A celebrated Indigenous actor and activist, Eugene Brave Rock has made his mark in hit TV shows by bringing authenticity to westerns.
Multidimensional actor Eugene Brave Rock (Blackfoot) has made a significant impact in the western genre across both television and film roles. With deep cultural knowledge from his Indigenous roots along with hiscommanding screen presence, Brave Rock has brought authenticity and depth to his roles, earning praise from audiences and critics alike. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable performances.
Dark Winds (2022 – Present)
In AMC’s neo-western crime drama Dark Winds, Brave Rock plays Frank Nakai, an enigmatic character entangled in a web of crime and cultural conflicts. Set in the 1970s on the Navajo Nation, the show has been praised for its Indigenous representation and gripping storytelling. With his ability to bring a mix of strength and vulnerability to a role, Brave Rock adds intensity and nuance to the series alongside C&I cover star Zahn McClarnon. His performance helps cement Dark Winds as a fresh take on the western, blending mystery and Indigenous storytelling traditions.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of AMC
That Dirty Black Bag (2022)
In this gritty spaghetti western-esque series, That Dirty Black Bag, Brave Rock portrays a formidable warrior navigating a brutal frontier world. The show became known for its raw and violent depiction of the Old West, along with being lauded for its stylish cinematography and compelling characters. Brave Rock’s portrayal delivers authenticity and elevates the harsh action sequences, making his character a memorable part of the series.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of AMC+
The Revenant (2015)
Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s The Revenant is a visually stunning and brutal survival western that won multiple Academy Awards, including a Best Actor for lead Leonardo DiCaprio. Brave Rock plays a pivotal role as an Arikara warrior, adding to the film’s intense depiction of the struggles between Indigenous tribes and trappers of the fur-trade era. His performance, though brief, contributes to The Revenant’s emotional complexity and adds to its historical accuracy and realism. The film’s success increased the visibility of Indigenous actors in Hollywood, including Brave Rock’s.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Hell on Wheels (2011 – 2016)
The AMC series Hell on Wheels, lead by C&I cover star Anson Mount, explores the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad and its impact on Native American lands and people. Brave Rock appears as an Indigenous warrior who is caught in the conflict between settlers and Native tribes. The series was widely recognized for its gritty realism and historical depth, and Brave Rock’s role contributed to its commitment to telling Indigenous stories with respect and historical accuracy.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of AMC
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007)
This HBO historical drama, based on Dee Brown’s book, chronicles the tragic history of the Trail of Tears in the late 19th century. Brave Rock’s role in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee contributes to the film’s powerful narrative, which sheds light on the struggles of Indigenous people during westward expansion. The film received critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards, and Brave Rock’s performance, alongside other Indigenous actors, helped bring historical truth to the forefront of mainstream media.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of HBO
PHOTOGRAPHER: Header image courtesy of AMC
