Michael Spears

Who is Michael Spears?

Michael Spears is an American actor.

Spears was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota on the Lower Brule Reservation to Native American parents and lived there until he was in fifth grade. He is a member of the Sicangu Lakota Lower Brule Tribe of South Dakota.

Spears's film credits include a major role as the character Dog Star in the 2005 Steven Spielberg-produced cable mini-series, Into the West, which aired on TNT.

His debut role as the child character Otter, in the Academy-Award-winning 1990 film Dances with Wolves, also earned him national notice at thirteen years old. By the age of 17, Spears had acted in both TV and film with other actors, including Kevin Costner, Jimmy Smits and Kim Delaney. His younger brother Eddie is also an actor, with both movie and TV credits.

Spears is an accomplished hand drum player and singer, often performing at native American "pow-wow" gatherings and in non-tribal venues. Michael often travels as a celebrity speaker concentrating on inspirational and educational topics including sustainable energy, and mentors youth in South Dakota.