Will Sampson
Biography
Will Sampson was a Native American actor, painter, and rodeo performer who was born in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, and spent about twenty years on the rodeo circuit, specializing in bronco busting. He was still competing when the producers of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) were looking for a man to play Chief Bromden, and they hired him after an interview; his only prior acting experience had been an extra role in Crazy Mama. He became known for Chief Bromden and for roles such as Ten Bears in The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Crazy Horse in The White Buffalo (1977), and Taylor in Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986). His other work included a recurring role on Vega$ as Harlon Twoleaf, appearances in Orca (1977) and Insignificance (1985), and the stage production Black Elk Speaks. He also painted and founded the American Indian Registry for the Performing Arts. He died in 1987.
53years old at death
- Born Okmulgee
- Died Houston
- Star sign: LibraThe sign runs September 23 to October 22
- Also credited as William Sampson, Jr. and William Sampson
Movie Career
- Films
- 9
- Career span
- 11 years1975 to 1986
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Big break
Sampson was hired for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest after rodeo announcer Mel Lambert mentioned him to the producers, who tracked him down and cast him on the strength of an interview.
A change of course
While filming The White Buffalo, Sampson stopped production by refusing to act once he learned the producers had hired white actors to play Native Americans.
Behind the camera
In 1983 Sampson started the American Indian Registry for the Performing Arts, which was meant for Native American actors, and he did it with help from Zoe Escobar, his personal secretary. He was also on the registry's board of directors.
Will Sampson movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
Worked with
Will Sampson shares two films with Ed Lauter, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Ed Lauter's page
Scott Walker's page
John Carradine's page
Harvey Keitel's page
Christopher Lloyd's page
John Rhys-Davies's page
All films by J. Lee Thompson
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.