Unveiling the Remarkable Characters of Reservation Dogs

Summary

Reservation Dogs centers around a tight-knit community of Indigenous actors residing on an Oklahoma reservation, delving into the lives of a group of youthful offenders with a twist of dark comedy.

Delivering exceptional performances, the gifted ensemble of Reservation Dogs injects the series with a sly and witty sense of humor.

The FX on Hulu series Reservation Dogs boasts an impressive ensemble of Indigenous actors, who bring a wealth of depth to the show's supporting characters. Created by Sterlin Harjo and directed by Taika Waititi, known for his work on Thor: Ragnarok, this dark comedy follows a group of youthful delinquents living on an Oklahoma reservation. Their ultimate goal is to accumulate sufficient funds by indulging in petty theft and odd jobs, enabling them to escape the reservation they hold responsible for their friend's demise and relocate to California.

Devery Jacobs as Elora Danan Postoak

Reservation Dogs received widespread acclaim, largely due to the exceptional performances by its talented cast. The series showcases a darkly humorous tone, reminiscent of the FX comedy What We Do in the Shadows, which is also overseen by Waititi. The first episode of Reservation Dogs premiered in 2021, and its upcoming third season in 2023 will serve as its final installment. While the episodes primarily center around Elora, Bear, Cheese, and Willie Jack, the show also boasts a diverse and skilled supporting cast consisting of friends, enemies, and family members.

Elora Danan Postoak, portrayed by Devery Jacobs, is a character in the Reservation Dogs cast. Among the Reservation Dogs, Elora stands out as the epitome of confidence and organization. Although scarred by the early loss of her mother, she is fueled by an unwavering determination to amass wealth and escape the confines of the reservation. With her natural leadership abilities, Elora emerged as the de facto leader of the group, ultimately motivating them to return to Oklahoma for season 3. Devery Jacobs, a talented Mohawk Canadian actress, brings Elora to life on the screen, showcasing her acting skills honed since the age of 9.

Jacobs' diverse acting career includes notable portrayals such as Lollipop in the acclaimed show Mohawk Girls, the compelling character of Sam Blackcrow in the Starz hit series American Gods, and the memorable Jess Wells in Rutherford Falls. Her talent also shines through in her appearance as Lilith Bathory in the popular Netflix series The Order, and she is set to captivate audiences even further with her upcoming roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Echo and the animated Ark: The Animated Series. Additionally, Jacobs is a recognized award winner, having received numerous accolades for her exceptional performances in The Sun at Midnight, Stolen, and Rae.

D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Bear Smallhill

Bear Smallhill is D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai's character in Reservation Dogs. He assumes the role of the group's leader, proudly proclaiming it for himself. However, beneath his tough exterior, Bear possesses a remarkably kind heart, consistently prioritizing the welfare of others over personal gain. His emotional journey also involves navigating complex familial dynamics, including a distant rapper father and a mother who works as a receptionist and seeks to build a new life. Woon-A-Tai, hailing from Canada, first delved into acting in 2018 through the Family Channel series Holly Hobbie. Nevertheless, it was his exceptional performance in Reservation Dogs that truly propelled his career forward.

Lane Factor as Chester "Cheese" Williams

Woon-a-Tai's impressive acting range has been showcased in various projects. He captivated audiences as Lucky in the chilling Netflix horror anthology Creeped Out and made notable contributions to Indigenous cinema through his roles in Beans and Tribal. The year 2023 proved to be a milestone in Woon-a-Tai's career as he secured roles in the highly anticipated Finn Wolfhard film Hell of a Summer, the hilarious coming-of-age comedy Bloody Hell, and the gripping thriller Only the Good Survive. Recognizing his exceptional performance, Woon-a-Tai received a well-deserved Critics' Choice nomination for his portrayal in the talented Reservation Dogs cast.

Chester "Cheese" Williams, portrayed by Lane Factor, is a member of the cast in Reservation Dogs. Within the group, Cheese adopts a more passive role, displaying kindness and agreeability. One notable instance occurs in the second episode, where he assumes the identity of an elderly woman's absent grandson. Nevertheless, Cheese undergoes significant challenges throughout the series, including a stint in jail during season 2, from which Officer Big eventually helps him escape.

The increasing interest in diversity has opened up new avenues for many Indigenous actors, as can be seen in the projects undertaken by Devery Jacobs, such as Marvel's upcoming Echo, and in the career of Lane Factor. While Lane Factor's regular role on Reservation Dogs marks his debut on-screen credit, his association with the show led to a fantastic opportunity. He was cast in Steven Spielberg's 2022 film The Fabelmans, where he portrayed the character of Dean.

