Wes Studi discovers his roots

Indian Country Today's daily newscast
Award-winning Cherokee actor, Wes Studi discovers some surprising facts about his ancestry on 'Finding Your Roots.' ICT's Shirley Sneve has this interview:
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[@fnln544]

Wes Studi is not only a humble, talented man and actor, but he bravely, honorably served in the Armed Forces.

[@user-be2jq9ry7y]

Wes Studi should have won an Oscar for Magwa in Last of the Mohicans.

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

A 100%!!!!!

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

He was so good in Heat as well.

[@christophernichols1379]

Iconic performance.

[@4maxine1]

Wes Studi is such an incredible actor and more than that, a beautiful human being. His portrayal of Geronimo was exquisite.

[@dang7799]

There is a street named "Gatewood" and I always hear it in his voice.

[@grama9094]

Wes Studi was an awesome actor in Last of the Mohicans!

[@johnreyes1749]

Also in Hostiles

[@jeffreyp1855]

Wes is a damned legend! 🤘

[@tolson57]

Mr. Studi, I have the utmost respect for your work.

[@user-yz3kz7wt7k]

I love Wes Studi. A Wonderful Actor and beautiful human.

[@ffjsb]

Absolutely.

[@jeffmurray6219]

From Scotland here. I have always been a fan of Mr Studi, whenever I see he is in a movie I’m ready to watch and I am never disappointed.

[@alabamatechwriter6959]

Wes Studi is one of my favorite actors. Very versatile.

[@jessehayes486]

Wes Studi is one of the greatest actors of all time, IMO.

[@dwhunter8904]

One of my favorite actors. And a great decorated war Veteran .👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@josephstorm6093]

I worked with him on The Red Road set & was surprised he came over to me. Very nice actor to work with.

[@mchurch3905]

Mr. Studi, I want to tell you the first time I saw your portrayal of the warrior, Magwa, in “Last of the Mohicans”, it occurred to me I had never before seen what a Native American was really like. I am a baby boomer who was brought up naively thinking the “cowboys and Indians” false narrative, like everybody else. Your fierce portrayal helped me understand how much I’d been lied to about native peoples. Since then I have been a great fan. Thank you so much for opening my eyes.

[@ITSONLYMEWATCHING]

My cousin Russell Means was in that too.

[@michaelversace456]

Lied to? That's a bit much. Here in Australia our indigenous were considered to be savages. Yet now we know its anything but. These cultures went into hiding from the English and successfully kept their cultures history

[@dcpack]

Nice how you must blame others for 'lying" to you and not take any responsibility for finding out yourself. I am sure I grew up exposed to the same "false narrative " as you and NEVER, even as a child, did I think everything was that cut and dry. So damn weak. You also know that the original story was written in 1826, right? So suddenly you watch a fictional movie based on that story in the late 20th century and you have become enlightened? By a MOVIE? Super weak.

[@robertward553]

Boy oh boy, he played a really bad man in that movie. Great movie.

[@Freya-bs5tx]

I grew up on the rez! If you want to know what living in a socialists way is I suggest you go live on the rez. You'll learn real quick how bad socialism is😢

[@richardbernier1402]

He is the nicest fellow you could ever meet. I cherish the meeting.

[@xzqzq]

Enjoy watching Mr. Studi in whatever role he is playing.

[@northernlight2598]

I've seen Wes in quite a few dissimilar roles. He's a very versatile and talented actor; I'm a fan!

[@HomerSimpson-gr1uj]

All the Native American roles I have seen Wes in I have always enjoyed. He's got this unique looking face and his eyes are very captivating in his roles. He also strikes me as a really down to earth and nice guy.

[@JimGarver-tx8rj]

Wes Studi always make the person that he is portraying come alive.

[@alexho9927]

Loved your fierceness in "Last of Mochicans". I always wondered what you taped into to manifest that incredible, invincible warrior spirit. It gives me chills every time I watch it.

[@cliffordbowman6777]

Murdering spirit.

[@elainebrown874]

Mr. Studi is such a wonderful and great actor. Thank you for everything. 👍🏻

[@daskritterhaus5491]

the authenticity of 'Mohicans' was off the scale. Wes was a major part of that.

[@judycook4314]

Wes Studi + Daniel Dey Lewis = a movie that can’t lose.

[@lefty4180]

Upmost respect for this man.

[@pamavery9352]

@lefty4180. Sorry to correct you but it is “Utmost”. (Adjective. Most extreme). Not upmost. Sorry I’m an English Language Arts teacher!

