Rudy Youngblood is a Native American of Comanche and Cree decent. He is very proud of his roots. Prior to making his on-screen debut in Mel Gibson’s Oscar nominated film, Apocalypto (2006), Youngblood worked as a laborer in a variety of fields. For instance, he toured for three seasons with Peter Buffet’s Native American Dance/Theatrical Production, “Spirit-The Seventh Fire”, as a warrior protector. Rudy was also part of the Native American Dance Theatre. However, in 2005, Youngblood decided to move to Los Angeles to create his own theatrical production. It was at this point that he was cast for the lead role of Jaguar Paw in Apocalypto.
Youngblood spent weeks preparing for the filming of the movie, for which he had less than a month to learn the Yucatan Mayan language. In addition, due to his natural athleticism, he performed all his own stunts, including a death-defying 175 ft free fall during the waterfall scene and running in front of a live two hundred pound jaguar.
Youngblood also starred in other films, including the lead role as ‘Brandon’ in the 2010, MMA film, Beatdown, a natural role for Youngblood considering he was no stranger to the world of mixed martial arts. (As of May 2016)
He is currently attached to several other pictures, including The Dance of the Blue Tattoo. He is the executive producer, and he also stars in the upcoming film Say Something.
Rudy is also the co-producer and leading role in the upcoming film AG-1 Adrift. Rudy is very talented and is one of the few mainstream Native American actors of his generation. He has endured many struggles in his life and prevailed hardships as a child and young adult. To Youngblood, youth are the future, so he feels obligated and privileged to share his knowledge with them. He hopes his struggles are one example which will motivate the youth to strive for success and have a positive outlook on life as he encourages personal growth in all individuals.