Elaine Miles facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elaine Miles
Miles in 2001
Born	(1960-04-07) April 7, 1960 (age 65) Pendleton, Oregon, U.S.
Nationality	Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, American
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1990–present

Elaine Miles (born April 7, 1960) is a Native American actress. She is most famous for playing Marilyn Whirlwind in the TV show Northern Exposure. She is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Early Life and Background

Elaine Miles was born in Pendleton, Oregon. She is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, which includes people with Cayuse and Nez Perce heritage.

Until she was three years old, she lived on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in eastern Oregon. After that, her family moved to Renton, Washington. Her father worked as a machinist, a person who operates large machines, for the Boeing company.

Growing up, Miles learned many traditional Native American skills. She is talented at storytelling, beading, making pottery, and weaving. She is also an award-winning dancer at powwows, which are special Native American gatherings with music, dancing, and celebrations.

Acting Career

A Surprise Start

Miles became an actress by accident. She drove her mother, Armenia Miles, to an audition for the TV show Northern Exposure. While she was waiting, the people in charge of casting noticed her. They offered her the role of Marilyn Whirlwind, even though she had no plans to try out for a part.

Her character, Marilyn, became very popular with viewers. In 1995, Miles and the rest of the Northern Exposure cast were nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Life After Northern Exposure

After the show ended, Miles continued to perform. She toured the country doing stand-up comedy and traditional dancing. She has also hosted many powwows.

Miles has acted in several movies, including Smoke Signals, Skins, and The Business of Fancydancing.

Helping Her Community

Miles is passionate about helping other Native Americans. She worked with fellow comedian Drew LaCapa to create an exercise video called "RezRobics". The video was made to help fight diabetes, a health problem that affects many Native Americans.

"RezRobics" is a fun mix of powwow dancing, martial arts, and aerobics. It also gives advice on healthy eating. Instead of the usual warning against copying, the creators wanted people to share the video for free with friends and family in Indian Country.

Filmography