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, born on December 28, 1977, is an actor from an Indigenous American background. He is a proud member of the Kul Wičaša Lakota people, part of the Lower Brulé Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.

Michael Spears' Early Life

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

Michael Spears' Acting Career

Film and TV Roles

Michael Spears started acting at age thirteen. His first role was as a child named Otter. This was in the 1990 film Dances with Wolves. This movie won an Academy Award. By age seventeen, Michael had acted in many TV shows and movies. He worked with famous actors like Kevin Costner and Jimmy Smits. In 2005, he played a big role as Dog Star. This was in the mini-series Into the West. Steven Spielberg helped produce this show. It was shown on TNT. In 2014, Michael played Tenkill in Angels in Stardust. Critics from The New York Times praised his acting. Recently, he has appeared in several popular Western shows. He had a small role in 1883. He also had a supporting role in season 2 of Reservation Dogs on Hulu. Another supporting role was in the series 1923 on Paramount.

Other Creative Work

In 2005, Michael and his brother Eddie Spears worked as models. They modeled for 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 Indigenous films. From 2014 to 2015, he played Savanukah in a stage play. This play was called The Beloved Women of Chota. It was performed at Colonial Williamsburg. Michael also shares his musical talents. He has contributed to stage shows and music festivals. In 2021, he performed with other Indigenous artists. This was with the Billings Symphony Orchestra. They combined traditional music with orchestral music.

Michael Spears' Personal Life

Michael Spears is a skilled hand drum player and singer. He often performs at powwows and other events. In 2005, he opened for singer Rita Coolidge at her concert. Michael often travels to give speeches. He talks about important topics like sustainable energy and mental health. He also mentors Indigenous youth in Montana and South Dakota. He worked with his late father, Patrick Spears, and his brother Eddie. They worked on a project called Native Energy and Native Wind. This project aimed to create clean, sustainable energy sources. Michael can speak some Lakota. He first learned the language from his father and grandfather. He is still learning more. While filming Dances with Wolves, he had Lakota language lessons. Traditional Lakota ways and ceremonies are very important to Michael. He often takes part in spiritual and cultural events. He also supports the Indigenous community. He has appeared at environmental events. He also speaks out about MMIW, which stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. He also shares his concerns about how Native culture is sometimes used wrongly in sports.

Filmography

Awards and Nominations

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