He then shared that he knew that others were afraid to speak up about these issues, but felt that it was important not to be silent. When he was nominated for an Oscar for his infamous portrayal of Don Corleone in "The Godfather," he refused to attend the ceremony. Two weeks before her death, the Academy honored her at an event called "An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather." To Orlandi, it was the beginning of Littlefeathers nearly half-century hoax. [133] However, on her official website, a response to Ebert's article contradicts the lawyer and states that she was born Marie Cruz. And while Brando's motives weren't fully appreciated at the time, today it's clear that he was ahead of his time. Speaking with PEOPLE ahead of the Oscars, Williams, 42, recalls seeing a clip of Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather appearing on behalf of The Godfather winner Marlon Brando during the . In a 1974 interview, she stated that her mother left her father when she was 4 and took her to live with her maternal grandparents. Did Sacheen Littlefeather share true story about John Wayne trying to attack her? Marlon Brando Michael Caine Peter O'Toole Laurence Olivier Her speech made her famous literally overnight and her fame would be exploited by Playboy magazine. All rights reserved. The strange, sad tale of Sacheen Littlefeather:, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met. "I later learned six security guards had to hold back John Wayne, who was in the wings and wanted to storm on the stage and drag me off," she claimed. "When I am gone, always be reminded that whenever you stand for your truth, you will be keeping my voice and the voices of our nations and our people alive," the quote read. They also said that their father, who was born in Oxnard, California, was of Spanish-Mexican descent and had no tribal ties. [1], Littlefeather died at her home in Novato, California, on October 2, 2022, at the age of 75. They say their sisters speech was the first time anyone in their Salinas family had ever talked about being Native American. Marie Louise Cruz (November 14, 1946 October 2, 2022), better known as Sacheen Littlefeather, was an American actress, model, and activist on behalf of Native American civil rights. And the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry, she said as the audience began to boo, and on television in movie reruns, and also with recent happenings at Wounded Knee.. She has previously reported or edited for Bay Area news and lifestyle publications, including Walnut Creek Patch, and Diablo, Oakland and Alameda magazines, as well as The Nation in Bangkok, Thailand and The Economist. [123], Littlefeather studied orthomolecular nutrition and later said that she had "wanted to see where all the 'white' food came from" so she went to Sweden and lived in Stockholm. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Then came Marlon Brando to bring it all to center stage quite literally. The truth, they say, is that their parents, self-employed makers of horse saddles, raised their three daughters in a loving middle-class home. Brando would later tell talk show host Dick Cavett that the Academy didn't want her there and didn't want the evening interrupted with that particular note. In fact, just minutes before the award was handed out, show producer Howard Koch had told Littlefeather that she needed to keep her comments to 60 seconds. Marie would later become famous as Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather. In one of the most memorable moments in Oscars history, Littlefeather took the stage in his place and spoke out about Hollywood's negative treatment of Native Americans. [87][88] Contemporary accounts of the founding of the Red Earth Performing Arts Company by Nez Perce actor and playwright John Kauffman, Jr in 1974 do not mention Littlefeather. Martha Ross is a Bay Area News Group features writer for The Mercury News and East Bay Times who covers everything and anything related to popular culture, society, health, womens issues and families. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! The social turbulence of the 1970s was a time of much-needed change in Indian country. Sacheen Littlefeather died Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, at her home in Marin County, Calif. She was 75. Some felt that Brando was making a mockery of the awards, while others felt that he was jumping on a social cause bandwagon. A few months after the Academy Awards, Brando was a guest on The Dick Cavett Show, where he eloquently explained his position and showed no regrets for asking Littlefeather to attend the Oscars. Sacheen Littlefeather, the activist for Native Americans who declined Marlon Brando's Oscar for "The Godfather" on his behalf at the 1973 Academy Awards, died Sunday at 75, the Ac You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! She had no legal recourse to contest their publication because she had signed a model release. [56][57][58] Koch recalled that he permitted her to stay and make her speech after she promised not to make a scene. Market data provided by Factset. She had been instructed by Brando not to touch the Oscar and, rather, read an eight-page statement. One of the most shocking moments in Academy Awards history came in 1973, when Marlon Brando won Best Actor for his role in The Godfather. