Michael Horse

Michael Horse, born Michael James Heinrich on December 21, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his authentic representation of Native American characters across film and television.

Horse’s journey began with a significant debut as Tonto in the 1981 film The Legend of the Lone Ranger, despite the film's lackluster reception. His commitment to portraying Native American identity led him to accept roles that challenged stereotypes, a concern he had prior to taking on Tonto. Following this, he appeared in David Lynch’s short film The Cowboy and the Frenchman in 1988, which paved the way for his memorable portrayal of Deputy Hawk in Lynch’s cult classic series Twin Peaks (1990–91).

His versatile acting career includes roles in significant productions such as Passenger 57 (1992), the 1990s remake of The Untouchables (1993), and North of 60 (1995–97). He also made guest appearances in notable series like The X-Files and Walker, Texas Ranger, where he played John Red Cloud, a character connected to a Native American NASCAR team.

Horse's filmography features his portrayal of Dennis Banks in the 1994 film Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee and lending his voice in the animated film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002). He reprised his role as Deputy Hawk in the 2017 revival of Twin Peaks and appeared as Twamie Ullulaq in the 2020 season of The Blacklist. Michael Horse’s career is a testament to his dedication to authentic Native American representation in the entertainment industry.