SAG-AFTRA Statement on the Death of Actor and Member Misty

SAG-AFTRA joins the entertainment and Native American communities in mourning the death of actor and member Misty Upham.

“I was very sorry to hear of the tragic death of Misty Upham. Like her family, friends and fans, I hoped she would be found safe, and the untimely death of someone so young and talented is heartbreaking,” said SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard. “My sincerest condolences go out to all her loved ones.”

Upham was nominated, along with fellow cast members of August: Osage County, for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture as part at the most recent SAG Awards earlier this year

SAG-AFTRA Native Americans Committee Chair DeLanna Studi paid tribute to Upham, stating “Misty was a trailblazer in her own right, who was able to defy stereotypical roles for Native Americans and bring to life complicated and beautiful universal characters. Her contributions to our industry made her a role model for all indigenous peoples. We are terribly saddened by her leaving of this world too soon. We send our deepest condolences to her family and to the Blackfeet Nation.”