When the Path Finds You
Making Progress in the Film Industry
Words & Photos by Sandra Dahdah
Known for his roles in Longmire and Fargo, Zahn McClarnon is back in town filming his second season of AMC’s hit TV series, The Son, starring Pierce Brosnan.
Zahn discovered acting in the early 90s when he was living in Nebraska. “I was bored; I didn’t know what to do with my life and thought it would be fun, but then I fell in love with it,” he recalls. It was then that he decided to move to L.A., and the rest is history.
As an actor who’s played many roles as a Native American, McClarnon has witnessed a great deal of progress for Natives. “They are hiring Natives to play Natives now. Producers are listening to Natives more; they bring cultural advisors to set. They are listening to us, asking us what we think, and involving us more in the process,” Zahn admits with a smile. Despite this progress, Zahn acknowledges that there is still a long way to go. “We need more Native writers, directors, and storytellers to get involved in the business. I don’t think Natives can sell films yet as lead actors. We’re just not at that point. People seem to not want to put money behind it [yet],” he acknowledges.
In his current role, he plays Toshaway, a Comanche leader. This role is different from past roles he’s done; it’s more of a patriarchal character. “I’m really enjoying that type of father figure role,” grins Zahn. He’s also learning the Comanche language, which can be challenging. However, growing up with Hunkpapa Lakota influence, he’s discovered cultural parallels with the Comanche tribe. Throughout his research, he’s found the book, The Comanches: Lords of the South Plains, to be enlightening on the subject.
Zahn is passionate about his craft and continues to take acting classes and is always doing something to help him prepare for his next role. He advises young actors to do the same. “Study, [then] study some more and act wherever you can. If you love it, you’ll do anything.”
Although his time in Austin is coming to an end, Zhan will remain in Texas. His next role takes place in Dallas for the show Queen of the South. But he enjoys Austin and hopes to be back for Season 3.
Look it up!
If you haven’t watched Season 1 of The Son, you can find it on Amazon; Season 2 will be coming out later this year. Also, look for Zahn in Westworld.
Contact:
imdb.com/name/nm0565647/
@zahnmcclarnon
