---
name: "Wes Studi"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/wes-studi"
fi1m_id: "wes-studi"
imdb_id: "nm0836071"
tmdb_id: 15853
wikidata_id: "Q350819"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "17 December 1947"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 70
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-09-24T22:20:55.453246+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Wes Studi

## Identity

Wes Studi

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/wes-studi
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** wes-studi
- **IMDb ID:** nm0836071
- **TMDB ID:** 15853
- **Wikidata ID:** Q350819
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Studi, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q350819, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0836071/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/15853

Actor. Born 17 December 1947 in Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 17 December 1947, Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma, USA
- **Active:** 1990–present
- **Also known as:** Wesley Studie 
- **Frequently works with:** [Michael Mann](https://film.one/person/michael-mann.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 70, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 85 (3), 2000s 70 (1), 2010s 56 (4), 2020s 75 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 70 to 68 across 11 titles
- **Score spread:** 5 at 80+, 2 at 60–79, 4 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 6 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 8, Adventure 4, Western 4, Action 2, Action & Adventure 2, Comedy 2
- **Screen time:** 20 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $5,342m across 8 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Studi, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q350819, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0836071/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/15853

## Coming up

- *Seasons* (2027-11-12)

## Streaming the US now

- **Hulu:** [*Penny Dreadful*](https://film.one/tv/penny-dreadful.md) (76)
- **Disney+:** [*Avatar*](https://film.one/film/avatar.md) (70)
- **Apple TV:** [*Hostiles*](https://film.one/film/hostiles.md) (58)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Wes Studi

> Wes Studi makes us curious about the men he plays, even when a screenplay gives them little room. We value his controlled aggression and expressive watchfulness, though the early warrior roles could limit what he was allowed to do.

In *The Last of the Mohicans* (1992), Wes Studi gives Magua an anger that seems considered and personal. His eyes and physical presence supply the threat, but he also suggests reasons for it that matter to the man himself. We were frustrated by how little time he was given, because he made us want to know more about Magua. Michael Mann's frontier romance is stirring entertainment, and Studi is one reason to recommend it. The performance also makes the screenplay's limited attention to its supporting characters harder to overlook.

The breakthrough had come with *Dances with Wolves* (1990), part of an early run of warrior roles. Those parts made use of his intensity, but could leave other possibilities unexplored. *Geronimo: An American Legend* (1993) gave him the title role; Mann then cast him as the police detective Casals in *Heat* (1995). It is a welcome change of setting. An actor so readily associated with historical warriors gets to apply his concentration to a different kind of authority.

*Heat* benefits from Mann's willingness to spend time with people between bouts of frightening violence. Studi's restrained presence suits an ensemble that needs its supporting figures to feel convincing. The film sometimes lets characters explain themselves too much; the economy of his acting is part of what we value in him. He does not need a warrior's part to hold our attention.

His later work takes in Eytukan in *Avatar* (2009), a voice and performance-capture role, and Chief Yellow Hawk in *Hostiles* (2017). Familiar casting need not be a problem when there is a person for him to play. The reservation is with scripts that ask for his formidable presence and then leave him little else to do. Start with *The Last of the Mohicans* for Magua, then *Heat* to see what happens when the casting looks beyond historical warriors.

## Biography

Wes Studi is a Cherokee actor and film producer. Born Wesley Studie on 17 December 1947 in Nofire Hollow, Oklahoma, he spoke only Cherokee until starting school and later served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He began acting professionally in the mid-1980s with the American Indian Theatre Company in Tulsa.

Studi first gained attention for his role as the Toughest Pawnee in *Dances with Wolves* (1990). He is known for his performances as Magua in *The Last of the Mohicans* (1992) and Detective Casals in *Heat* (1995), as well as appearances in *Avatar* (2009) and *Hostiles* (2017). In 2019 he received an Academy Honorary Award, the first Native American to be honoured by the Academy.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (11)

