From the time I was a youngster visiting my relatives and going to their Indian church outside of Dustin, Okla, I was told about Will Sampson and that he was my  second cousin.  It was latter on I realized who Will Sampson was.  My grandmother and Will's mother were cousins.  To this day In that same Indian church outside of Dustin, Okla. is the painting of the Last Supper which was painted by Will Sampson. Some of his other paintings have been shown at the Smithsonian and Library of Congress. Some actors that Will has performed with include Charles Bronson, Clint Eastwood, Jack Nickleson and Richard Harris.

Will Sampson (1933 - 1987) This wonderful, gigantic Indian was a gem of an actor. Born in 1933 at Okmulgee, Oklahoma of Creek Indian parents he worked at all types of jobs including as an oil field worker, rodeo bull rider and construction worker. He was also a well renowned painter of western art. His magnificent acting career began with his brilliant portrayal of Chief Bromden in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975). His imposing figure and amazing talent was ripe for film. Among the films in his brief career were: "Crazy Mama" (1975) as Indian at Trading Post, his film debut; "The Outlaw - Josie Wales" (1976) as Ten Bears, with Clint Eastwood; "Buffalo Bill and the Indians" (1976) as William Halsey; "The White Buffalo" (1977) as Crazy Horse/Worm; "Orca" (1977) with Richard Harris, as Umilak; "Relentless" (1977) an excellent TV movie in which he starred; "Fish Hawk" (1975) in the title role; "Firewalker" (1986) as Tall Eagle and "Poltergeist II" (1986) as Taylor, his final film. He had a screen presence that is rare among actors. On TV he was a regular on "From Here to Eternity" (1979-80) as Sgt. Cheney and "The Yellow Rose" (1983-84) as John Stronghart. He also founded the American Indian Registry for the Performing Arts in 1983. Sadly he died on June 3, 1987 of complications of heart and lung transplant surgery in Houston, Texas at age 53.