Chief Dan George was a Canadian actor of Indigenous descent who is best known for his roles in Little Big Man, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Harry and Tonto. He made a significant impact on film and Indigenous representation in the arts.
Personal and Family Life
Chief Dan George was born as Geswanouth Slahoot on July 24, 1899, in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was the son of a tribal chief and served as the leader of the Burrard Band, now known as the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, from 1951 to 1963. George changed his name when he entered a mission boarding school, where the use of his native language was discouraged. He had a close familial connection to the arts, with notable relatives, including his grandchild Lee Maracle and great-grandchild Rachelle George.
Career
Dan George worked various jobs including longshoreman, logger, and musician before starting his acting career at age 65. He first gained recognition for his role in the CBC series Cariboo Country in 1960. His performance in Little Big Man earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. George always sought to portray positive representations of First Nations in his roles and was also a successful poet.
Death and Legacy
Chief Dan George passed away on September 23, 1981, from heart failure in Vancouver, British Columbia, at the age of 82. His legacy continues through his contributions to film and poetry, helping to elevate Indigenous voices in the arts. He is remembered for his powerful works and for inspiring Indigenous political activism through his public speeches.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Outlaw Josey Wales | 1976-06-30 | Lone Watie |
| Little Big Man | 1970-12-23 | Old Lodge Skins |
| Harry and Tonto | 1974-08-12 | Sam Two Feathers |
| Cold Journey | 1975-05-06 | Special Guest |
| Americathon | 1979-08-10 | Sam Birdwater |
| Smith! | 1969-03-21 | Ol’ Antoine |
| Shadow of the Hawk | 1976-07-14 | Old Man Hawk |
| The Bears and I | 1974-07-31 | Chief Peter A-Tas-Ka-Nay |
| The Special London Bridge Special | 1972-01-01 | The Big Chief |
| Alien Thunder | 1974-02-22 | Sounding Sky |
| Cancel My Reservation | 1972-09-21 | Old Bear |
| Nothing Personal | 1980-03-28 | Oscar |
| Man Belongs to the Earth | 1974-05-04 | Himself |
| Spirit of the Wind | 1979-01-01 | Moses |
| Hell Hath No Fury: The Making of The Outlaw Josey Wales | 1999-03-30 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Education of Phyllistine | 1963-01-01 | |
| Kung Fu | 1972-10-14 | |
| McCloud | 1970-02-17 | |
| The High Chaparral | 1967-09-10 | Chief Morales |
| The Crow: Stairway to Heaven | 1998-09-25 | |
| What Really Happened To the Class Of ’65? | 1977-12-08 | |
| The Dick Cavett Show | 1968-06-06 | Self – Guest |
| Bonanza | 1959-09-12 | Red Cloud |
| The Incredible Hulk | 1977-11-04 | Lone Wolf |
| The Littlest Hobo | 1963-09-24 | Eagle |