Will Sampson
Biography
Will Sampson was a Native American businessman, entrepreneur, rodeo performer, actor, and painter or artist who was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Standing six feet and seven inches tall, his notable film roles included Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Taylor the Medicine Man in the horror film Poltergeist II. He also had a recurring role as Harlon Twoleaf on the television series Vega$ and starred in the movies Fish Hawk, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Orca. Additionally, he appeared in a production of Black Elk Speaks with the American Indian Theater Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, alongside David Carradine and other Native artists. His birth date is recorded as September 26, 1933, and his death occurred on June 3, 1987.
Career overview
Will Sampson was a Native American businessman, entrepreneur, rodeo performer, actor, and painter or artist who was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Standing six feet and seven inches tall, Sampson established a notable acting career with thirty known acting credits recorded on the Movie Database.
Sampson is best known for his performances in feature films, including his role as Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and as Taylor the Medicine Man in the horror film Poltergeist II. His film career also featured starring roles in The Outlaw Josey Wales, Orca, and Fish Hawk. In addition to his work in film, Sampson appeared on television, taking on a recurring role as Harlon Twoleaf on the television series Vega$.
Beyond his screen work, Sampson appeared in a production of Black Elk Speaks with the American Indian Theater Company in Tulsa, Oklahoma, performing alongside David Carradine and other Native artists. Sampson passed away on June 3, 1987.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
31 titles- That's Insignificance (2011) as Self
- Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of The Outlaw Josey Wales (1999) as Self (archive footage)
- The Gunfighters (1987) as Train Passenger
- Firewalker (1986) as Tall Eagle
- Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) as Taylor
- Roanoak (1986) as Wingina
- Roanoak (1986) as Wingina
- Johnny Appleseed (1986) as Chief
- Tall Tales & Legends (1985) as Chief
- Wildside (1985)
- Insignificance (1985) as Elevator Attendant
- The Mystic Warrior (1984) as Wambli
- The Yellow Rose (1983) as John Stronghart
- The Great Spirit Within the Hole (1983) as Narrator
- American Playhouse (1982) as Wingina
- American Playhouse (1982) as Wangina
- Born to the Wind (1981) as Painted Bear
- From Here to Eternity (1980) as Sgt. Cheney
- Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980) as Clarence's Father
- Alcatraz: The Whole Shocking Story (1980) as Clarence's Father
- Fish Hawk (1980) as Fish Hawk
- From Here to Eternity (1979) as Cpl. Cheney
- Standing Tall (1978) as Lonny Moon
- Orca (1977) as Umilak
- The White Buffalo (1977) as Crazy Horse/Worm
- The Hunted Lady (1977) as Uncle George
- Relentless (1977) as Sam Watchman
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) as Ten Bears
- Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson (1976) as The Interpreter (William Halsey)
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) as Chief Bromden
- Crazy Mama (1975) as Indian at Trading Post
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Will Sampson best known for?
Will Sampson is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Firewalker (1986), Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), Tall Tales & Legends (1985), Wildside (1985).
When and where was Will Sampson born?
Will Sampson was born on September 26, 1933 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, USA. They passed away on June 3, 1987.
How many credits does Will Sampson have?
Will Sampson has accumulated over 31 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1975 to 2011.
What is Will Sampson's background in cinema and television?
Will Sampson was a Native American businessman, entrepreneur, rodeo performer, actor, and painter or artist who was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Standing six feet and seven inches tall, his notable film roles included Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Taylor the Medicine Man in the horror film Polterg...
Will Sampson by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) as Chief Bromden — aged about 41
- The Yellow Rose (1983) as John Stronghart — aged about 49
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) as Ten Bears — aged about 42
- From Here to Eternity (1979) as Cpl. Cheney — aged about 45
- Wildside (1985) — aged about 51
- American Playhouse (1982) as Wingina — aged about 48
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