[@lefty4180]

@@pamavery9352 then don’t it’s a typo

[@R8DRBeagle]

Wes Studi is a national treasure. He must be protected at all costs.

[@carlosgarcao2847]

Great actor. Great person. He needs a prize for his job.

[@kathleenmartin7498]

I'll have to find the whole episode on PBS to watch, it should be fascinating. I've always admired Wes as an actor

[@cbybailey]

I did. It's worth the time to watch. I could relate to his appreciation to learn of his ancestry. I'm sure you will find it very fascinating.

[@pamtnman1515]

Fascinating video, thank you. Wes Studi is an American icon

[@user-np2lu3wv2q]

Wes is an absolute legend. So much talent and such an incredible REAL person. I would LOVE to meet him in person.

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

I have been waiting. I don't quite know how to say it. Mr. Studi is right there are thousands of stories and screenplays, original, unique, real. Do you know how many people dont even bother with TV shows or Hollywood movies. The movie Smoke Signals is one of my favorite movies because the story is so original. I saw a documentary called Indian Relay. Well I would love to see films and series that are not tainted by demands of people who don't even care what you are truing to say. I watch Indian Country Today. Lots of interesting stories. You really do a nice job. Thanks.

[@ddclassic56]

As a Chickasaw woman l agree with Mr. Studi that finally our true story's are being told.

[@stephanieyee9784]

While I agree with your sentiment I also wonder why it is always up to someone else to do it. 🤔 If you want your story told why not tell it yourself?

[@ddclassic56]

@@stephanieyee9784 We continue to pass our story to our children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. But, we've been quite for so long and outsiders have been interested in the truth. It takes patience and effort to make documentaries and movies that are correct even if it's painful. It is our true story.

[@sylviacano6372]

Your are a great actor

[@waynebusilla]

One of my favourite actors……always a vibrant performance!

[@aymebergen6759]

He’s so unlike other Hollywood actors. He’s not one of “them”. His humility is so pure and comes from an understanding and a resilience that the majority of his colleagues in the industry can’t possibly possess. He sees people and the world differently, and that comes through in the characters he portrays. He’s amazing in any role he plays, but I believe Wes Studi was absolutely meant to use his gift of acting to tell the stories of the Native American people.

[@melissacastle5172]

Great actors bringing truth to Native history.

[@valeriareed7234]

I have been a fan of Mr. Studi for a long time…….Love his work……🖤⚡️✨💫

[@btcrazee1]

Proud of my Cherokee heritage. Love this interview.

[@denisemejean5741]

My family was sent on the Trail of Tears but didn’t survive. Thank goodness two boys, one was my ancestor, was taken in by white farmers and used for farm labor. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here. Bless you Wes for everything you do for our Cherokee family. 🥰

[@kevinjohnson3521]

Better than taken by Indians, killed or assimilated into the tribe!

[@AhJodie]

I love Wes Studi, he is deep, not just surface! I don't like the DNA testing for myself and feel like too many untrustworthy people use those tests, but I came here just to listen to Wes and look at his beautiful face!

[@maryharvey6909]

I did one with National Geographic. They didn’t notify any distant relatives, which is good. If there is a swindler, murder, thief, or whatever, you can imagine not wanting them to find you.

[@tigermoon44]

Great Actor! Thank you for sharing!

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

I Think Wes Studi as Magua in The Last of the Mohicans was the very best acting roles i have seen in my 64 years of life. He was so believable and true to form and a great attribute to the Cherokee Nation.

[@katella]

So good to hear such a well spoken man.

[@adonis8289]

What did you expect????

[@katella]

@@adonis8289 99.9% of Americans cannot articulate themselves as well as this man. That is what i meant. I always knew that he spoke this way, just remarking how nice it is to hear a well spoken person for a change.

[@user-lx4sn9im2k]

Wes, it take a tremendous skill to portray a really tough person. and you really nailed it with Magua. That was one bad dude! Kudos!

[@cya2163]

Amazing actor...

[@crazyhorse3854]

what an awesome guy. ive seen him in so many movies, and always enjoyed his performance. i had no idea he is such a cool guy in real life too.

[@dreamcatcher5502]

Love you Wes !!! 😘❤

[@keywestconch8]

I've tried to watch everything Wes Studi has been in. My favorite is Skinwalkers written by Tony Hillerman directed by Chris Eyre. Wes' partner was played by Adam Beach. Mr. Hillerman had a good grasp on the Navajo culture. Editing to say Listening Woman is also a good read written by Hillerman.

