Eric Schweig facts for kids

Eric Schweig (born Ray Dean Thrasher on June 19, 1967) is a Canadian actor. He is from the Inuvialuk people. He is famous for his role as Uncas in the movie The Last of the Mohicans (1992).

Early Life and Beginnings

Eric Schweig was born in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. He has a mixed background, including Inuvialuk, Chippewa-Dene, and German heritage. He is the oldest of seven children.

Eric and his siblings were adopted out of their families when they were young. This was part of a Canadian government program that tried to make Inuit and First Nations children fit into white society. Eric was adopted at six months old by a German-French family.

He lived in Inuvik until he was six. Then, his family moved to Bermuda. Later, they moved back to Canada. Eric felt lost and wondered about his family and where he belonged. He decided to run away to Toronto, Ontario. There, he supported himself by building houses.

In 1985, Eric joined the cast of a play called The Cradle Will Fall. This was his first time acting. In 1987, when he was 20, a producer asked him to try out for a movie. He got the role in The Shaman's Source (1990). This movie started his career in the film world.

Acting Career Highlights

Eric Schweig has acted in over thirty movies and TV shows. One of his most well-known roles was Uncas in the big movie The Last of the Mohicans (1992). He also played Pike Dexter in Big Eden (2000). For this role, he won the Grand Jury Prize at the Outfest film festival.

In 1992, he played Black Thunder in the TV mini-series By Way of the Stars. He also played famous Mohawk leader Joseph Brant in the TV movie The Broken Chain (1993). This was his first main role in a movie. He acted with Wes Studi again in this film.

Eric also appeared in Disney's The Scarlet Letter and Tom and Huck in 1995. In 1996, he played Buffalo Hump in the mini-series Dead Man's Walk. More recently, he has starred in films about modern issues for Indigenous people. These include Skins (2002), Cowboys and Indians: The J.J. Harper Story (2003), and One Dead Indian (2006).

Personal Life and Interests

In the 1990s, Eric Schweig started carving masks. This was a way for him to express himself artistically. Since he was a child, Eric enjoyed carving small objects from wood. He learned traditional Pacific Coast carving from artist Vern Etzerza.

Later, he focused on making Inuit Spirit Masks. He worked with master carver Art Thompson. His carvings help him connect with his heritage and Inuit art.

Eric uses his fame as an actor to share his life experiences. He gives many talks in Canada and the United States of America. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. There, he works at a program called "Positive Outlook." This program helps people in the city's downtown eastside get health care, meals, and connect with their community.

In 2017, Eric adopted two foster siblings. He shared that his life changed completely. He went from living alone to being a full-time parent. He now lives in Vancouver with his son and daughter.

Awards and Recognition

Eric Schweig has received several awards for his acting:

• 2000 - Grand Jury Award at L.A. Outfest for Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film for Big Eden.
• 2008 - Received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from Nipissing University.
• 2011 - Nominated for a Leo Award for Best Lead Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series. This was for his role as Chief Andy Fraser in the TV series Blackstone.

In 1993, People magazine named him among the 50 Most Beautiful People.

Filmography