DeLanna Studi facts for kids

DeLanna Studi is a talented actress from the Cherokee Nation. She is known for her roles in movies like DreamKeeper (2003) and Edge of America (2003). She also appeared in the TV show Shameless (2011).

Early Life and Learning

DeLanna Studi was born on June 4, 1976. Her parents are Deanna and Thomas Studi. She grew up in Muldrow, Oklahoma, a small town. DeLanna was very involved with her Cherokee tribe.

She was inspired by her uncle, Wes Studi, who is also an actor. He uses his acting to share Native American culture. DeLanna wanted to do the same. She studied architecture at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. She also attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Her Acting Journey

When DeLanna was 22, she moved to Los Angeles. This was to begin her acting career. Her very first appearance was in a music video. It was for the song "Perfect" by The Smashing Pumpkins in 1998.

After this video was shown on MTV, she got a big role. She was cast as Talks A Lot in the Hallmark movie DreamKeeper (2003).

In 2015, DeLanna went on a special journey with her father. They followed the 900-mile path of the Trail of Tears. This was the path their family was forced to take long ago. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 made many Native Americans leave their homes. This journey helped DeLanna create her play, And So We Walked.

Awards and Recognitions

DeLanna Studi has received several honors for her work.

• 2003 - American Indian Movie Award - Best Supporting Actress for her role in DreamKeeper.
• 2004 - First Americans in the Arts - Outstanding Supporting Performance by an Actress in a TV Movie/Special for DreamKeeper.
• 2016 - Autry Museum of the American West - Butcher Scholar Award for her play And So We Walked.