Adam Beach

Born in Ashern, Manitoba, Canada, on Nov. 11, 1972, Adam Beach belongs to the Saulteaux First Nation, one of Canada's indigenous peoples. After losing both of his parents in tragic accidents, he was raised by his aunt and uncle.

Inspired by the career of Johnny Depp, who is part Cherokee, Beach pursued his passion for theater, dropping out of high school to perform with the Manitoba Theatre for Young People. He went on to star in the independent drama Dance Me Outside, which led to a spot on the Canadian television spinoff "The Rez."

Since then, Beach has distinguished himself as one of Hollywood's most recognized North American Indian actors. Notable credits include Smoke Signals, Clint Eastwood's Flags of Our Fathers and a featured role in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." In 2007, he earned a Golden Globe nod for his work in the HBO movie Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

Filmography