed with Chaske Spencer. You might recognize him as Sam Uley from the ‘Twilight’ films, but he’s so much more than that! I was particularly blown away by his performance in ‘Winter in the Blood,’ a fantastic drama based on a book by Native American author James Welch. And recently, I loved seeing him alongside Emily Blunt in ‘The English’ – he played Eli Whipp with such depth. What’s really cool is that Chaske also uses his platform to advocate for Native communities and support young people, which I think is amazing.

Adam Beach

Adam Beach, a member of the Saulteaux First Nations, has worked in film and television for over thirty years. He’s best known for his role as Victor Joseph in the award-winning film ‘Smoke Signals,’ and for playing Marine Corporal Ira Hayes in Clint Eastwood’s ‘Flags of Our Fathers.’ He also had a recurring role as Detective Chester Lake on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.’

Michael Greyeyes

Michael Greyeyes is a Plains Cree actor and choreographer from the Muskeg Lake First Nation who excels in both theatre and film. He’s earned praise for his performances, including his lead role in ‘Wild Indian’ and his portrayal of Sitting Bull in ‘Woman Walks Ahead’. He also brought depth to the character of Qaletaqa Walker on ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. Beyond acting, Greyeyes is a theatre professor and dedicated to supporting Indigenous research.

Alex Meraz

Alex Meraz is an actor with Purepecha roots who’s also a skilled martial artist and dancer. He gained international recognition for his role as Paul Lahote in ‘The Twilight Saga,’ where his athleticism was key to the character. He’s also appeared in films like ‘Suicide Squad’ and had a recurring role on the TV show ‘Animal Kingdom.’ His training in mixed martial arts and capoeira consistently brings a powerful physical presence to his action roles.

Kiowa Gordon

Kiowa Gordon is a Hualapai actor who first became known for playing Embry Call in ‘The Twilight Saga’, alongside other Native American performers. He then starred in the independent film ‘The Red Road’, a story about the complex relationship between a close-knit community and a nearby town. Gordon later led the cast of ‘Blood Quantum’, a zombie thriller that was praised for its fresh take on the horror genre. He continues to act in television, and recently appeared in ‘Dark Winds’, a series based on the novels by Tony Hillerman.

Zahn McClarnon

Zahn McClarnon is a seasoned actor with Hunkpapa Lakota and Irish roots. He gained significant praise for his role as Hanzee Dent in season two of ‘Fargo’. More recently, he’s starred as Joe Leaphorn in the thriller series ‘Dark Winds’ and appeared in Marvel’s ‘Hawkeye’. He’s also a versatile voice actor, often playing characters who demand both power and emotional depth.

Tatanka Means

Tatanka Means is a member of the Oglala Lakota and Omaha tribes, and the son of well-known activist and actor Russell Means. He’s an actor who has appeared in films like Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ as well as the series ‘Saints & Strangers’ and ‘The Son.’ He’s also a stand-up comedian who travels throughout North America, often incorporating issues important to Indigenous communities into his performances.

Eddie Spears

Eddie Spears, a member of the Lower Brule Lakota tribe, began acting as a child. He became well-known for his role in the film ‘Black Cloud,’ a story about a Native American boxer directed by Rick Schroder. He also played Joseph Black Moon on the TV series ‘Hell on Wheels’ for multiple seasons. Throughout his career, Spears has focused on portraying the challenges faced by Native Americans, both in the past and today.

Gil Birmingham

Gil Birmingham, who is Comanche, is a well-known Native American actor in Hollywood. He’s recognizable from roles like Billy Black in ‘The Twilight Saga’ and Thomas Rainwater in the popular series ‘Yellowstone’. Birmingham gave a moving performance in ‘Wind River’ as a father searching for justice, and has also shown his range as an actor with appearances in shows like ‘House of Cards’ and ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’, proving he can excel in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Forrest Goodluck

Forrest Goodluck, who is Diné, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian, first appeared in films with a role in ‘The Revenant’, where he played Leonardo DiCaprio’s son. That survival film went on to win several Academy Awards. He later starred in ‘The Miseducation of Cameron Post’, which won a major prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Most recently, he appeared in the series ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ and consistently chooses roles in projects that offer fresh perspectives and break from typical storytelling.