[@Djrockewfewtimez986]

Saw Mr. Studi at the Santa Fe Airport in New Mexico, he is a living legend! Man… New Mexico is a beautiful place 🥹, cold 🥶 but soooo beautiful!

[@slowturtle6745]

Definitely one of my favorite actors.

[@georgecuyler7563]

One of my favorite actors, I'm definitely an Indigenous fan of his. I am Heiltsuk, Nu7lhalk and Zuni with a touch of Scottish and possibly Italian. Before being kidnapped by the government and placed in a foster home/POW camp i spoke Heiltsuk, Nu7lhalk and our trade language Chinook, but sadly they are asleep within me.

[@jeffmurray6219]

I’m sorry to hear of how you were treated by the clown government. I can never understand why they put you and so many others through such crap. I’m writing from Scotland and offer you best wishes and all the best from that part of your heritage.

[@sheilaathay2034]

I grew up near Chinook. Howdy🙋‍♀️

[@2012clarity]

THANK YOU Mr. Studi.

[@minerdave]

Too bad that many of the native tribes won’t open their records to non-tribal individuals who want to trace their indigenous ancestors. My wife’s family goes back into the Shoshone tribe and to the best we can trace with any certainty stops with her great grandmother. Much of that history is verbal but it would be great to see what their records show. Wes Studi is an outstanding actor and representative of his people.

[@jollygoodfellow3957]

Probably because they would turn out to be a much lower percentage of native ancestry than they would like to believe.

[@teresalittlejohn1021]

It could also be just the opposite! @@jollygoodfellow3957

[@deerobinson557]

This is amazing, I now know that Wes Studi and I are very distant cousins. In my opinion he is the greatest Indigenous actor alive.

[@jollygoodfellow3957]

Everyone is indigenous to something. Henry Cavill is indigenous English.

[@garylefevers]

What an excellent actor that adds something special to everything he has done. That is a very rare ability. I do feel bad for him that he had to wait so long to find out who he originated from. No child should wonder about who their parents are and why they were given up (if adopted like I was). I was definitely blessed to be adopted. But they knew exactly who both birth parents were and withheld that information until I was 18. It messed with me most of my life. God helped me to be glad to be here regardless of the circumstances of my birth. Stay safe folks.

[@redr1150r]

Genealogy is fascinating. About 2 weeks ago I found out that one of my family lines goes back to a Roman Emperor. I appreciate them all. Through my mothers side we are also part American Indian from Oklahoma and Texas. My fathers side ? Scandinavian workaholics. You were born, you went to school, worked, got married, paid taxes, then you died. 🙂It took about 3 generations to wash the old country out of us. 🙂My Dad was a Navy Master Chief that wore his uniform 24/7. You were the best Maqua ever to walk across the silver screen. The absolute best to you and yours. My wife is the 12th great Granddaughter of Chief Massasoit of Massachusetts. 🙂

[@kevinducharme1263]

he is such a good actor. he's done a little of this, a little of that. I've always liked watching his work, no matter what he was in; from Mystery Men to Last of the Mohicans.

[@BurningLattice]

Wes Studi.... massive respect to you sir!

[@danielle38134]

Wes Studi is amazing actor. Versatile too. I got such a kick out of him in Mystery Men. He was too funny! 🙂

[@Musclecar1972]

One of my favorite all time actors, very believable In whatever role he’s portrayed in.👍 Last of the Mohegan’s, one if my favorite all time movies as well.

[@germaineprien7691]

I love these kinds of stories they enrich us all!!!

[@terrylacombe417]

I loved his work in the film "hostiles". I was blown away! Great actor,great man! 6:17

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Wes Studi has caught my attention as a powerful actor starting with Dances with wolves/last of the Mohicans, and anything he is in, I want to watch. Thank you for your service Mr. Studi.

[@jvggraphics]

mr Studi i love your work ,thank you for being.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Incredibly amazing man and not just because of his acting career.

[@carolranes91]

Yep! I am from Williamsburg, VA and my high school was James Blair High School!

[@paulreynolds9003]

I enjoyed the interview and like a lot of people I saw him in the last of the mohicans. Which was a fantastic portrayal of his character I thought.

[@dnaversa]

Dear Mr Studi, simply put, you are a true credit to your acting craft. You have provided me and many of my film-loving friends with indelible memories. A sincere thank you.

