Native Threads Featured Profile: Adam Beach

Native Threads was honored to feature actor, Adam Beach, in our 2003 Fall/Holiday catalog. His family comes from the Saulteaux tribe in Manitoba, Canada. Adam is the father of two sons, Noah and Luke. Adam’s wide appeal as a television and movie star, in both Native and mainstream films and television shows, brought a new level of star quality and credibility to the Native Threads brand. We are extremely grateful for his support and proud to call him a friend.

Adam’s childhood was marked by unimaginable tragedy. When he was only 8 years old, he lost both his parents in separate accidents—occurring just months apart. His mother was eight months pregnant when she was hit by a drunk driver. Adam’s father drowned just two months later. After their deaths, Adam and his two siblings moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba to live with family members. The events left Adam shocked, angry and bitter, but he didn’t wallow in his misfortune for long.

Rocking into an Acting Career

As a teenager, he enjoyed theatre and music. Adam’s brief foray into rock ‘n roll included forming a garage band, called Lethic. The short-lived collaboration covered hard stuff like Black Sabbath. Music, however, was placed on the back burner after Adam appeared in the mini-series, "Lonesome Dove," in 1989, and in "Lost in the Barrens," with Graham Greene in 1990. At that point, Adam knew acting was for him. He began working diligently at his craft, appearing in a variety of made for TV movies.

Adam’s big break came in 1994, when he landed the lead role in Disney's "Squanto." That same year, he played a very memorable role as Frank Fencepost in the film "Dance Me Outside," a performance which won Adam the Best Actor award at the American Indian Film Festival. Adam admits leaning on his childhood experiences while preparing for his role in "Smoke Signals." The movie, released in 1998, won the Audience Award at the annual Sundance Film Festival.

Adam Beach Film Appearances:

"Sawtooth," 2004
"The Big Empty," 2003
"Posers," 2002
"Now & Forever,” 2002
"Windtalkers," 2002
"The Art of Woo," 2001
"Joe Dirt," 2001
"The Last Stop," 2000
"My Brother," 1999
"Little Boy Blues," 1999
"Mystery, Alaska," 1999
"Smoke Signals," 1998
"Song of Hiawatha," 1997
"Coyote Summer," 1996
"A Boy Called Hate," 1995
"Prey," 1995
"Dance Me Outside," 1994
"Squanto: A Warrior's Tale," 1994
"Cadillac Girls," 1993

Television Appearances:

A Thief of Time, 2004 (post-production)
Everwood, 2003
Third Watch, 2003
Coyote Waits, 2003, movie
Cowboys and Indians: The J.J. Harper Story, 2003
Images of Indians: How Hollywood Stereotyped the Native American, 2003
"Skinwalkers," 2002; movie
"Bliss," 2002; series
"Harry's Case," 2000; movie
"Madison," 1997; series
"Touched by an Angel," 1997; guest appearance
"The Rez," 1996; series
My Indian Summer (1995)
"Walker, Texas Ranger," 1995; guest appearance
"North of 60," 1993; guest appearance
"Spirit Rider," 1993; movie
"Lost in the Barrens," 1990; movie
"Lonesome Dove," 1989; miniseries

Adam’s Favorites

Favorite Movie: Stand by Me
Favorite Foods: Spaghetti with meatballs, and Shepherds Pie
Favorite Drinks: A mixture of cranberry juice and orange juice
Favorite Sports: Hockey
Favorite Music: The hard stuff
Favorite Comedian: Anybody who’s funny
Favorite Places: Hawaii
Favorite Clothing Brand: Native Threads
Role Models: My dad

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