He’s an actor, entertainer, artist, and performer—truly a multi-talented individual—who rose to prominence in 2024 after starring in the Netflix film Rez Ball. The role marked a turning point in his career, but long before fame found him, he was deeply immersed in both academics and athletics. He studied philosophy at UC Santa Cruz, where he discovered not just intellectual growth, but a personal rhythm that resonated with who he truly was. Reflecting on those years, he once shared in an interview, “At UC Santa Cruz, we dance to the beat of our own drum, and that’s the kind of person that I’ve always been. I wish I had been at UC Santa Cruz for all four years, but I’m glad it worked out the way it did. I had the time of my life at UC Santa Cruz, and I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.”
Before stepping into the spotlight, he spent much of his youth playing basketball throughout middle and high school. That lifelong passion for the game played a pivotal role in shaping his future. In 2023, when the opportunity arose to audition for Rez Ball, a film centered around Native American high school basketball culture, he knew he had to go for it. His authentic connection to the sport—and his heritage—helped land him the role. Production began soon after, culminating in the film’s release in 2024, which brought widespread attention to his performance.
Born and raised in the United States, he proudly identifies as Native American, with deep cultural ties to the Quechua and Coahuiltecan Nations. These roots have clearly influenced his journey, from the choices he’s made to the stories he chooses to tell. Whether on screen or reflecting on his past, he carries himself with a grounded sense of self—and that authenticity shines through every step of his path.
He was there in January 2024 for the premiere of the mini-series Echo, and it was a moment that truly stood out. Back in 2019, he had already made a mark—his high school basketball team clinched victory at the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI), a proud achievement that still means a lot to him. When asked about how he got into acting during an interview, he opened up thoughtfully. “I was really trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” he shared. “To be honest, acting wasn’t even on my radar at first.” But then came this unique opportunity—one he instantly recognized as something different. “I knew right away how groundbreaking and special this project was going to be,” he said. And that’s when everything shifted. He recalled thinking, “You know what? I just want to be part of this—even if it’s just as a background character.” That kind of passion and instinct is exactly what led him down this path, and now, looking back, it all makes sense.