www.hnmagazine.com HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE
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t seems like everyone is talking about Yellowstone, Paramount Networks hit series. John Dutton. Beth. Kaycee. Rip Wheeler. And Chief Thomas Rainwater, played by renowned actor Gil Birmingham. Its the role of a lifetime. And an important one. I couldnt be happier that theres a Native American thats portrayed in an educated and powerful way. Thats more realistic of what our community does have to offer, Birmingham has stated. Birmingham said there are more opportunities than ever for Native- Americans to play genuine, complex characters, and that Hollywood is doing a much better job of avoiding stereotypes. What is particularly intriguing about playing Rainwater, he said, is that the chief of a reser- vation near the Dutton ranch in Montana is a contemporary character. Yellowstone is not a period piece. Birmingham said the shows creator, Taylor Sheridan, deserves plenty of credit. I knew Taylor would have a sensitivity with the Native world because he had a lot of interaction with them in his younger life, he said.
A Body of Talent
Gil Birmingham, of Comanche ancestry, was born in San Antonio, Texas. His family moved frequently during his childhood because of his fathers career in the military. He learned to play the guitar at an early age and considers music his first love. After obtaining a bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern California, he worked as a petrochemical engineer. He knew that wasnt what he wanted to do long-term; in fact, he was pursuing a side-career in bodybuilding. Thats how he was discovered. A talent scout pegged him for a Diana Ross music video. The Motown icon had hit the charts once again, this time with Muscles. Next was a gig at Universal Studios, where he played Conan on the theme parks newest attraction: The Adventures of Conan: A Sword and Sorcery Spectacular.
A True Warrior
By Brady Rhoades
Actor Gil Birmingham speaks onstage at the American Riviera Award from at the Arlington Theatre on February 9, 2017 in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Mo Brings Plenty (L) and Gil Birmingham attend Paramount Network's "Yellowstone" Season 2 Premiere Party at Lombardi House on May 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, Calif.
PHOTO BY FRAZER HARRISON/GETTY IMAGES FOR PARAMOUNT NETWORK
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