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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Trudell reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 18 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of John Trudell's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 44% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Trudell remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in A Thousand Roads, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best John Trudell Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Trudell's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Trudell.
| 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) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | Dreamkeeper | Coyote | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Making a Noise: A Native American Musical Journey with Robbie Robertson | Self - Santee Sioux | Flop | 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 8.0/10.
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", "Reel Injun", and "Incident at Oglala".