Paulina Alexis as Willie Jack

Paulina Alexis takes on the role of Willie Jack in the Reservation Dogs cast. In the crew of Reservation Dogs, Willie Jack stands as the final member. Often described as the most spaced-out member, Willie Jack holds a strong belief in the supernatural. This belief is evident when she requests Elora's uncle to cast a curse on Jackie. Throughout the two seasons, Willie Jack has experienced numerous highs and lows, leading to a strained relationship with Jackie, the leader of the NDN Mafia gang that targeted the Dogs. Alexis, a Canadian actor, joined the Reservation Dogs cast despite having limited prior experience.

Reservation Dogs Supporting Cast

: After her appearance in Beans, Paulina Alexis gained recognition with her breakout performance in Reservation Dogs. This success further propelled her career, leading to her landing the significant role of Bunny in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Additionally, she showcased her talent as Immpy in Bones of Crows, and audiences can look forward to seeing her in the upcoming miniseries Bones of Crows: The Series.

Officer Big, portrayed by Zahn McClamon, is a key character in the Reservation Dogs series. As the reservation's vigilant law enforcement officer, he endeavors to prevent the young protagonists from engaging in criminal activities. However, Officer Big also serves as a guiding figure, offering assistance when the teenagers find themselves in excessive trouble. McClarnon, known for his roles as Police Chief Mathias in Longmire, Akecheta in Westworld, and Hanzee Dent in Fargo, has effectively portrayed Officer Big's conspiracy-driven persona. Furthermore, he has showcased his acting prowess as Joe in Dark Winds and is set to appear as Maya's deceased father, William, in the upcoming MCU series, Echo.

Sarah Podemski plays the character of Rita in Reservation Dogs. Rita is Bear's mother and works at the town medical clinic. Podemski, who has a sister named Tamara who is also an actor, has previously appeared in shows such as Tin Star, Coroner, and Resident Alien. Additionally, she provided the voice for Sky in the animated series Total Drama.

Dallas Goldtooth joins the cast of Reservation Dogs as Spirit, also known as William "Spirit" Knifeman. Spirit is a representation of a "traditional" Indigenous warrior that Bear encounters when he is unconscious. In the second season, Spirit also appears to Uncle Brownie. Goldtooth is well-known for his work in the Indigenous comedy group the 1491s, which he co-founded with Sterlin Harjo, one of the co-creators of Reservation Dogs.

Elva Guerra portrays Jackie in the Reservation Dogs series, where she takes on the role of the blonde-haired leader of the NDN Mafia gang, who targets the Reservation Dogs. Initially a direct rival to Willie Jack, Jackie eventually assists the Dogs as the season progresses. Prior to this role, Guerra appeared as a young version of Charlotte in Rutherford Falls and later portrayed Sally Growing Thunder in Dark Winds.

Gary Farmer plays Uncle Brownie in Reservation Dogs, a character who serves as Elora's uncle and a local legend who teaches Elora and her friends how to fight. Through his interactions with the Reservation Dogs, he discovers a renewed purpose in life. Farmer boasts an extensive acting career dating back to 1976 and has appeared in notable films such as Dead Man, Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai, and Smoke Signals. His television credits include roles in Resident Alien, Longmire, Blackstone, and the vampire detective show Forever Knight.

Kimberly Guerrero stars as Auntie B in Reservation Dogs, portraying the character of Willie Jack's aunt. Auntie B brings a touch of humor to the TV show and has been a part of the acting industry since 1988. Throughout the years, Guerrero has engaged in various television shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger, Longmire, Grey's Anatomy, and Seinfeld. Moreover, she recently joined the cast of Spirit Rangers in 2022.

Jon Proudstar takes on the role of Leon in Reservation Dogs. Playing the character of Willie Jack's father, Leon serves as one of the few positive influences in her life. He does his best to shield her from trouble, no matter how challenging it may be. Proudstar has pursued acting since 1990, with his debut in Madhouse alongside John Larroquette and Kirstie Alley. Notably, he also appeared as Greg in The Year of the Dog in 2022.

Kirk Fox portrays the character Kenny Boy in Reservation Dogs. He provides comedic relief to the series as a white individual striving to be perceived as Native American. Additionally, Kenny Boy is the owner of the salvage yard and engages in several interactions with the Dogs throughout the second season. Fox is renowned for his portrayal of Sewage Joe in Parks and Recreation, and has also made appearances in Brooklyn Nine-Nine and the upcoming Amazon series Jury Duty, scheduled for release in 2023.