ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Navajo actor, filmmaker, and U.S. Air Force veteran Ryan Begay continues to elevate Indigenous representation in film with his portrayal of the Seneca leader Tanacharison in the new Angel Studios feature Young Washington, now playing in theaters nationwide.
Directed by Jon Erwin, Young Washington chronicles the early years of George Washington during the French and Indian War, exploring the experiences that forged the future president’s character and leadership. Begay portrays Tanacharison, also known as the “Half King,” a respected Seneca leader whose guidance, diplomacy, and influence helped shape one of the defining moments in early American history.
A proud member of the Navajo Nation, Begay has built a career dedicated to authentic storytelling and increasing Native representation on screen. His acting credits include appearances in Longmire, Breaking Bad, In Plain Sight, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, Get Shorty, Rez Ball, and Frybread Face and Me. Beyond acting, he is an award-winning filmmaker whose documentary Honor Song received a Gold Telly Award for its powerful tribute to Native American veterans. He also received an Emmy nomination for his Navajo-language short film, Cleaning’s a Cakewalk, a project that promotes the Diné language through engaging storytelling for young audiences.
Joining Begay in Young Washington is an accomplished cast led by William Franklyn-Miller, with performances from Ben Kingsley, Kelsey Grammer, Mary-Louise Parker, and Andy Serkis. Released during the Fourth of July holiday weekend as part of America’s 250th anniversary, the film highlights themes of courage, integrity, sacrifice, and leadership while recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous leaders to American history.
Before the film’s nationwide release, Begay was celebrated during a special red carpet premiere and VIP community event at Flix Brewhouse Albuquerque, where family, friends, fellow filmmakers, and community members gathered to recognize his performance and the importance of Native voices in historical cinema.
“For me, portraying Tanacharison was an opportunity to honor an Indigenous leader whose story deserves to be known,” said Begay. “I hope audiences leave with a deeper appreciation for the Native leaders who helped shape history and continue to inspire future generations.”
Through performances like Young Washington, Ryan Begay remains committed to telling stories that preserve Indigenous history, celebrate Native resilience, and inspire greater understanding through the power of film.
