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Q'orianka Kilcher

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Q'orianka Kilcher
Kilcher in 2004
Born
Q'orianka Waira Qoiana Kilcher

(1990-02-11) February 11, 1990 (age 34)
Schweigmatt, West Germany
NationalityAmerican
OccupationActress
Years active2000–present
RelativesJewel (first cousin once removed)
Yule F. Kilcher (great-grandfather)
Ray Genet (grandfather)

Q'orianka Waira Qoiana Kilcher (/ˌkɒriˈæŋkə ˈkɪltʃər/;[1] born February 11, 1990) is an American actress. Her best known film roles are Pocahontas in Terrence Malick's 2005 film The New World, and Kaʻiulani in Princess Kaiulani (2009). In 2020, she starred in a recurring role on the Paramount Network show Yellowstone.

Early life

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Kilcher was born in Schweigmatt, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. Her name Q'orianka means "Golden Eagle" in Quechua. Her father is of Quechua–Huachipaeri background from Peru, while her mother, Saskia Kilcher, is an American human rights activist of Swiss-German origin. When Kilcher was two, she and her mother moved to Kapaʻa, Hawaii where her brother Kainoa was born.

Her father, from whom she is estranged, was absent for much of her life. Growing up in Hawaii, Kilcher was inspired by the local culture and started hula dancing at the age of five. She also trained in Tahitian dance and West African, as well as ballet, hip hop and modern dance. In 1997, Kilcher won Ballet Hawaii's Young Choreographer Award at age seven.

She was selected to compete at the international Tahitian Dance Competition in San Jose, California, in 1996 and 1997. She performed in over fifty professional dance performances island-wide. As a member of the Waikiki Singers, she was chosen to be the soprano soloist, performing Schubert's Mass in G and Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti. At the age of six years, Kilcher was the first child to study classical voice at the University of Hawaii with Laurance Paxton. She also studied drama with Bill Ogilvie at the Diamond Head Theater. When she was six, her mother booked her at venues as a featured singer and opening act to some of Hawaii's greats, such as Willie K (Kahaiali'i) among others.

In 1999, her mother moved the family to California. Kilcher started to sing and dance for tourist donations, busking on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

Career

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At the age of ten, Kilcher was cast as Choire Who in Ron Howard's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. She was 12 when she received a full scholarship to the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, where she studied vocal performance, music theory and songwriting.

She also studied martial arts and stunts: she is an accomplished black belt in Wushu kung fu and a stunt performer and has trained at the National Wushu Training Center and Impact Stunts.

At age 15, Kilcher portrayed Pocahontas in the Academy Award-nominated motion picture The New World (2005), directed by Terrence Malick. Her performance was critically acclaimed and won her the National Board of Review's best breakthrough performance of 2006, the 2006 Alma Award for best Latin American actress in a feature film, and numerous other award nominations. The film was released in December 2005.[2] The film was a critical success, receiving several positive reviews and award nominations, but it was shown in only 811 theatres worldwide. It yielded a relatively low box office gross.[3][4]

In the summer of 2006, Kilcher began filming the independent film The Power of Few, which she produced through her own production company, Entertainment On-Q.[5] She played the title role in the 2009 feature film Princess Kaiulani. The film, about the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, was released in May 2010 to negative reviews. But Kilcher received positive feedback for her role, with Roger Ebert writing that "she evokes great depth and sympathy in her role and seems to have created Kaiulani from the inside out."[6]

In 2009, Kilcher performed in The People Speak, a documentary feature film that uses dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries, and speeches of common people in the U.S., based on historian Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States".[7]

A year later, she played Pinti in the family drama Shouting Secrets. The film won Best Film at the 36th American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco, and Kilcher was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. She also portrayed Kerrianne Larkin, daughter of Chibs Telford and Fiona Larkin, in the television series Sons of Anarchy.

In 2011, Kilcher played Tiger Lily in Neverland, a version of the Peter Pan story that aired on the Syfy Channel.

In 2012, Kilcher starred in Firelight alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and played the role of Caroline Magabo, a young Latina inmate who finds a new lease on life by becoming a volunteer firefighter along with other female juvenile delinquents.[8][9][10] In 2013, she portrayed Rayen in Running Deer, an award-winning short film produced and directed by Brent Ryan Green through Toy Gun Films.[11]

Kilcher starred as the Chickasaw Nation representative and actress Te Ata in the 2017 film Te Ata.[12]

In 2018, Kilcher appeared in TNT's The Alienist as Mary Palmer. Kilcher appeared in the 2019 adventure film Dora and the Lost City of Gold as the Inca princess.

