Red Wing, born Lilian Margaret St. Cyr on February 23, 1884, on the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska, was an American actress of the silent film era. She was one of the first Native American actresses to gain prominence in Hollywood, and she was known for her feature role in Cecil B. DeMille's "The Squaw Man" (1914).
Her career spanned from 1908 to 1921, during which she appeared in more than 70 films, including shorts and Hollywood features.
Her early life was marked by tragedy and resilience. Orphaned by the age of four, she spent ten years in Indian boarding schools before graduating from the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania in 1902.
Full Name | Red Wing |
Other Name | Lilian Margaret St. Cyr |
Gender | Female |
Profession | Actress |
Date of Birth | 23-February-1884 (90 years) |
Birth Location | Winnebago Reservation, United States |
Death Time | 13-March-1974 |
Death Location | New York City, New York |
She moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a domestic servant and met her future husband, James Young Deer, a producer and director. The couple married in 1906 and began performing Western acts in New York City and Philadelphia.
In 1908, Red Wing made her film debut in "The White Squaw" by the Kalem Company. She quickly became a sought-after actress for Native American roles, working with various film companies such as Biograph, Bison, and Pathe.
Her most notable role came in "The Squaw Man," where she played a leading role and received rave reviews for her performance. She also appeared in films such as "In the Days of the Thundering Herd" (1914) and "Ramona" (1916).
Red Wing was not just an actress; she was also a fierce advocate for Native American culture. She promoted Native American culture through art, lectures, and activism, ensuring that her heritage was accurately represented in the films she worked on.
After retiring from acting in the 1920s, she returned to New York City, where she continued her advocacy work until her death on March 13, 1974.
Red Wing was 90 years old
Red Wing was born on 23-February-1884
Red Wing was born in Winnebago Reservation, United States
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