Adam Beach was born in Ashern, Manitoba, the son of Sally and Dennis Beach, and was raised on the Dog Creek First Nations Reserve, with his two brothers. A troubled childhood saw his mother killed by a drunk driver, and his alcoholic father drowned only weeks afterward. The three brothers went to live with their grandmother and then with their uncle and aunt in Winnipeg, where Adam joined drama classes and began acting in local theatre productions.
Since then he has appeared in over 60 films and television programs. His performance in the Academy Award-nominated Clint Eastwood-directed Flags of Our Fathers (2006) was phenomenal. He played Ira Hayes, a Pima Native American who was one of the six US Marines to raise the American flag on Iwo Jima and who found the resulting fame hard to handle, subsequently giving way to alcoholism. This alone would have been an emotional role for Adam to play; however, during filming, both his grandmother and best friend passed away. His role as Hayes is both realistic and heartbreaking, earning him two Best Supporting Actor Award Nominations. He stands out well above the rest of the cast.
Adam has been further nominated for three Awards for his role in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (2007) including a Golden Globe. He has put in terrific performances in the comedy film Joe Dirt (2001) and the John Woo World War II war epic Windtalkers (2002) in which he co-starred with Nicolas Cage.
He headlined the cast in the Walt Disney production Squanto: A Warrior’s Tale (1994), featured in John Singleton‘s Four Brothers (2005) and starred with Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig in the science fiction-western smash hit Cowboys & Aliens (2011). He had a starring recurring role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) and Big Love (2006).
In 2016, he played Christopher Weiss / Slipknot in the supervillain film Suicide Squad (2016).
Adam hopes to be appointed leader of his Lake Manitoba First Nation.
ROGER WILLIE, Navajo educator, artist and actor, made his screen debut in MGM’s production of Windtalkers in the spring of 2002. Willie’s inaugural acting experience has led to additional roles in, Adaptation, Edge of America, Lost Stallion: the journey home, Wesley, The 6th World and recently, voice over for several Star Wars characters in the Navajo language. Having never acted before Windtalkers, Willie considers his serendipitous experience a result of his motto: Our Moment’s Decision Determines Our Destiny. Willie’s preparation for his role in Windtalkers was aided by his military experience. He proudly served four years in the United States Army’s elite 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Willie shares his life and film experiences when he speaks to audiences ranging from students, corporate executives, teachers, and community members as a way to inspire his listeners to, “Dare to Dream.” Recognizing and embracing the opportunities that have discovered Willie, he’s an advocate for health, education and leadership.
Willie earned a bachelor’s degree in Art from Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. He holds a secondary bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies from the University of North Carolina in Pembroke. In January 2005, he completed his master’s degree in American Indian Studies at The University of Arizona in Tucson focusing his thesis on “Leadership.” Willie currently teaches Art and is Head Football Coach at Thoreau High School in Thoreau, New Mexico.
An accomplished visual artist using pencil, charcoal and paint, his award-winning signature pieces incorporate images embedded within eagle feather tied together by arrowheads. “The feathers and arrowhead, as powerful symbols of Navajo culture, guide and protect one’s spirit and path of life.”
Willie is married to Teresa of the Lumbee Tribe, and they have two children, Seattle and Jodi. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, traditional archery, driving his Jeep and drinking fresh grinded coffee in the early mornings. Willie was born and raised on the Navajo reservation in Continental Divide, New Mexico. His clans are the Wateredge, “Tabaahi,” and Salt, “Ashiihi”. He is fluent in Navajo and English and was raised in the traditional Navajo culture by parents John & Annie Willie whom he credits for his achievements and the desire to excel.
Johnny grew up in New York City where he attended Stuyvesant High School. After forgoing a study of finance in undergrad for a theatre major instead at Binghamton University, he was accepted into Yale, NYU, and UCSD on full scholarships for his Master’s. He graduated from UC San Diego with his MFA in acting in 2009.
– IMDb Mini Biography By: jmw