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Excellent ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lovesafrica111]

Mr. Studi, It's soooo good to see you once again. It's been a looong time for me seeing you act. You starred in literally my top two favorite movies of all time.....Of course, Dances with Wolves & Last of the Mohicans & I'm still mad at your characters. LOL. A friend of mine told me she was an extra on a movie you did near Moab, UT years ago & you were truly kind which is wonderful to hear & shows what a great actor you really are. Thank you for your work, though it broke my heart in both movies (& Cherokee was the name of my first horse.....) Terrific. Be Well & Happy Always. Kerrie

[@sorayaassar1602]

Wes is so neat. I love watching him. I didn’t know it took so long. Of course it makes sense lol. It looks so seamless on the show.

[@carollido8742]

I think I would really love to meet this man because I am impressed by his low-key way of doing things and he seems outside all of the Glamour and glitz and that really means a lot to me.

[@larryreese6146]

I believe I've watched everything you've played in and want to tell you the folks down here in Northeastern Oklahoma are very proud of you. Especially liked your portrayal of major Ridge. Stand watie would have been a first cousin to my great great grandfather and his father was with the Ridge at Horseshoe Bend. If my information is correct he's got a silver mounted rifle at Horseshoe Bend Military Park. Hello from the home stamp. Wado.

[@Notturnoir]

an outstanding episode! Wes’ maternal line is amazing

[@jerrypolverino6025]

Wes has a power and presence on the big screen. I think he’s a terrific actor. In person he’s a very gentle man, quite different from the powerful men he portrays. When I watched ‘Last of the Mohicans’ I thought he would win an Oscar. In my opinion he should have.

[@NellieKAdaba]

Great movie.

[@DRay-or4tc]

My impression is you’re a true gentleman and inarguably a wonderful actor Sir. I discovered late in life my Great Grandmother was Nez Perce. This was never discussed in our family, likely due to prejudice’s still prevalent in the mid 20th Century. I would so much like to have known about her, so many questions. I appreciate your participation with this program Mr Studi.

[@user-jk5um5hh3r]

We Love Wes Studi--Love your work

[@sonsoftheedelweiss72]

Unbelievable actor!

[@DavidTa2]

Hes such a great actor!

[@butchbinion1560]

Thanks. ✌🏻👊🏼

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

i met this dude a few times, he is really cool !😊😊😊😊

[@hernanlecea7041]

I admire Mr. Studi so much.

[@nativeatheist6422]

Awesome interview. As an Okie, I love this..

[@kimvuchkovich2687]

Favorite actor. ❤

[@Ronnie-sy9vx]

Much love and Respect brother.

[@karstenreidel5791]

Wes Studi my friend for ever and ever !!! greetings from Germany !

[@scottlewis8386]

A wonderful Actor.

[@CT-uv8os]

Tony Blair should be honored to have Wes Studi as a distant cousin. Maybe Wes can teach him how to be a man. Kuwe!

[@scottfergusson8411]

Wes has been in so many great movies.!!!!!!

[@zworm2]

One of my favorite haunting actors and an American hero who served.

[@jiiig8667]

Last of the Mohicans. Acting, cinematography, score THE SCORE OMG! One of the great films of all time. ❤

[@wildflower20102]

This was by far one of my favorite Finding Your Roots. The revelations were stunning. I could feel Wes' pain. The journey of Native Americans in the United States is extremely painful, extremely shameful.

[@valeriareed7234]

That could be why they paired him Mr. Burton……an outstanding……intelligent…..articulate……refine scholar and actor…….the journey of Black Americans in the United States is very painful and extremely shameful…..

[@dmel4905]

@@valeriareed7234 It's unfortunate Mr Burton's reaction to his findings wasn't a gracious as Mr Studi's...

[@bacon81]

What a great actor. So underrated in my opinion. Much respect 🫡

[@halorail]

great video

[@lisarussell8874]

Love him!!!!

[@rebeccagraves3137]

One of my favorite actors.

[@Lou.B]

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

[@jamespena4721]

Great actor and talent 👏 may God continue to bless you on your endeavors

[@texgowing7359]

Mr Stusi, you sir are a fantastic actor & an amazing human being. I satute you sir.

[@edwardweber5655]

I wacth the show .

[@franksadlowski8136]

Very Good actor and person...

[@Mugwumps107]

An excellent actor and a favourite of mine, great in everything ive seen him in, played mean very well. Cool actor.

[@nathalieriley6539]

Great actor God bless 🙏

[@larragunn2809]

Wes knew my ex husband (Northern Cheyenne) many years ago.. he is a great guy! I love hearing this thank you 🙏