Tatanka Means
as Rising Wolf
Tatanka Means is an award-winning actor, stand-up comedian and motivational speaker from Chinle, Arizona. He represents the Navajo, Omaha and Oglala Lakota Nations. Means can currently be seen starring in season one of the new series The Son with Pierce Brosnan. His most recent work includes Killers of the Flower Moon, The Son, Once Upon A River, the television movie Saints & Strangers for the National Geographic Channel, and A Million Ways to Die in The West with director Seth Macfarlane, and in his role as “Wolf” in Tiger Eyes based upon the novel by acclaimed author Judy Blume.
Tatanka can also be seen guest starring in the second season of Banshee on Cinemax, NBC's The Night Shift, and in the newly released series Graves with Nick Nolte on the EPIX Channel. Other highlights include appearing as Lakota Chief Crazy Horse in Steven Spielberg's Into the West on TNT, guest starring in the Disney ABC series Scoundrels, Lionsgate's The Burrowers, In Plain Sight on USA and We Shall Remain on PBS by director, Chris Eyre.
Aside from acting Tatanka performs stand-up comedy internationally throughout the U.S. and Canada. Tatanka is one of the youngest touring Native comedians performing today. You can also catch him on tour with the hilarious Native American Comedy group, 49 Laughs. Tatanka currently continues to travel Indian Country spreading laughter and messages of motivation to all ages entertaining audiences everywhere from casinos and schools, conferences and colleges to prisons and rehab centers. Means was recently recognized and awarded for his comedy by being voted "Best Comedian" by Albuquerque The Magazine in their annual Best of the City issue.
Means has also developed and launched his own screen printing company, Tatanka Clothing. Apparel designed and created to uplift and inspire cultural empowerment.
A dedicated entertainer and entrepreneur Means was recognized and awarded with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the American Indian Business Leaders.
Tatanka’s ambition and perseverance has taken him from his home on the reservation to traveling across North America. He has become a much-needed role model for all American Indian youth. Tatanka is proud to be an alcohol & drug-free sober performer living a healthy lifestyle. www.tatankameans.com