In 2020, Kilcher joined Yellowstone to play Angela Blue Thunder across the last three seasons of the show.[13]

In 2022, Kilcher appeared in Channing Tatum's directorial debut, Dog, as Niki, the estranged wife of Tatum's character.[14] Kilcher will produce and star in the upcoming film Yesteryear alongside Scott Haze, Wes Studi and Nick Cassavetes.[15]

Activism

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Kilcher has made a commitment to human rights and environmental activism. She speaks on behalf of causes to achieve what she regards as environmental justice and basic human rights. Traveling frequently to speak at youth events, colleges and universities, she has been a featured keynote speaker for organizations such as Amnesty International, the International Forum on Globalization,[16] Amazon Watch IFIP[17] and the United Nations panel discussions titled "Indigenous Peoples: Human Rights, Dignity and Development with Identity", in collaboration with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

She lends her celebrity, voice, and energy as spokeswoman, collaborator, and supporter to several international and national NGOs and organizations, such as youth ambassador for Amnesty International (Global Youth Ambassador for Woman's Rights), AIDESEP[18] (spokesperson and voice), Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Rainforest Federations, the Community School for the Arts foundation (volunteer/spokesperson) and Thursdays Child (youth counselor) Turning The Tides[19] (volunteer/spokesperson), Save Americas Forests,[20] IDEM (South Dakota Youth Project) and is a spokesperson for the American Literacy Campaign.

Working with the National Endowment For the Arts on their "The Big Read" campaign, she recorded a book review. Kilcher has read Howard Zinn's The People Speak in staged readings. She joined the cast for the first People Speak film series.

In 2010, Kilcher launched her own youth-driven human rights and environmental organization "On-q Initiative",[21] to connect young Hollywood with youth activist leaders and projects from around the world in support of environmental sustainability, corporate accountability, and basic human rights. Through her production company, IQ-Films, Kilcher is producing several cause-driven documentaries and youth-programming projects.

On June 11, 2009, she visited Lima to support indigenous peoples' rights in the Amazon in Bagua, Peru. In 2007, Kilcher won the Brower Youth Award, an environmental award, for her work in persuading Occidental Petroleum to withdraw from the Peruvian Amazon valley. She also received the Young Hollywood Green Award.[22]

On June 1, 2010, Kilcher and her mother were arrested after Kilcher chained herself to the gates in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. while her mother poured black paint on her to signify oil. They were protesting President Obama's meeting with Peruvian President Alan García, accusing the latter of selling land in the Amazon rainforest to corporations while suppressing indigenous protests.[23] Both were charged with disorderly conduct.[24] The charges were dropped on June 6, 2011, after the two completed community service.[25]

On September 4, 2015, Kilcher was part of a group that sang "Love Song to the Earth".[26] The song aims at raising awareness of climate change, with all proceeds benefiting Friends of the Earth U.S. and the UN Foundation. She and several "Love Song" singers performed in Washington, D.C. before Pope Francis' address to the U.S. Congress.

Personal life

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Kilcher has two brothers, Kainoa and Xihuaru Kilcher, both of whom work as actors and stunt performers. Her first cousin once removed is the singer Jewel.[27]

Her mother Saskia Kilcher is the daughter of Ray "Pirate" Genet, a Swiss mountaineer who later immigrated to the United States, and Wurtilla Dora "Wurzy" Kilcher, who was born in Alaska to Swiss immigrant parents. Kilcher's great-grandfather was Yule F. Kilcher, a member of the Alaska Senate and delegate to the Alaskan constitutional conference.[28]

Fraud charges

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In 2018, Kilcher severely injured her neck and shoulder during the filming of Dora and the Lost City of Gold.[29] She received disability benefits from the insurance company after being treated for her injuries by third-party doctors. In May 2022, Kilcher was charged with alleged workers' compensation fraud after an investigation found that she had filmed scenes for the television series Yellowstone before receiving $96,838 in disability benefits. She pled not guilty at her arraignment in May. Variety reported that she was due to appear in court on August 7, 2022.[30] In February 2023, all charges were dropped.[31]

Filmography

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Film

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Year Film Role Notes
2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Little Choir Member
2005 The New World Pocahontas
2009 The People Speak Herself Documentary film
Princess Kaiulani Princess Ka'iulani
2011 Shouting Secrets Pinti
2013 The Power of Few Alexa Also producer; direct-to-video
2015 Ben & Ara Gabrielle
Sky Missy [32]
2017 Hostiles Elk Woman
The Vault Susan Cromwell Direct-to-video
Te Ata Te Ata
2019 Dora and the Lost City of Gold Inca Princess Kawillaka [33]
2020 Color Out of Space Mayor Tooma [34]
2022 Dog Niki [35]
2024 The Life of Chuck Ginny Krantz
TBA The Unholy Trinity Running Cub Filming[36]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2010 Sons of Anarchy Kerrianne Telford Recurring role, 4 episodes
2011 Neverland Aaya Miniseries, 2 episodes
2012 Firelight Caroline Magabo Television film
The Killing Mary / Maid 2 episodes
Longmire Ayasha Roundstone Episode: "Unfinished Business"
2013 The Birthday Boys Beautiful Native Episode: "Rock and Roll"
2018 The Alienist Mary Palmer Main role, 10 episodes
2019 Drunk History LaNada Means Episode: "National Parks"
2020 Yellowstone Angela Blue Thunder Recurring role, 4 episodes
2022 Spirit Rangers 'Ayatulutul (voice) Episode: "Caterpillar Camp"[37]

