Michael Spears

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Michael Spears is an American actor, born December 28, 1977 of parents who are Native Americans. He is a member of the Sicangu Lakota (often called "Sioux") Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota.

Michael Spears's film credits include a major role as the character Dog Star in the 2005 Steven Spielberg-produced cable mini-series, Into the West, which aired on the US network TNT. His earlier role as the child character Otter, in the Academy-Award-winning 1990 film Dances with Wolves, also earned him national notice. By the age of 17, Spears had acted in both TV and film with some gifted performers, including Kevin Costner, Jimmy Smitts and Kim Delaney. His younger brother Eddie Spears is also an actor, with both movie and TV credits. Michael Spears is an accomplished hand drum player and singer, often performing at native American "pow-wow" gatherings and in non-tribal venues (he was the opening act for Rita Coolidge and Friends at her 2005 concert in Great Falls, Montana). Michael often travels as a celebrity speaker concentrating on inspirational and educational topics including sustainable energy, and mentors youth in South Dakota. He works with his father and brother as part of the Inter-Tribal Group, whose goal is to encourage creation of "natural" sustainable energy sources.

In 2007 he was preparing for the release of the movie, Imprint, in which he portrays Tom Grey Horse, a tribal police officer. Also in 2007 he filmed a new movie Shadowheart, which is slated for release in 2008.

As per an article in Distinctly Montana, dated Fall 2006, Michael’s “love in his life is an Italian-American beauty with just a hint of Dine Cherokee” – their marital status is not stated. His two children – Jasmine and Noah – are referred to in the article, but their mother’s identity is not given, nor does the article assume her to be the above mentioned woman.^[1]