Written by ward-Winning Native American actor Steve Reevis was also known for roles in ‘Twins,’ ‘Dances with Wolves,’ and ‘The Longest Yard’
Vincent Schilling • December 8, 2017
Born August 14, 1962 and raised on the Blackfeet Reservation in Browning, Montana, Native actor Steve Reevis, the son of Curley and Lila Reevis, has died at the age of 55. Reevis was one of 6 siblings.
According to Reevis’ IMDb profile, he lived the struggling actors’ dream in a quest to act in film and movies. He graduated from Flandreau High School and attended Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas where he received a degree in arts. After Haskell, Reevis began his acting career in Los Angeles while living on the beach in his car, a 1971 Ford Torino.
Reevis’ first role in the film industry was as a stunt rider in the 1987 film War Party which also had his brother, Tim Reevis. His first acting role, in 1988, was in Universal’s Twins. He played a non-speaking role as a Cheyenne Warrior in the highly acclaimed Dances With Wolves in 1990.
In 1993, he was cast as the Apache scout, Chato, in Geronimo: An American Legend starring Wes Studi. Reevis is perhaps best-known for his 1995 Native American lead role in Last of the Dogmen with Tom Berenger.
Steve Reevis (left) in ‘Last of the Dogmen’ co-starred alongside Tom Berenger.
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Steve Reevis (right) in ‘Last of the Dogmen’ co-starred with Tom Berenger.
In 1996, Reevis received an award from First Americans in the Arts (FAITA) for his supporting roles in both the critically acclaimed movie Fargo and in the made for television movie Crazy Horse. In 2004 he received the honor again for his work on the ABC series Line of Fire.
One of Reevis’ last performances was on the independent comedy Fishing Naked, directed by Peter Coggan. Reevis appeared in the film with Native actors Bronson Pelletier, Elaine Miles and Tinsel Korey. Having worked with Reevis on the film, Tinsel Korey told Indian Country Today she was saddened with the news of Reevis’ passing.
“I was blessed to have shared the screen with Steve Reevis. His comedic timing was impeccable, his smile contagious and his spirit uplifted a room. Both on and off screen he had a way of making you feel at home. The cast and crew of our movie are absolutely heartbroken. My deepest condolences to his family in this time of great sorrow. He will be missed dearly,” said Korey.
Journey well Steve Reevis. I was blessed to have shared the screen with you. Your comedic timing was impeccable, your smile contagious and your spirit uplifted a room. You will be missed sir. ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/iK33xdrVDy
— Tinsel Korey (@tinselkorey) December 8, 2017
There has already been an outpouring of support on social media. One fan on Facebook, Chris Whipple wrote, “RIP Bad Ass Actor Steve Reevis.”
- Twins (1988) – Native American
- Dances with Wolves (1990) – Sioux #1/Warrior #1
- Geronimo: An American Legend (1993) – Chato
- Last of the Dogmen (1995) – Yellow Wolf
- Wild Bill (1995) – Sioux Chief
- Fargo (1996) – Shep Proudfoot
- Crazy Horse (1996)
- The Missing (2003) – Two Stone
- The Longest Yard (2005) – Baby Face Bob
- Into the West (2005) – Older Loved By The Buffalo
- Comanche Moon (2008) – Worm
- Road to Paloma (2013)
Television[edit]
- Promised Land – episode “The Outrage” (1997) – Sheriff Lamont Nez
- Walker, Texas Ranger – episode “Mayday” (1997) – Jake Stonecrow
- JAG – episode “The Return of Jimmy Blackhorse” (1998) – Sammy Wheeler
- Walker, Texas Ranger – episode “Way of the Warrior” (1999) – John Wolf / Lone Wolf.
- Bones – episode “The Man in the Bear” (2005) – Sherman Rivers
