Russell Means
Biography
Russell Charles Means was born on November 10, 1939, and passed away on October 22, 2012, at the age of 72. He was an Oglala Sioux activist for the rights of Native American people and a prominent member of the American Indian Movement, which he joined in 1968. In addition to his activism, Means pursued careers in politics, acting, and music. He had 42 known acting credits in movies and television shows. His acting work included appearances in projects such as Remember WENN, The West, and Banshee. He was born in the United States, with sources noting locations including Pine Ridge, Wanblee, and Porcupine in South Dakota.
Career overview
Russell Charles Means was born on November 10, 1939, and passed away on October 22, 2012, at the age of 72. He was an Oglala Sioux activist who fought for the rights of Native American people and a prominent member of the American Indian Movement after joining the organization in 1968. Alongside his political activism, Means pursued careers in politics, acting, and music.
In the field of entertainment, Means built a significant film and television career, accumulating a total of forty-two known credits listed on the Movie Database. His acting career spanned various projects, and he became known for his work in productions such as the television series Remember WENN, the documentary or series project The West, and the project Banshee.
Throughout his life, records connect his origins and passing to locations including Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Wanblee, and Porcupine, South Dakota. He was also known by the alternative name Russel. His multifaceted life encompassed political activism for Indigenous rights alongside his recognized work as an actor.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
42 titles- Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae (2024) as Self - AIM Leader (archive footage)
- Lakota Nation vs. United States (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Larry Flynt for President (2021) as Self (archive footage)
- Sacheen: Breaking the Silence (2019) as Self (archive footage)
- Days and Nights (2014) as Big Jim
- Banshee (2013) as Benjamin Longshadow
- Tiger Eyes (2012) as Willie Ortiz
- Holy Man: The USA vs. Douglas White (2011)
- The (R)evolution of Immortal Technique (2011) as Self
- Reel Injun (2010) as Self
- Questions for Crazy Horse (2010)
- Turok: Son of Stone (2008) as Shaman / Chief Sentry (voice)
- Rez Bomb (2008) as Dodds
- Pathfinder (2007) as Pathfinder
- Unearthed (2007) as Grandpa
- Into the West (2005) as Older Running Fox
- The Last Shot (2004) as Self
- Black Cloud (2004) as Bud
- 29 Palms (2002) as The Chief
- Cowboy Up (2002) as Joe
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000) as Wandering Bear
- Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000) as Billy Twofeathers
- Wind River (2000) as Wódz Washakie
- Family Law (1999) as James Saginaw
- Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998) as Powhatan (voice)
- Black Cat Run (1998) as Ten Reed
- Song of Hiawatha (1997) as Mudjekeewis
- Perfect Moment (1997) as Self
- Profiler (1996) as Uncle Joe
- Remember WENN (1996) as Joseph Greyhawk
- The Pathfinder (1996) as Arrowhead
- Pocahontas (1995) as Powhatan (voice)
- Buffalo Girls (1995) as Sitting Bull
- Touched by an Angel (1994) as Edison
- Duckman (1994)
- Natural Born Killers (1994) as Old Indian
- Wagons East! (1994) as Chief
- WindRunner (1994) as Wa Tho Huck (Country Ghost)
- Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) as Luther Iron Shirt
- The Last of the Mohicans (1992) as Chingachgook
- Incident at Oglala (1992) as Self - Co-Founder American Indian Movement
- Warrior: The Life of Leonard Peltier (1991) as Self - American Indian Movement (archive footage)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Russell Means best known for?
Russell Means is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae (2024), Banshee (2013), Pathfinder (2007), The Final Cut (2004).
When and where was Russell Means born?
Russell Means was born on November 10, 1939 in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, USA. They passed away on October 22, 2012.
How many credits does Russell Means have?
Russell Means has accumulated over 42 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1991 to 2024.
What is Russell Means's background in cinema and television?
Russell Charles Means was born on November 10, 1939, and passed away on October 22, 2012, at the age of 72. He was an Oglala Sioux activist for the rights of Native American people and a prominent member of the American Indian Movement, which he joined in 1968. In addition to his activism, Means pursued careers in poli...
Russell Means by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae (2024) as Self - AIM Leader (archive footage) — aged about 84
- Family Law (1999) as James Saginaw — aged about 59
- Banshee (2013) as Benjamin Longshadow — aged about 73
- Into the West (2005) as Older Running Fox — aged about 65
- Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000) as Wandering Bear — aged about 60
- Remember WENN (1996) as Joseph Greyhawk — aged about 56
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