Gil Birmingham, with a self-deprecating humor, acknowledges the acting profession’s inherent “delusions.” Yet, his journey from a bodybuilder to a celebrated actor boasts a rich tapestry of roles across diverse genres, proving his artistic aspirations were far from unfounded. His reflections often circle back to milestones like Dances with Wolves, a film that, while groundbreaking, now serves as a touchstone in understanding the evolution of Native American representation in Hollywood, a journey Birmingham himself is deeply embedded in, especially with his prominent role in the hit series Yellowstone.
Early Career and the Call to Representation
Birmingham’s entry into the entertainment world was serendipitous. Scouted at a gym in 1982, the then-bodybuilder and petrochemical engineer was cast in Diana Ross’s music video “Muscles.” This unexpected foray ignited an acting passion. As roles in series like Falcon Crest, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman followed, a profound sense of responsibility began to take root. Birmingham, of Comanche heritage, recognized the glaring gap in authentic portrayals of Native Americans. “Representations of Native Americans have been so minimal and misrepresented,” he noted, highlighting the stereotypical and often derogatory depictions prevalent in media. This realization fueled his commitment to embodying realistic and contemporary Native American characters, moving away from the tired tropes of period pieces filled with “drunk savages or villains.” His early career laid the groundwork for a focused mission: to reshape the narrative and offer genuine representation.
“Dances With Wolves” and Shifting Perceptions
The landmark film Dances with Wolves, starring Kevin Costner, emerged as a pivotal moment in Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans. Birmingham recalls the Oscar-winning movie as a significant benchmark, especially considering its attempt to depict Lakota culture with more nuance and respect than previously seen. Interestingly, Birmingham now finds himself working alongside Costner in Yellowstone, a series where these themes of representation and respect for Native cultures continue to resonate. Dances with Wolves, despite its acclaim, arrived at a time when truly authentic Native American voices in cinema were still scarce. Birmingham’s perspective, informed by his Comanche heritage and his experiences in the industry, offers a valuable lens through which to view the progress – and ongoing challenges – in achieving genuine representation. The conversation sparked by films like Dances With Wolves paved the way for a deeper examination of how Indigenous stories are told and who gets to tell them.
Collaboration with Taylor Sheridan and “Yellowstone”
A defining partnership in Birmingham’s career is his collaboration with writer-director Taylor Sheridan. Their work together began with the critically acclaimed film Hell or High Water (2016), where Birmingham played a respectable Texas lawman alongside Jeff Bridges. This role, portraying a Native American character as an equal and authority figure, marked a departure from stereotypical casting and solidified Birmingham’s faith in Sheridan’s storytelling. Sheridan further cast Birmingham in Wind River (2017), a powerful thriller set on a Wyoming reservation, before offering him the role of Chief Thomas Rainwater in Yellowstone. Chief Rainwater, a complex and powerful casino owner fiercely protective of his tribal lands, became a signature role for Birmingham. The character’s backstory, including his journey of discovering his heritage, strikingly mirrors aspects of Birmingham’s own life. Learning about his Comanche heritage later in life, Birmingham found a deep connection with Rainwater’s struggle with identity and belonging. This personal resonance adds layers of authenticity and depth to his compelling portrayal.
Authentic Storytelling and Continued Progress
Yellowstone‘s immense popularity underscores a growing audience appetite for stories rooted in Middle American values and principles, even amidst complex themes of corporate encroachment and land disputes. For Birmingham, Yellowstone‘s success, coupled with the rise of Indigenous-led projects like Reservation Dogs and Dark Winds, signals a tangible shift in the industry. He emphasizes that “the talent has always been there,” but now, opportunities are finally expanding, allowing Native American actors and creators to bring their stories to the forefront. Reflecting on the journey from the era of Dances with Wolves to the present landscape, Birmingham sees a clear trajectory of progress. While Dances with Wolves opened doors, contemporary series are pushing further, offering nuanced narratives and centering Indigenous perspectives. Gil Birmingham’s career embodies this evolution, from observing representation from the outside to actively shaping it from within, ensuring that future portrayals are authentic, respectful, and reflective of the diverse realities of Native American life.
Seasons one through four of Yellowstone are currently available on Peacock.
