The Lakota actor’s smile and spirit will never be forgotten.
Cole T. “Coco” Brings Plenty, who identified himself as Mnicoujou Lakota, left this world on April 5, 2024, at the age of 27. He is now on the spiritual trail that will take him to his relatives. The son of Joe Brings Plenty, Sr. and nephew of actor Mo Brings Plenty, he was a media student at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, an exciting young actor, and a kind, spirited friend.
Cole Brings Plenty supporting his uncle Mo Brings Plenty along with photographer Eugene Tapahe at C&I’s first cover-reveal party (PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Walt Burns).
“Cole was a joyous light in our lives, and we were privileged to know him. We are heartbroken by this loss,” said C&I Executive Editor Marcella Barrett. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and hope they find peace in their memories of his life.”
Cole co-starred during the first season of Yellowstone spinoff 1923 as Pete Plenty Clouds, a Native American sheepherder who comes to the aid of a young woman fleeing an abusive Indian School. In real life, Cole and his uncle visited Washington, D.C. in May 2023 to talk with the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs about the boarding schools and other issues facing Native Americans. He also appeared in episodes of the INSP Western TV series Into the Wild Frontier and The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger.
Cole Brings Plenty as Pete Plenty Clouds in 1923 (PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Emerson Miller/Paramount+).
“We were so lucky to have spent time with Cole over the past few years,” Barrett added. “His spirit and smile were so contagious. We will continue to honor his memory and will celebrate his life with the same spirit in which he lived his.”
A two-night wake service will be held April 14 and 15, followed by a Celebration of Life service April 16 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. The Brings Plenty family has shared a warning to their friends and followers regarding scammers attempting to use Cole’s likeness on merchandise. They have also asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Cole Brings Plenty spent time at TR-9 Ranch alongside Mo Brings Plenty and Corey Cushing (PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Holly Royal).
HEADER IMAGE: Courtesy Holly Royal