archytele The Vault

Michael Horse

Acting Born Dec 21, 1951 Los Angeles, California, USA 24 credits

Biography

Michael Horse (born Michael James Heinrich; December 21, 1949) is an American actor known for his portrayals of Native American characters in film and television.

Horse was born Michael James Heinrich in Los Angeles, California, on December 21, 1949. His mother, Nancie Belle Posten, was Swedish. Horse's adoptive father, George Heinrich, was born in Florida to parents from Austria. Nancie died in California in 2004.

Horse's film debut came in the role of Tonto in the 1981 film The Legend of the Lone Ranger, which was a commercial failure. Before taking the role, Horse had been concerned that the character might be perceived as a stereotype.

After appearing in David Lynch's short film The Cowboy and the Frenchman (1988), Horse portrayed Deputy Hawk, a Native American policeman, in Lynch's TV series Twin Peaks (1990–91). He also acted in Passenger 57 (1992), House of Cards (1993), the 1990s version of the television series The Untouchables (1993), and North of 60 (1995–97). He also appeared in the Thanks episode "Thanksgiving" in 1999, portraying Squanto. He appeared as Deputy Owen Blackwood in four episodes of the first season of Roswell (1999). Horse also appeared as Sheriff Tskany in The X-Files episode "Shapes" in 1994. In 1999, Horse guest starred on Walker, Texas Ranger in the episode "Team Cherokee" as John Red Cloud, the owner of a Native American NASCAR racing team and a friend of the titular character, Texas Ranger Cordell Walker (Chuck Norris).

Horse portrayed American Indian Movement (AIM) activist Dennis Banks in the 1994 film Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee. Eight years later, he lent his voice to Little Creek's friend in Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. He portrayed Mike Proudfoot on Sons of Tucson. In 1995 he portrayed Dirty Bob in the Western film Riders in the Storm. He played the character Jindoga in Hawkeye. In 2017, Horse reprised his role as Deputy Hawk in the third season of TV series Twin Peaks. He also portrayed Twamie Ullulaq in the seventh season of The Blacklist in 2020.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Michael Horse.

Full filmography

  • The Blacklist (2013) as Twamie Ullulaq
  • The X-Files (1993) as Sheriff Charles Tskany
  • Young Justice (2010) as Holling Longshadow (voice)
  • Malcolm in the Middle (2000) as Security Guy
  • Malcolm in the Middle (2000) as Steve
  • Knight Rider (1982) as Jonathan Eagle
  • Twin Peaks (1990) as Tommy 'Hawk' Hill
  • Jackie Chan Adventures (2000) as Muntab Leader (voice)
  • Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) as John Red Cloud
  • Superman: The Animated Series (1996)
  • Superman: The Animated Series (1996) as Sky Sentry Operator (voice)
  • Superman: The Animated Series (1996) as Ubu (voice)
  • The Wild Thornberrys (1998) as Wildlife Ranger Sam Rainwater (voice)
  • Hell on Wheels (2011) as Native American
  • Gargoyles (1994) as Peter Maza/Carlos Maza (voice)
  • Gargoyles (1994) as Peter Maza (voice)
  • Roswell (1999) as Owen Blackwood
  • Duckman (1994) as Big Chief Fancy Pants (voice)
  • Amazing Stories (1985) as Indian
  • Amazing Stories (1985) as male friend
  • What's New, Scooby-Doo? (2002) as Leon Strongfeather (voice)
  • All Grown Up! (2003)
  • Arli$$ (1996) as Charlie Silvercloud
  • The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (1996) as Ames (voice)