Zahn McClarnon, born on October 24, 1966, in Denver, Colorado, is a talented Native American actor known for his captivating performances in various television series and films. His middle name, Tokiya-ku, means "first one to come," reflecting his heritage.

He grew up in a diverse environment, moving frequently due to his father's job with the National Park Service, and spent time on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation with his mother's family.

His interest in acting began during his high school years at Omaha Central High School, where his drama teacher, Peggy Stommes, encouraged him to participate in school plays. He made his acting debut in the English version of the animated family fantasy "My Neighbor Totoro," voicing various characters. His career took off in the early 1990s when he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time.

Zahn McClarnon has appeared in over 80 movies and TV series. He gained recognition for his role as Police Chief Mathias in the historical adventure series "Into the West" (2005) and received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Hanzee Dent in the second season of "Fargo". He has also appeared in notable TV series such as "Longmire," "Westworld," and "Reservation Dogs," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

In 2022, he took on the lead role of Joe Leaphorn in the AMC series "Dark Winds," further solidifying his status as a prominent actor in the industry.

Zahn McClarnon has won awards at the Vision Awards, Bronze Wrangler, Independent Spirit Awards, and American Indian Movie Awards, among others. Beyond his professional achievements, McClarnon is a passionate traveler and animal lover, particularly fond of dogs.