John Trudell
ActingAbout John Trudell
John Trudell was an American Indian author, poet, actor, musician, and political activist. He was the spokesperson for the United Indians of All Tribes' takeover of Alcatraz beginning in 1969, broadcasting as Radio Free Alcatraz. During most of the 1970s, he served as the chairman of the American Indian Movement, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After his pregnant wife, three children and mother-in-law were killed in 1979 in a fire at the home of his parents-in-law on the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Nevada, Trudell turned to writing, music and film as a second career. He acted in three films in the 1990s. The documentary Trudell (2005) was made about him and his life as an activist and artist.
John Trudell Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of John Trudell reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 18 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of John Trudell's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 50% of John Trudell's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains A Thousand Roads, which stands out as a key performance.
Best John Trudell Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Trudell's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie John Trudell has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Lakota Nation vs. United States | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Taking Alcatraz | Self (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2012 | Dark Blood | Indian #2 | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Reel Injun | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | No More Smoke Signals | self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2007 | The 11th Hour | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | America's Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie | Black Hawk (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | A Thousand Roads | Narrator (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Trudell | Self / Narrator (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Dreamkeeper | Coyote | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Making a Noise: A Native American Musical Journey with Robbie Robertson | Self - Santee Sioux | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Smoke Signals | Randy Peone | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Extreme Measures | Tony | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | On Deadly Ground | Johnny Redfeather | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | Incident at Oglala | Self - National Spokesperson, American Indian Movement | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Thunderheart | Jimmy Looks Twice | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Powwow Highway | Louie Short Hair | Hit | Similar → |
John Trudell - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of John Trudell?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Trudell is "A Thousand Roads" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has John Trudell acted in?
John Trudell has been featured in at least 18 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by John Trudell?
Other notable films include "Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World", "Incident at Oglala", and "Making a Noise: A Native American Musical Journey with Robbie Robertson".