Wesley Studie, a name that would later resonate across Hollywood and beyond, was born on December 17, 1947, in the rustic locale of Norfire Hollow, Oklahoma, not far from the Cherokee Nation’s capital, Tahlequah. Born into a world steeped in Cherokee tradition, he was the eldest of four sons born to Andy Studie, a hardworking ranch hand, and Maggie Nofire. His heritage is a significant part of his identity. Wesley is a full-blooded Cherokee, a lineage that would profoundly influence his life and career.
As he embarked on his journey into the world of acting, Wesley made a subtle yet significant alteration to his name, dropping the "e" from "Studie" and shortening his first name to Wes. Thus, Wes Studi was born, the name that would grace the silver screen. It’s a little-known fact that Wes Studi‘s acting career didn’t commence until he reached the age of 40, a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions.
Early Life and Education:
The formative years of Wes Studi were deeply rooted in the Cherokee language and culture. Until the age of five, Cherokee was his primary language, a linguistic foundation that would remain with him throughout his life. However, his educational path took an unexpected turn when he was sent to Chilocco Indian Boarding School in Northern Oklahoma. This institution, like many others of its kind, aimed to assimilate Native American children into mainstream American culture. Despite the pressures of assimilation, Studi managed to retain his language and cultural identity, a testament to his strong connection to his heritage. He remained at Chilocco until his high school graduation.
Military Service and Its Aftermath:
In 1967, duty called, and Studi was drafted into the United States Army. He served an 18-month tour in South Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta. The realities of war left an indelible mark on him. The trauma he experienced during his time in Vietnam was profound, leaving him uncertain about his future upon his return to the United States. He spent several years drifting, grappling with the aftermath of his military service, and reconnecting with his fellow veterans.
Activism and Political Involvement:
Following his discharge from the military, Wes Studi became deeply involved in Native American politics and activism. In 1972, he joined the Trail of Broken Treaties protest march in Washington, D.C., a powerful demonstration that sought to address the grievances of Native American tribes and hold the U.S. government accountable for its treaty obligations. During this protest, Studi and other participants briefly occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs building, a symbolic act of defiance and a call for change.
His commitment to Native American rights led him to join the American Indian Movement (AIM), a grassroots organization that advocated for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. In 1973, he participated in the occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, a historic site of the 1890 massacre of Lakota people. This act of protest resulted in his arrest, and he was later released from jail on the condition that he leave the state of South Dakota. In response, he moved to the Cherokee reservation in Oklahoma, further immersing himself in his cultural heritage.
Personal Life and Career Beginnings:
In 1974, Studi married Rebecca Graves, a schoolteacher who shared his Cherokee heritage. While he had been married previously, details of his first marriage remain scarce. Wes and Rebecca had a daughter, Leah, born in 1980, and later divorced in 1982. Despite their separation, they remained connected, and in 1986, they had another child together, a son named Daniel.
During his marriage to Rebecca, Studi worked as a reporter for the Tulsa Indian News, a publication that served the Native American community in Oklahoma. After his divorce, he enrolled at Tulsa Junior College on the G.I. Bill, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a Cherokee newspaper, further contributing to the preservation and promotion of his language and culture.
It was during his college years that Studi began teaching the Cherokee language professionally, sharing his linguistic knowledge with others. This period also marked his entry into the world of acting. In 1983, he joined The American Indian Theatre Company in Tulsa, marking the beginning of his theatrical journey. His first professional stage debut came in 1984 in "Black Elk Speaks," a play that explored the life and teachings of the Lakota spiritual leader.
Continuing his pursuit of education, Studi attended Tahlequah University, where he continued his efforts to positively influence the Cherokee Nation through his work and advocacy. After college, he shifted his focus to running his own horse ranch and became a professional horse trainer, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.
The Hollywood Journey:
In 1986, at the age of 40, Wes Studi made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles and pursue an acting career. Standing at six feet tall, he possessed a commanding presence. Initially, he faced challenges in securing roles, but he persevered, appearing in occasional commercials to gain experience and exposure.
His breakthrough came in 1988 when he landed his first film roles. He appeared in the movie "Powwow Highway," a film that celebrated Native American culture and humor. He also made his television debut in a small role in the ABC TV-movie "Longarm" and a made-for-TV movie called "The Trial of Standing Bear," further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
The year 1990 marked a turning point in Studi’s career when he landed the role of the Pawnee warrior in the epic film "Dances with Wolves." Two years later, he secured his first major lead role as Magua in "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992), a performance that catapulted him to fame. His portrayal of Magua was both captivating and menacing, earning him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Wes Studi soon became synonymous with strong and authentic portrayals of Native American characters. As a prominent film actor, he has consistently strived to bring depth, nuance, and dignity to his roles.
Notable Roles and Contributions:
In 2002, Studi brought to life the iconic Tony Hillerman character, Lt. Joe Leaphorn, in a series of PBS movies produced by Robert Redford, based on Hillerman’s acclaimed novels. These films, titled "Skinwalkers," "A Thief of Time," and "Coyote Waits," showcased Studi’s versatility and ability to embody complex characters.
In 2005, he portrayed a character inspired by the Powhatan warrior Opechancanough in "The New World," an Academy Award-nominated film directed by Terrence Malick. The historical adventure, set during the founding of the Jamestown, Virginia settlement, featured other characters inspired by historical figures, including Captain John Smith and Pocahontas.
Throughout his career, Studi has appeared in numerous film and television productions, including "500 Nations," "Big Guns Talk," "Broken Chains," "Crazy Horse," "Deep Rising," "The Doors," "Heat," "Highlander," "Mystery Men," "Geronimo: An American Legend," and "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee."
Beyond Acting:
Wes Studi’s talents extend beyond acting. He is a stone carver, working with soapstone and other soft stones to create intricate sculptures. He is also the author of two children’s books, "The Adventures of Billy Bean" and "The Further Adventures of Billy Bean," written for the Cherokee Bilingual/Cross Cultural Education Center. His commitment to preserving Native languages and culture is unwavering, and he actively works with native youth to inspire and empower them.
Personal Life and Legacy:
Wes Studi and his wife, Maura Dhu, a singer and writer, reside in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They share a passion for music and perform in a local six-piece band called Firecat of Discord. Maura is the band’s lead singer, while Wes plays the bass guitar. They primarily perform original music, showcasing their creative talents. Wes and Maura have one son together, Kholan Garret Studi, born in 1993.
For his remarkable contributions to his community, Wes Studi was recognized as one of The New Mexican’s "10 Who Made A Difference." His use of his platform to promote Native languages and culture has had a profound impact.
Wes Studi’s journey from a small town in Oklahoma to the heights of Hollywood is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to his heritage. His work as an actor, artist, and advocate has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the Native American community, solidifying his legacy as a true icon.