- *Avatar: Fire and Ash* (2025), Fi1m 58, as E'ytukan — [page](https://film.one/film/avatar-fire-and-ash.md)
- *Reservation Dogs* (2021), Fi1m 86, as Bucky — [page](https://film.one/tv/reservation-dogs.md)
- *Soul* (2020), Fi1m 80, as Counselor Jerry (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/soul.md)
- *Hostiles* (2017), Fi1m 58, as Chief Yellow Hawk — [page](https://film.one/film/hostiles.md)
- *A Million Ways to Die in the West* (2014), Fi1m 40, as Cochise — [page](https://film.one/film/a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west.md)
- *Penny Dreadful* (2014), Fi1m 76, as Kaetenay — [page](https://film.one/tv/penny-dreadful.md)
- *Hell on Wheels* (2011), Fi1m 52, as Chief Many Horses — [page](https://film.one/tv/hell-on-wheels.md)
- *Avatar* (2009), Fi1m 70, as Eytukan — [page](https://film.one/film/avatar.md)
- *Heat* (1995), Fi1m 91, as Casals — [page](https://film.one/film/heat.md)
- *The Last of the Mohicans* (1992), Fi1m 84, as Magua — [page](https://film.one/film/the-last-of-the-mohicans.md)
- *Dances with Wolves* (1990), Fi1m 80, as Toughest Pawnee — [page](https://film.one/film/dances-with-wolves.md)

