Looking for the best Native American characters in film and TV history? When it comes to fair representation in pop culture, Native Americans are pretty scarce. However, of the small percentage of these characters in entertainment, most are known for leaving a lasting impression.
Not simply limited to historic roles in films like Dances With Wolves, this list features superheroes, detectives, crime fighters, and more. In fact, most of these characters feature leading roles - which is a far cry from the olden days where most Native American actors were only reserved for Westerns. Every character on this list brings something special to the table, whether they’re in animated form, historical garb, or superhero attire. Do you have a favorite character?
Vote up the best Native American characters on this list or add your own favorites who aren't listed but deserve to be acknowledged.
1
10013Kicking Bird
Dances with WolvesPlayed By: Graham Greene
2
9518Chief Bromden
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestPlayed By: Will Sampson
3
746Chingachgook
The Last of the MohicansPlayed By: Russell Means
4
8012Wind In His Hair
Dances with WolvesPlayed By: Rodney A. Grant
5
6514Little Bear
The Indian in the CupboardPlayed By: Litefoot
6
568Walter Crow Horse
ThunderheartPlayed By: Graham Greene
7
5912Victor Joseph
Smoke SignalsPlayed By: Adam Beach
8
6316Chester Lake
Law & Order: Special Victims UnitPlayed By: Adam Beach
9
509Suzy Song
Smoke SignalsPlayed By: Irene Bedard
10
5416Maggie Eagle Bear
ThunderheartPlayed By: Sheila Tousey
11
4912Thomas Builds-the-Fire
Smoke SignalsPlayed By: Evan Adams
12
5216'Jose' Chavez y Chavez
Young Guns, Young Guns IIPlayed By: Lou Diamond Phillips
13
5117Billy Sole
PredatorPlayed By: Sonny Landham
14
4614Tonto
Inspector Gadget, The Lone Ranger15
4314Virgil White
Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtPlayed By: Gil Birmingham
16
4316Hanzee Dent
FargoPlayed By: Zhan McClarnon
17
4519Chakotay
Star Trek: Voyager, Star TrekPlayed By: Robert Beltran
18
3916Stands With a Fist
Dances with Wolves19
3311Warpath
X-Men: Days of Future Past, Marvel UniversePowers & Abilities: Flight, Superhuman speed
Played By: Booboo Stewart
20
3721John Redcorn
King of the HillVoiced By: Victor Aaron (Season 1), Jonathan Joss (Season 2–13)
21
2819Elisa Maza
Gargoyles, Gargoyles the Movie: The Heroes AwakenVoiced By: Salli Richardson
22
2717Apache Chief
DC UniverseVoiced By: Regis Cordic (The All-New Super Friends Hour, Episode 1 ), Michael Rye (remaining episodes), Maurice LaMarche (Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law)
23
3325Pocahontas
Pocahontas, Pocahontas II: Journey to a New WorldVoiced By: Irene Bedard
24
2111Nightwolf
Mortal Kombat 2: AnnihilationPowers & Abilities: Shapeshifting
Played By: Litefoot
25
2015Fern White
Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtPlayed By: Sheri Foster