Creek actor Will Sampson honored with spot on Oklahoma Walk of Fame

TULSA — On Friday, September 19, famed Muscogee (Creek) artist/actor Will Sampson was honored with a spot on Oklahoma’s historic “Walk of Fame” outside the Circle Cinema in downtown Tulsa. 

“What a great day,” said Circle Cinema Foundation President Clark Wiens. “We are so incredibly proud to have Will Sampson’s name out on that sidewalk.”

Sampson, born in Hitchita, first got a taste for the arts as a child. According to his sister, Norma Sampson Bible, he had a love for drawing pictures, which eventually led to his paintings. For many years, it was his paintings that would get Sampson from place to place. It was during this time in his life that he would receive his biggest break. While living in Yakima, Washington a friend told Sampson about a casting search for an upcoming film. He told Will they were looking for a “big, ugly Indian.” He figured he would give it a shot, auditioned and received the part of “Chief Bromden.” The film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, would see him playing arguably the picture’s most important part opposite silver-screen icon Jack Nicholson. It went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and opened a new door in Sampson’s life. After the success of Cuckoo’s Nest, Sampson would spend the next several years staying busy with an assortment of projects such as The Outlaw Josey Wales, The White Buffalo and Poltergeist II. But Will always downplayed his cinematic work, stating in various interviews “those movies just bought me more time to spend on my paintings.”

Sampson also later starred on the stage, where he was affiliated with the Tulsa-based American Indian Theatre Company’s production of Black Elk Speaks.

On June 3, 1987 in need of a heart and liver transplant, Sampson passed away. He left a wonderful legacy of success and determination for his people.

Oklahoma Senator Brian Bingman, himself a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was on hand for the ceremony and spoke of Samson’s impact.

“It’s good to be here tonight and recognize the great things that Will not only did for the film industry, but for the Creek Nation as well.”

For more coverage of this special night, tune into Saturday’s (Sept. 27) broadcast of Native News Today on Tulsa’s CW12/19 at 1:30 p.m.