Booboo Stewart

Booboo Stewart’s heritage includes Blackfoot, Asian, and European ancestry. He started his career doing stunts and making music, then gained popularity as Seth Clearwater in the ‘Twilight Saga’ and later as Jay in the ‘Descendants’ movies. He proved his action skills playing Warpath in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. Beyond acting, Stewart is a talented visual artist and musician, and frequently contributes music to the films and shows he’s in.

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is a talented Oji-Cree actor best known for playing Bear Smallhill in the popular series ‘Reservation Dogs’. His work on the show received critical acclaim and award nominations, highlighting his comedic skills. He also starred in the film ‘Beans’, which tells the story of the Oka Crisis from a child’s perspective. Woon-A-Tai is a leading figure in a new wave of actors who are bringing contemporary Indigenous stories to a wider audience.

Rick Mora

Rick Mora, who is Yaqui and Apache, started his career as a model and later became an actor. He first gained recognition after appearing in ‘The Twilight Saga’ and has since worked on a number of independent films and documentaries. Known for his long hair and striking looks, he’s often featured in photography and fantasy art. Mora is also dedicated to sharing his culture, participating in cultural events and using his voice to advocate for environmental protection and the preservation of indigenous cultures.

Kalani Queypo

I’m a huge fan of Kalani Queypo! He’s an incredibly talented actor, writer, and director with a really unique background – he’s both Blackfeet and Hawaiian. I first noticed him in roles like Squanto in ‘Saints & Strangers’ and in ‘The New World,’ but he really blew me away as Wade in ‘Trickster.’ What I admire most is how passionate he is about making sure Native stories are told authentically and that Native voices are heard in Hollywood. You can tell his theatre experience really shines through in the depth and nuance he brings to every character.

Jay Tavare

Jay Tavare, an actor from the White Mountain Apache tribe, has been in popular films like ‘Street Fighter’ and ‘Cold Mountain’. He famously played Vega in the ‘Street Fighter’ movie and has also contributed voice work to the ‘Metal Gear Solid’ video game series. A dedicated advocate for health and fitness, Tavare writes about these topics and lives an active lifestyle to support his demanding roles. He also makes time to visit young people on Native American reservations, inspiring them to follow their dreams in the arts.

Jeremiah Bitsui

Jeremiah Bitsui, who is Diné and Omaha, is an actor famous for playing Victor in the popular series ‘Breaking Bad’. He returned to the role in the prequel ‘Better Call Saul’, solidifying his legacy on television. He also appeared in the film ‘Drunktown’s Finest’, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and dealt with important issues facing the Navajo Nation. Beyond acting, Bitsui owns a construction company and is dedicated to building economic opportunities within his community.

Rudy Youngblood

Rudy Youngblood, who has Comanche, Cree, and Yaqui roots, starred in Mel Gibson’s film ‘Apocalypto’. He did all his own stunts and even learned to speak the Yucatec Maya language for the part. Since then, he’s been in several action and thriller movies, including ‘Wind Walkers’ and ‘Attrition’. Beyond acting, Youngblood is a talented powwow dancer and artist, and he travels the world sharing his heritage.

Cody Lightning

Cody Lightning, a Cree actor from the Samson Cree Nation, started his acting career as a child in the film ‘Geronimo’. He’s known for playing a younger version of Adam Beach’s character in ‘Smoke Signals’ and later appeared in ‘Four Sheets to the Wind’. More recently, he wrote and directed the mockumentary ‘Hey, Viktor!’, which looks back on his experiences with early fame. With a career spanning over twenty years, Lightning has worked on both serious dramas and comedic shows.

Let us know in the comments who your favorite actor is from this list, or if there’s someone we should have included!

2025-11-20 03:19