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist who declined Marlon Brando's Oscar for "The Godfather" has died. How forward-thinking Brando's decision was and the bravery Littlefeather displayed has only been recently recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She couldnt have been more Native, said Neconie, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma of New Mexico and former UC Berkeley assistant director of undergraduate admissions. After giving brief remarks and announcing the five nominees, they declared Brando as the winner. [32][33][34] She worked at a radio station, KFRC, for about six months and did freelance reporting for PBS member station KQED. [111] In 1990, it was reported that Littlefeather's brother had died of AIDS. [5][27] She reported having tuberculosis at age four and received treatment in an oxygen tent while hospitalized. He subsequently published a letter received from Littlefeather's lawyer, which asked him to clarify that Littlefeather was Native American, with a father who was "Yaqui and White Mountain Apache". [73][100], A 1987 profile of Littlefeather stated that she was a recipient of the 1986 Traditional Indian Medicine Achievement Award for her participation in the Traditional Indian Medicine Program at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. He had also participated in the March on Washington in 1963 and he supported the work of Dr. Martin Luther King. Were also on Pinterest, Tumblr, and Flipboard. "He told me Id done a great job," she said. [6], Littlefeather attended North Salinas High School from 1960 to 1964 and was active in 4-H, winning awards in home economics categories such as food preservation and fashion. Things did not go quite as planned. [5] In an interview after her Academy Awards appearance, Fortunate Eagle confirmed that Littlefeather had supported the protest at Alcatraz;[22] According to Keeler's 2022 article published after Littlefeather's death, activist LaNada War Jack, who was at Alcatraz, said Littlefeather was not there. The outlet shared that after the speech, Littlefeather went to Brandos house. Keeler writes that the sisters state that their father, who was born in Oxnard, California, was of Mexican descent and had no tribal ties, nor was he related to the Yaqui tribes of Northern Mexico. When Brando was announced as the winner, Littlefeather took the stage dressed in full native regalia. Orlandi and Cruz just want the truth to be known about their family. When Brando was announced as the winner, Littlefeather took the stage dressed in full native regalia. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The favorite to win, Brando boycotted the ceremony as a protest against Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans and to draw attention to the standoff at Wounded Knee. I'm representing Marlon Brando this evening, and he has asked me to tell you in a very long speech which I cannot share with you presently, because of time, but I will be glad to share with the press afterwards, that he very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award. [116][117] In 2009, she gave testimony in the documentary Reel Injun about Native Americans in film. Sacheen Littlefeather holds a written statement from actor Marlon Brando refusing his Best Actor Oscar on stage at the Academy Awards, Los Angeles, California. Trouble was brewing even before Littlefeather arrived at the podium. In August, the Academy wrote a formal apology to her for the "emotional burden" that she carried for 49 years. The lawyer's letter claimed that Cruz was her married name. I didnt have an evening dress so Marlon told me to wear my buckskin. Legal Statement. Sacheen Littlefeather, who famously took to the stage when Marlon Brando won an Oscar for The Godfather to decline the award, has died at the age of 75. Sacheen Littlefeather holds a written statement from actor Marlon Brando refusing his Best Actor Oscar on stage at the Academy Awards, Los Angeles, California. She was later in a 32 year long relationship with and married Charles Koshiway Johnston, who died in 2021. Instead, she was given 60 seconds. "They should have at least had the courtesy to listen to her. And White Mountain Apache? Brando, Littlefeather, and the Academy Awards. [97][98] She criticized the use of an Indian-themed mascot at Tomales High in 2001. "[15] Littlefeather said she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Littlefeather represented Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards in 1973, where she on Brando's behalf declined the Best Actor award that he won for his performance in The Godfather. The caller was Marlon Brando, she told her younger sister, Trudy Orlandi, and he had asked Littlefeather to appear on his behalf at the Academy Awards the following night, in case he won the best actor award for The Godfather.. It took nearly 50 years, but in June 2022 they issued a formal apology to Littlefeather and on September 17 an event was held in her honor at the Academy Museum. [1] After recovering, she received a degree from Antioch University in holistic health and nutrition with an emphasis in Native American medicine, a practice she credited with her recovery. [49][50], In a 2021 interview, Littlefeather said that she got to know Coppola while hiking the hills of San Francisco and she got Brando's address from him. 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She delivered a short speech on behalf of Brando declining acceptance of the award. Her death came just weeks after she accepted a formal apology in person at a tribute in Los Angeles. "[48], A 1974 article about a Littlefeather interview stated that she was working for a San Francisco radio station when she applied for work with Coppola and that he then referred her to Brando, "knowing Brando's interest in the Indian". Demanding a regime change from the U.S.