## Complete filmography (94)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Seasons* (2027), Actor
- *Avatar: Fire and Ash* (2025), as E'ytukan — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/avatar-fire-and-ash.md)
- *The Great Cherokee Grandmother* (2025), Actor
- *The Midway Point* (2024), as Mr. Williams
- *The Roof* (2023), as Grandpa / Nick
- *Mending the Line* (2023), as Harrison
- *We Will Speak* (2023), Executive Producer
- *A Love Song* (2022), as Lito
- *The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder* (2022), series, as Quanah (voice)
- *Reservation Dogs* (2021), series, as Bucky — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/reservation-dogs.md)
- *Soul* (2020), as Counselor Jerry (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/soul.md)
- *Woke* (2020), series, as Spoon (voice)
- *Badland* (2019), as Harlan Red
- *Miracle Workers* (2019), series, as Chief Sleeping Bear
- *A Dog's Way Home* (2019), as Captain Mica
- *Hostiles* (2017), as Chief Yellow Hawk — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/hostiles.md)
- *The Condemned 2* (2015), as Cyrus
- *Ronnie BoDean* (2015), as Ronnie BoDean
- *Planes: Fire & Rescue* (2014), as Windlifter
- *Pie Lady of Pie Town* (2014), as Narrator (voice)
- *A Million Ways to Die in the West* (2014), as Cochise — Fi1m 40, [page](https://film.one/film/a-million-ways-to-die-in-the-west.md)
- *Penny Dreadful* (2014), series, as Kaetenay — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/penny-dreadful.md)
- *Road to Paloma* (2014), as Numay
- *Sugar* (2013), as Bishop
- *Battledogs* (2013), as Captain Falcos
- *Destination: Planet Negro!* (2013), as Chief Bobby
- *Finding Your Roots* (2012), series, Actor
- *Being Flynn* (2012), as Captain
- *Hell on Wheels* (2011), series, as Chief Many Horses — Fi1m 52, [page](https://film.one/tv/hell-on-wheels.md)
- *The Dome of Heaven* (2011), as DeWayne Moses
- *Ink: A Tale of Captivity* (2010), as King Philip
- *Avatar* (2009), as Eytukan — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/avatar.md)
- *The Only Good Indian* (2009), as Sam
- *21 and a Wake-Up* (2009), as General Gleason
- *Call of the Wild* (2009), as Hatcher
- *Kings* (2009), series, as General Linus Abner
- *The Undying* (2009), as Lt. Frank Wascoe
- *The Mentalist* (2008), series, as Joeseph Silverwing — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-mentalist.md)
- *In Plain Sight* (2008), series, as Chief Pierce
- *Older Than America* (2008), as Richard Two Rivers
- *El Camino* (2008), as Dave
- *Comanche Moon* (2008), series, as Buffalo Hump
- *Three Priests* (2008), as Ben
- *Cosmic Radio* (2007), as Sherriff Mike Nighthorse
- *Wolf Ridge* (2007), Actor
- *Saving Grace* (2007), series, as Bobby's Dad
- *Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee* (2007), as Jack Wilson, Wovoka
- *Seraphim Falls* (2007), as Charon
- *The New World* (2005), as Opechancanough
- *Miracle at Sage Creek* (2005), as Chief Thomas
- *Into the West* (2005), series, as Black Kettle
- *Animal* (2005), as Creeper
- *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as William Lawrence — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md)
- *A Thief Of Time* (2004), as Joe Leaphorn
- *Edge of America* (2003), as Cuch
- *Coyote Waits* (2003), as Joe Leaphorn
- *The Lone Ranger* (2003), as Kulakinah
- *Skinwalkers* (2002), as Lt. Joe Leaphorn
- *Undisputed* (2002), as Mingo Pace
- *Superfire* (2002), as Joe Nighttrail
- *UC: Undercover* (2001), series, Actor
- *Road to Redemption* (2001), as Frank Lightfoot
- *Christmas in the Clouds* (2001), as Bingo Caller
- *Ice Planet* (2001), as Commander Jonah Trager
- *Wind River* (2000), as Pocatello
- *Mystery Men* (1999), as Sphinx
- *Soundman* (1999), as Terry Leonard
- *Deep Rising* (1998), as Hanover
- *The Killing Jar* (1997), as Cameron
- *Promised Land* (1996), series, Actor
- *Crazy Horse* (1996), as Red Cloud
- *Lone Justice: Showdown at Plum Creek* (1996), Actor
- *Heat* (1995), as Casals — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/film/heat.md)
- *Streets of Laredo* (1995), series, as Famous Shoes
- *Lone Justice 2* (1995), as One Horse
- *Street Fighter* (1994), as Sagat
- *Geronimo: An American Legend* (1993), as Geronimo
- *The Broken Chain* (1993), as Seth / Chief / Speaker for the Tribes
- *Ned Blessing* (1993), series, Actor
- *Highlander: The Series* (1992), series, as Sheriff Benson
- *The Last of the Mohicans* (1992), as Magua — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/the-last-of-the-mohicans.md)
- *The Doors* (1991), as Indian in Desert
- *Dances with Wolves* (1990), as Toughest Pawnee — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/dances-with-wolves.md)
- *The Flash* (1990), series, as Roller
- *Powwow Highway* (1989), as Buff
- *American Experience* (1988), series, as Major Ridge, Warrior in Canoe
- *Longarm* (1988), as The Ute
- *Brave*, as Ernie
- *Timber Lands*, as Russ
- *The Pipeline*, as Samuel Horse · Executive Producer
- *Terra Infirma*, as Grey Owl
- *As Deep As the Grave*, as Tsali
- *Exhale*, as George
- *Candles*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Actor Wes Studi at CayFilm 2015](https://film.one/media/person/183/gallery-f59cc3cbc450.jpg) Actor Wes Studi at CayFilm 2015 — Tonymark26, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Wes_Studi.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Wes Studi visiting with Gavin Newsom on Native American Day. (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/183/gallery-a03394744f01.jpg) Wes Studi visiting with Gavin Newsom on Native American Day. (2019) — Office of the California Governor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Wes_Studi_visiting_with_Gavin_Newsom_-_2019_01.jpg/1280px-Wes_Studi_visiting_with_Gavin_Newsom_-_2019_01.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Wes Studi visiting with Gavin Newsom on Native American Day. (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/183/gallery-ad1b098961c3.jpg) Wes Studi visiting with Gavin Newsom on Native American Day. (2019) — Office of the California Governor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Wes_Studi_visiting_with_Gavin_Newsom_-_2019_02.jpg/1280px-Wes_Studi_visiting_with_Gavin_Newsom_-_2019_02.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Wes Studi](https://film.one/media/person/183/gallery-7c9f696e8dc8.jpg) Wes Studi — Office of the California Governor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Wes_Studi_visiting_with_Gavin_Newsom_-_2019_03.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Wes Studi](https://film.one/media/person/183/gallery-a1ae7f580942.jpg) Wes Studi — Image via TMDB
- ![Wes Studi](https://film.one/media/person/183/gallery-98ac4d80b4c1.jpg) Wes Studi — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Other awards — 2 won

- Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 2023: Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (won)
- Academy Honorary Award 2019: Academy Honorary Award (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/wes-studi