Arthur RedCloud
Arthur RedCloud, a Native American activist, is renowned for his advocacy of indigenous rights and environmental protection, actively engaging in movements like AIM and IEN.
Movie Actor
Arthur RedCloud, a prominent Navajo actor, gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of “Hikuc” in the 2015 film “The Revenant,” where he assisted Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, “Hugh Glass.” Before his breakthrough role, RedCloud honed his acting skills through classes and low-budget film appearances for several years.
RedCloud’s journey began on June 10, 1963, in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was born to a Navajo father and a German mother. Raised on the Navajo reservation in Arizona, he experienced both poverty and rich cultural traditions. His passion for acting led him to pursue formal training at the University of New Mexico and later at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, graduating in 1987.
RedCloud’s career took off in the early 1990s with notable roles in films like “Dances with Wolves” and “The Last of the Mohicans.” His portrayal of the title character in “Geronimo: An American Legend” in 1994 garnered critical acclaim and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Male Lead.
Since then, RedCloud has graced both the big and small screens, appearing in popular television series such as “The X-Files,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “Nash Bridges,” and “Into the West.” He has also showcased his talent in leading roles in films like “The Navajo Warrior,” “Skins,” and “The Only Good Indian.”
Beyond acting, RedCloud has ventured into producing and directing, leaving his mark on several films and documentaries, including “The Red Road,” which he also directed. His dedication to Native American rights and culture extends beyond his art, as he actively serves on the boards of the American Indian Film Institute and the Native American Rights Fund.
RedCloud’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning him prestigious awards such as the American Indian Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Santa Fe Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also inducted into the Native American Hall of Fame in 2012.
Off-screen, RedCloud leads a fulfilling personal life. He is happily married to actress and producer Lisa Raye McCoy, with whom he shares two children. Notably, RedCloud is also a practicing Navajo medicine man, blending his artistic pursuits with his cultural heritage.
As a fluent speaker of Navajo and English, RedCloud proudly carries the legacy of his famous ancestor, Geronimo. His diverse interests include Buddhism and membership in the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Arthur RedCloud’s journey from humble beginnings to acclaimed actor, producer, and cultural advocate stands as an inspiration, showcasing the power of talent, dedication, and a deep connection to one’s roots.
