Chief Dan George

Chief Dan George was born Tes-wah-no to a tribal chief on Burrard Reserve No.3 on Vancouver Island, his last name was changed to George when he entered a mission boarding school at the age of 5. Dan George was more or less “discovered” in 1959 and continued acting until his death in 1981. He made his first feature film appearance in the Glenn Ford movie, Smith! in 1969. He became the first Native North American to be nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It was for Best Supporting Actor in the 1970 film, Little Big Man. He published a number of books including two books of prose-poetry: My Heart Soars in 1974 and My Spirit Soars which was released posthumously in 1982.

Also see: Chief Leonard Henry George

Features & TV Movies:
VR indicates Direct-to-Video Release

Smith! (1969)

Little Big Man (1970)
Alien Thunder (1973)
Harry and Tonto (1974)
The Bears and I (1974)
Man Belongs to the Earth (1974)
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Shadow of the Hawk (1976)
Americathon (1979)

Spirit of the Wind (1980)
Left Out (1985)

TV Series – Cast:
Cariboo Country (1960)