Awards and nominations

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Accolades for Q'orianka Kilcher
Year Award Category Film Result
2005 National Board of Review Breakthrough Performance The New World Won
2015 Blow-Up International Arthouse Film Festival Best Actress – Monica Vitti Award [38] Winter Light Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Actress Q'orianka Kilcher on Climate Change Activism: Public Figures and Celebrities "Have a Responsibility to Help Give a Voice to the Voiceless"". Democracy Now!. April 20, 2010. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  2. ^ "The New World 2005 Re-release". Box Office Mojo.
  3. ^ "The New World Critics Reviews".
  4. ^ "The New World: Awards and Nominations".
  5. ^ Gardner, Chris (June 8, 2006). "Kilcher takes more "Power"". Variety. Retrieved June 11, 2006.
  6. ^ Ebert, Roger. "Princess Kaiulani movie review (2010) | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com.
  7. ^ "Bringing History to Life | Voices of a People's History in the US". peopleshistory.us. Archived from the original on November 29, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  8. ^ Heinrich, Jim (April 19, 2012). "TV review: Female prisoners find redemption in 'Firelight'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  9. ^ Hernandez, Lee (April 23, 2012). "Q'Orianka Kilcher, 'Firelight' Star, On Playing A Latina Juvenile Delinquent (EXCLUSIVE)". Huffington Post. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  10. ^ Lowry, Brian (April 19, 2012). "Firelight". Variety. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  11. ^ "Award Winning Oklahoma Short Film Running Deer is Now Available on Vimeo on Demand". The Oklahoman. August 8, 2013. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  12. ^ "Q'orianka Kilcher Doesn't Want to Be The Girl Next Door". Time. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  13. ^ Grobar, Matt (June 28, 2023). "'Yellowstone's Q'orianka Kilcher Signs With Silver Lining Entertainment". The Rivertowns Daily Voice. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Vlessing, Etan (December 1, 2020). "Q'Orianka Kilcher Joins Channing Tatum's Road Comedy 'Dog' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  15. ^ Lang, Brent (February 9, 2022). "Q'orianka Kilcher, Scott Haze, Wes Studi, Nick Cassavetes Starring in Thriller 'Yesteryear' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  16. ^ "INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON GLOBALIZATION".
  17. ^ "Home". internationalfunders.org.
  18. ^ "AIDESEP". www.aidesep.org.pe.
  19. ^ "Turning The Tides".
  20. ^ "Save America's Forests". www.saveamericasforests.org.
  21. ^ "Peru Youth 4 Truth". Archived from the original on February 28, 2010.
  22. ^ "YouTube clip". YouTube. June 9, 2009. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021.
  23. ^ "democracynow.org". Actor Q'orianka Kilcher Arrested at White House Protest – Democracy NOW!. Retrieved June 11, 2011.[dead YouTube link]
  24. ^ "nbcwashington.com". "Pocahontas" Paints With All the Color of Oil. June 2, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
  25. ^ Charge dropped in actress' White House protest[permanent dead link], Associated Press, June 6, 2011
  26. ^ "Paul McCartney, Jon Bon Jovi & More Sing a 'Love Song to the Earth' to Support Climate Action". Billboard. September 4, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
  27. ^ Cameron, Chris (December 5, 2018). "Q&A INTERVIEW: On eve of 'Handmade Holidays' concert at Sands, Jewel's dad talks about their family life in the Alaskan wilderness". mcall.com.
  28. ^ "Anchorage Daily News". Another Family Star. Archived from the original on February 6, 2006. Retrieved March 15, 2006.
  29. ^ "Facing fraud charges, 'Yellowstone' star Q'orianka Kilcher gets snarky on Instagram". Los Angeles Times. July 12, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  30. ^ Burton, Carson (July 11, 2022). "Yellowstone Actor Q'orianka Kilcher Charged With Workers' Compensation Fraud". Variety. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
  31. ^ Trainham, Emily (February 10, 2023). "Yellowstone' actress Q'orianka Kilcher cleared of insurance fraud charges'". Fox News. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  32. ^ Keslassy, Elsa (February 6, 2015). "Berlin: Diane Kruger, Norman Reedus and Lena Dunham to Co-Star in Sky (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  33. ^ N'Duka, Amanda (October 16, 2018). "'The Alienist's Q'orianka Kilcher Cast In Paramount's Live-Action Dora the Explorer Movie". Deadline. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  34. ^ Miska, Brad (January 23, 2019). "Nicolas Cage to Topline Richard Stanley's Colour Out of Space". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  35. ^ Vlessing, Etan (December 1, 2020). "Q'Orianka Kilcher Joins Channing Tatum's Road Comedy Dog (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  36. ^ Grobar, Matt (October 23, 2023). "Q'orianka Kilcher Joins Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson In Western Unholy Trinity". Deadline. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  37. ^ Q'orianka Kilcher [@qorianka] (October 10, 2022). "🫶🏽🦋🙏🏽 So honored to be part of #spiritrangers now streaming on @netflix 🥹 what a beautiful way to celebrate #indigenouspeoplesday". Retrieved September 16, 2023 – via Instagram.
  38. ^ "Blow-Up film festival annual nominations and awards listing". Chicago. November 2015.
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