Michael Spears facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael Spears
Spears on the set of 1883 in 2022
Born	Michael Spears (1977-12-28) December 28, 1977 (age 47) Chamberlain, South Dakota, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1990–present
Family	Eddie Spears (brother)

Michael Spears is an Indigenous American actor. He was born on December 28, 1977. Michael is a member of the Kul Wičaša Lakota people. His family is part of the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.

Early Life and Family

Michael Spears was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota. This town is close to the Lower Brulé Indian Reservation. His parents were Sičangu Lakota. He lived there until he was in fifth grade.

After that, his family moved to Pierre, South Dakota. Later, they moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota. Michael finished high school at Aberdeen Central High School in 1995. He has six brothers and sisters. His younger brother, Eddie Spears, is also an actor.

Acting Career

First Roles and Big Movies

Michael Spears started acting when he was young. His first role was as a child named Otter. This was in the 1990 movie Dances with Wolves. This movie won an Academy Award. Michael was only thirteen years old and became well-known.

By the time he was seventeen, Michael had acted in many TV shows and movies. He worked with famous actors like Kevin Costner and Jimmy Smits.

Later Film and TV Work

In 2005, Michael had a big role in the TV mini-series Into the West. He played a character called Dog Star. This series was produced by Steven Spielberg and shown on TNT.

In 2014, Michael played Tenkill in the movie Angels in Stardust. Critics praised his acting in The New York Times.

More recently, Michael has appeared in several popular shows. He had a small role in the Western series 1883. He also had a supporting role in season 2 of Reservation Dogs on Hulu. You can also see him in the series 1923 on Paramount. He played the main role of Sitting Bull in a two-part show for the History Channel called Sitting Bull.

Other Activities

Modeling and Hosting Events

In 2005, Michael and his brother Eddie worked as models. They modeled for Cochiti Pueblo fashion designer Virgil Ortiz. Their photos were on the cover of New Mexico Magazine.

In 2013, Michael hosted the 38th Annual American Indian Film Institute Awards. This event celebrates films by and about Native Americans.

Stage Performances and Music

From 2014 to 2015, Michael performed in a play. It was called The Beloved Women of Chota: War Women of the Cherokee. He played Savanukah, a member of the Cherokee Delegation. This play was shown at Colonial Williamsburg.

Michael also shares his musical talents. He has contributed to other stage shows and music festivals. In 2021, he performed with other Indigenous artists. This was for the Billings Symphony Orchestra's show "Buffalo Crossing." It mixed traditional music and dance from Plains tribes with orchestra music.

Personal Life and Interests

Music and Public Speaking

Michael Spears is a talented hand drum player and singer. He often performs at powwows and other events. In 2005, he was the opening act for singer Rita Coolidge.

Michael also travels to give speeches. He talks about important topics like sustainable energy and mental health. He helps guide young Indigenous people in Montana and South Dakota.

Working for Sustainable Energy

Michael worked with his late father, Patrick Spears, and his brother Eddie. They were part of ICOUP (Intertribal Council on Utility Policy). Their goal was to create more sustainable energy sources. This included Native Wind energy. ICOUP started in 1994. It helped discuss energy issues from different viewpoints.

Learning Lakota Language

Michael can speak some Lakota. He first learned it from his father and grandfather. He is still learning more. When he filmed Dances with Wolves, he had Lakota language lessons. Later, for Into the West, he and other actors had lessons from a linguist.

Cultural Activism

Traditional Lakota ways and ceremonies are very important to Michael. He often takes part in spiritual and cultural events. Michael also works to support the Indigenous community. He has appeared at events for environmental causes. He also speaks out about MMIW, which stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. He also shares his concerns about Native culture being used wrongly in sports logos.

Filmography

Awards and Nominations

Michael Spears has received several awards and nominations for his acting:

• In 1993, he was nominated for a Young Artist Award. This was for Best Young Actor Under Ten in a Television Movie for his role as Adam in The Broken Cord.
• In 2011, he was nominated for Best Actor at the American Indian Film Festival. This was for his role as Broken Wing in Yellow Rock.
• In 2012, he won the Bronze Wrangler Award at the Western Heritage Awards. This was for his lead role as Broken Wing in Yellow Rock.
• In 2013, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the American Indian Film Festival. This was for his role as Bud "One Bull" Ward in The Activist.