Misty Upham Biography

Fast Facts

• Founded the non-profit acting troupe Indigo Children to support Native American actors and was a supporter of Caring Across Generations, a non-profit benefiting the elderly
• Won an American Indian Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress for "Frozen River" in 2008
• Won a Hollywood Film Festival Award for Ensemble of the Year for "August: Osage County" in 2013
• Won an Alliance of Women Film Journalists Female Focus Award for Best Newcomer for "Frozen River" in 2008
• Made her screen acting debut as Mrs․ Blue Cloud in the film "Skins" in 2002
• Quote: "When I'm in front of the camera, or talking to people as an actress, and not as myself, it's like I become another person․ Somehow possessed with somebody who is worth talking to․ Because at home people could care less about what I have to say․"
• Quote: "(On her "August: Osage County" role): "Johnna, for me represented the human aspect of Native Americans․ We are so tied to dysfunction and negative images perpetuated by the media and ourselves․ I always say that films are our greatest ambassadors․""
• Best known for her role as Lila Littlewolf in "Frozen River" and as Johnna Monevata in "August: Osage County․"
• She and "August: Osage County" co-star Michelle Thrush became the first Native American actresses to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013