Who was Sacheen Littlefeather? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Marie Louise Cruz

Died At Age: 75

Born Country: United States

Models Actresses

Died on: October 2, 2022

place of death: Novato, California, U.S.

U.S. State: California

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Acting Career

Sacheen Littlefeather started her acting career with radio and television commercials. In 1973, she made a cameo appearance as Maggie in the Italian-Spanish crime film ‘Counselor at Crime’. This was followed by her uncredited roles in ‘The Laughing Policeman’ and ‘Freebie and the Bean,’ which were released in 1973 and 1974, respectively. Also, in 1974, the actress played Patsy Littlejohn in ‘The Trial of Billy Jack’, the action sequel of the 1971 movie ‘Billy Jack’ starring Delores Taylor and Tom Laughlin. In the ensuing years, she did the films ‘Winterhawk’ and ‘Shoot the Sun Down’.

In the 1990s, Littlefeather contributed to a few PBS shows, including ‘The Americas Before Columbus’ and ‘Remember Me Forever’. In 2009, she featured as herself in the documentary ‘Reel Injun’. In 2018, her self-titled documentary 'Sacheen' was released.

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Activism

In 1969, Sacheen Littlefeather joined the occupation of Alcatraz, a 19-month long protest led by LaNada Means and Richard Oakes against the American government's resistance to native land claims. After working at St. Mary's Hospital and the Institute of American Indian Arts, she co-founded the National American Indian Performing Arts Registry in 1979.

Littlefeather continued doing activism and went on to become a respected member of California's Native American community. In 1988, she worked with Mother Teresa and helped AIDS patients in hospice care. She later founded the American Indian AIDS Institute of San Francisco. In 2010, she became the executive director of San Francisco’s Kateri Tekakwitha prayer circles.

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The 45th Academy Awards Speech

On March 27, 1973, Sacheen Littlefeather represented actor Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California. Brando, who was nominated for the Best Actor for his role of Vito Corleone in 1972 film ‘The Godfather,’ boycotted the ceremony as a protest led by AIM against the portrayal of Native Americans by the American film industry. Littlefeather, who appeared as Brando’s spokesperson, walked on the stage and declined the Academy Award trophy Roger Moore and Liv Ullmann offered her.

Her speech impelled the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to eliminate future proxy acceptance of the Oscars. Littlefeather was blacklisted by the Hollywood community.

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Family & Personal Life

Sacheen Littlefeather was born as Marie Louise Cruz on November 14, 1946, in Salinas, California, USA. Her mother was of French, German, and Dutch descent and her father was of Mexican descent. She had two sisters.

She attended California State College (present day - California State University). She later studied acting at the American Conservatory Theater.

In March 2018, it was reported that Sacheen Littlefeather had developed breast cancer. She died on October 2, 2022, at her home in Novato, California

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Sacheen Littlefeather Biography