-backed tribal government that had been mistreating the reservation's residents for years, the occupiers found themselves in a 71-day armed battle against the FBI and the U.S. [81][82], Coretta Scott King commended Brando for his non-violent stand, stating, "It is gratifying to see people in entertainment increasingly concerned about injustices in society and not just interested in making money. In 1973, riding high off the success ofThe Godfather, actor Marlon Brando used his platform to give a voice to Native Americans. Littlefeather has long been an accepted and highly respected member of the Native American community despite lingering speculation about her identity. [130][131], Following Littlefeather's death, Navajo author Jacqueline Keeler interviewed Littlefeather's biological sisters Rosalind Cruz and Trudy Orlandi, who say their family did not have Native American ancestry. [56] In 1974, she stated that Marlon Brando sent her to a doctor when she was in a lot of pain and helped her recover, so she made the Oscar speech to repay him. Bettmann via. Riveting new S.F. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images), LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Activist Sacheen Littlefeather (L) and producer of the movie Christina Fon (R) attend the Q&A at the SAG President's National Task Force For American Indians & NBC Universal Premiere Screening Of "Reel indian" & "American Indian Actors" At LA Skins Fest on November 20, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. ", CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER. [13][14], Littlefeather said that around age 19, she spent a year in a psychiatric hospital after previously hearing voices that pushed her to a suicide attempt, recounting what happened during a three hour visual history interview in 2022 with the director of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. My mom was a very sweet, kind person, Orlandi said. Market data provided by Factset. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist who declined Marlon Brando's Best Actor Oscar for him in a memorable 1973 speech, passed away on Sunday. Marshal Service as the eyes of the nation watched on the evening news. She was 75 years old. ACADEMY APOLOGIZES TO SACHEEN LITTLEFEATHER NEARLY 50 YEARS AFTER REJECTING AN OSCAR ON MARLON BRANDO'S BEHALF, At the 1973 Academy Awards, Sacheen Littlefeather refused the Academy Award for Best Actor on behalf of Marlon Brando who won for his role in The Godfather. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group), Trudy Orlandi keeps of her sister Maria Cruz in the second grade at her home in San Anselmo, Calif., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. [2][3] Although some of her distant family may have been born in Pima/Oodham tribal territory in Sonora, Mexico, scholars have stated that actual tribal members in these communities would have been a minority during the time. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, [68][69] At a later press conference, Littlefeather read to journalists the speech that Brando had prepared; The New York Times published the full text the next day. She added, "We need to keep our sense of humor about this at all times. Native American people were in the bottom strata of all socioeconomic indicators, and it was clear to American Indian youth that change was not going to happen without dramatic action. [45] She continued to pursue acting opportunities, such as touring with the "Red Earth Theater Company". Market data provided by Factset. The registry was founded in the early 1980s by Muscogee actor Will Sampson, who worked with the American Native Association to publish a directory of American Indians in the arts and entertainment fields. Fox News Flash top headlines for October 2, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck', Kelsey Grammer wont apologize for the 'difference' that Jesus has made in his life, Person roaming in 'Scream' Ghostface costume prompts multiple police calls, Kelsea Ballerini kisses Chase Stokes after criticizing ex amid nasty divorce, Why Kevin Bacon refuses to share the secret to his 35-year marriage to Kyra Sedgwick. [70][7], The incident drew remarks from others at the same ceremony. "[72][71] Michael Caine, the night's co-host, criticized Brando for "letting some poor little Indian girl take the boos" instead of "[standing] up and [doing] it himself". (Hulton Archive/Getty Images), "The abuse you endured because of this statement was unwarranted and unjustified," David Rubin, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, wrote to Littefeather. After Littlefeathers sisters learned about her death, they went public with their fraud allegations because, they said, their sisters lies maligned their parents, Manuel and Geroldine Cruz. Entertainment | The Associated Press contributed to this report. In this combination image, Native American Sacheen Littlefeather speaks at the 45th Academy Awards. ', (Photo by Beck Starr/FilmMagic/Getty Images), Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for April 25, Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck', Kelsey Grammer wont apologize for the 'difference' that Jesus has made in his life, Person roaming in 'Scream' Ghostface costume prompts multiple police calls, Kelsea Ballerini kisses Chase Stokes after criticizing ex amid nasty divorce, Why Kevin Bacon refuses to share the secret to his 35-year marriage to Kyra Sedgwick. [79], In 2015, Littlefeather reported that her name and image were being used fraudulently to raise money claimed to be for the Lakota nation. "[86], Littlefeather was described as a founding member of the Red Earth Indian Theater Company in Seattle when awarded an Eagle Spirit Award (Honorary) at the 2013 American Indian Film Festival. She committed herself to other health education work as well and worked with Mother Theresa doing hospice care for AIDS patients. [7] She said that the federal government encouraged the blacklisting to abate Native American activism after Wounded Knee. This guy cannot protect himself or his name or his reputation.. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. She can rest assured that no one will take her bravery that night for granted; and long after her passing, she will continue to be a shining example for others. "I was a spokesperson, so to speak, for the stereotype of Native Americans in film and television," she later said. Still, in the short time she did have, Littlefeather made her voice heard. None of Littlefeathers relatives identified as Native American, Keeler said. Helene Hagan, a historian, anthropologist and former longtime friend, believes that Littlefeathers Native American claims and delusions of being a suffering, victimized woman began around this time. While some in the audience applauded Littlefeather, her presence at the awards ruffled feathers. [77] In the years immediately following the protest, Littlefeather said that it had "had little effect on the course of her career". According to Littlefeather, she could "hear the boos and jeers" as she came on stage. For too long the courage you showed has been unacknowledged. In the statement, Littlefeather continues to claim to be Yaqui and White Mountain Apache. Sacheen Littlefeather at the 1973 Oscars (Photo: UCLA Library Special Collections, CC BY 2.0). [28] She said her mother and two sisters were subject to their father's rage and beatings. His theatrical training and instruction was carried out by Stella Adler, one of the most prestigious professors who developed Stanislavski's work in New York; some Saturdays he went to the Actor's Studio interested in Elia Kazan's classes. [124][125][126][5] She stated that she wanted to travel in Europe to "see where the white people came from" just as people are "always going to reservations to see where the Indians came from". Littlefeather walked onto the stage and raised her hand to decline the Oscar trophy that Moore offered her. Deviating from the prepared speech, she said the following:[60], Hello. or redistributed. [27] During a 1976 television interview she described her father as abusive. However, Littlefeather admitted that the praise was bittersweet. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images). The Apache and Yaqui activist respectfully waved off actor Roger Moore, who attempted to hand her the statue. Native Americans had virtually no representation in the film industry in 1973, and they were primarily used as extras while lead roles depicting Indians in several generations of Westerns were almost always awarded to white actors. He instead sent Sacheen Littlefeather (born Marie Cruz), a young Apache/Yaqui activist who had participated in the Alcatraz Island occupation. The money raised was never donated to any campaign. [15], While she attended California State College at Hayward (now California State University, East Bay) and studied dramatics and speech, she continued to cultivate a Native American identity. The Academy Museum Owes An Exhibit", "Sacheen Littlefeather Modeling For Photo Shoot", "Interview with Sacheen Cruz Littlefeather on Alcatraz", "Whatever Became of Sacheen Littlefeather? [5], In 1972, Brando played Vito Corleone in The Godfather, which many critics consider one of the greatest films of all time. [18][19] In 1969, she joined the United Bay Indian Council. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images), It was mortifying, said Cruz, of Lake County, Montana, of the Oscars appearance. Then, it wasn't Brando who mounted the stage, but a 26-year-old Native American activist named Sacheen Littlefeather. Where did that come from?. After Liv Ullmann and Roger Moore announced that Marlon Brando won Best Actor for his performance as Vito Corleone in "The Godfather", Littlefeather surprised audiences by walking on stage in his place. In his original speech as printed by the New York Times, Brando said: True to his political sensibilities, Brando also minced no words about America's treatment of American Indians: Sacheen Littlefeather received phone calls from Coretta Scott King and Cesar Chavez as a result of her intervention at the Academy Awards, congratulating her for what she'd done. Shortly after Littlefeather's death, Navajo writer and activist Jacqueline Keeler interviewed Littlefeather's two sisters, who say that their family is not Native American and that Littlefeather fabricated her Native American ancestry. Sacheen Littlefeather, the Native American activist Marlon Brando sent to the 1973 Academy Awards to decline the lead actor Oscar he won for "The Godfather," died Sunday at age 75. And the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry excuse me and on television in movie reruns, and also with recent happenings at Wounded Knee," she said, referencing the Wounded Knee Occupation of 1973. Littlefeather and a handful of other Native American women had posed for Playboy in 1972, but the photos were never been published until October 1973, not long after the Academy Awards incident. And it's just insulting to my parents', "A Recent TV Slur Revives Debate About Sacheen Littlefeather and Her Role in Marlon Brando's Oscar Refusal", "4-H Home Ec Results Listed At Monterey County Fair", "DeSerpa Is Elected Hartnell Student V-P", "Sacheen Littlefeather: Fact Or Fiction? "[73] Her appearance prompted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to rule out future proxy acceptance of Academy Awards. Marlon Brando had a long history of supporting various social movements dating back to at least 1946 when he backed the Zionist movement for a Jewish homeland. [96], She continued doing activism and became a respected member of California's Native American community.