October 22, 2012
Russell Means, represented by Across
the Board Talent Agency, was a man who epitomized honor and dignity. He was a constant inspiration, both through
his incredible acting career and his political activism, and we are greatly
saddened to have lost him.
For ATB Talent, Russell was a beacon of
potential. His headshot, mounted on our
wall, aged eyes of wisdom looking throughout the office, were our constant
reminders of what we could accomplish.
Russell Means’ life was one ripe with adversity, yet he never let it
beat him. We turned that into our motto,
using his life – and career – as our personal methodology.
Often controversial but never out of line, Russell
leaves behind a legacy of enormous accomplishments. As the first national director of the
American Indian Movement from 1970 to 1973, he brought the issue of American
Indian rights to the forefront of the political landscape. He fought for the rights of his people, no
matter the cost.
No wall was too high for Russell, and he chose to
bypass the red tape and take his fight to the source: the President of the
United States. Our agents knew little of
Russell’s political endeavors, so it was something of a surprise for us to
learn that he ran, albeit unsuccessfully, for the Libertarian nomination in
1987. He was always willing to put
everything on the line to guarantee the rights of his people.
Russell’s career in acting was equally prolific, with
his debut role in Michael Mann’s 1992 The
Last of the Mohicans laying the groundwork for his eventual rise to cinema
icon, with roles in Natural Born Killers,
Pathfinder and Disney’s Pocahontas cementing that status. He just completed work in a major feature
film, starring alongside William Hurt, Jean Reno and Katie Holmes. When producers needed a talented American Indian
actor, Russell was their man.
Russell demonstrated his indissoluble loyalty to his
people even when the night was at its darkest.
When he was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer in August 2011, he made
the choice to reject mainstream medical practice, opting instead to be treated
as his ancestors: by his Oglala Sioux brothers at the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation. Russell was a man of his
people, and nothing, not even illness, would take that from him.
Russell Means passed away this morning, one month
before his 73rd birthday, fighting the fight of his ancestors. His courage and integrity, as a political
activist, actor, politician, husband and father, are set at standards that at
first seem impossibly high. Yet, when we
take a moment to remember exactly who and what Russell was, we find the vision
of empowerment that he so graciously projected.
We’ll miss you Russell. You were an astonishing inspiration, a client
and, most importantly, a friend.
By Alex Tafet
Talent & Modeling Reviews.
ReplyDeleteThe rising star that is Kerri Leigh comes from a most intriguing background. Miss Leigh was born October 19, 1981 in the famous New York Bronx to parents Cameron and Patricia. Leigh's father, Cameron, earned his salary as a violinist. Cameron Leigh taught young violinist the tricks of the trade in their home 7 days a week and was a close relative of Edward Chandos Leigh. Leigh's mother, Patricia, was an elementary school teacher. Growing up, Kerri Leigh aspired to be featured in films as a premiere actress. Leigh attributes much of this longing to her grandmother. Leigh's grandmother, Beatrice, is reported to have encouraged the young Leigh through a thorough education of all the acting greats of her time. These legends of acting including Judy Garland, Katharine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, and Grace Kelly are still quoted by Kerri as some of her greatest inspirations. Throughout high school, Leigh pursued the most coveted roles in her school's drama department. She performed in every single production from freshman to senior year without missing a beat. In her senior year, she was accepted to the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City” Talent Reviews”NYADA proved to be a most opportune experience for Leigh to perfect her talents. During her second year of the program, she auditioned for a role in the upcoming film Haunting the Night. Although she never returned to complete her schooling, it is clear to critics that Kerri Leigh was born with natural acting talent. She later went on to co-star in the British film For Your Eyes Only. After For Your Eyes Only, Leigh took a hiatus from acting to pursue a side career of modeling. During this time, she remained in London. She has modeled for the likes of Burberry, Rimmel, and Bolongaro Trevor. Since then, Kerri Leigh has been involved in various television shows and is said to be working on a new film to come out later this year. There have also been rumors of an autobiography in the works. Regardless what lies on the horizon for Kerri Leigh, one assertion can be made clear. Kerri Leigh has achieved not only her dreams, but the adoration of people around the globe for her remarkable contributions to the film industry and modeling.