Dark Cloud
Actor
About Dark Cloud
Elijah Tahamont, professionally known as Dark Cloud, was a pioneering First Nations actor and a chief of the Abenaki people. Born in Odanak, Quebec, he first gained prominence as a popular lecturer and a highly sought-after model for the legendary Western artist Frederic Remington, posing for over twenty years. In 1910, he transitioned to the nascent film industry in New York, joining the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company under the mentorship of D.W. Griffith. His early work in 'eastern Westerns' was notable for portraying Native Americans with a sense of dignity and quiet reflection, a stark contrast to later Hollywood stereotypes. In 1912, he moved with Griffith's company to California, where he became a staple of early silent cinema, appearing in at least 34 films over a prolific eight-year career. His life and career were tragically cut short when he succumbed to bronchopneumonia during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, just as he was establishing himself as one of the most recognizable Indigenous faces on the silver screen.
The Craft
On Screen
In his early Biograph films, Dark Cloud was known for a stoic, dignified presence that emphasized still-life profiles and calm reflection. He often portrayed leaders or noble figures, utilizing a naturalistic approach that stood out in the era of melodramatic silent acting. Despite his own Abenaki heritage, he was frequently required by studios to adopt the visual signifiers of Plains Indian chiefs, which he executed with a commanding screen authority.
Milestones
- Served as a primary model for artist Frederic Remington for over 20 years
- Debuted in D.W. Griffith's 'The Broken Doll' (1910)
- Starred alongside Mary Pickford in 'The Song of the Wildwood Flute' (1910)
- Portrayed Chingachgook in the 1911 adaptation of 'The Last of the Mohicans'
- Collaborated on the 1917 film 'John Ermine of Yellowstone' based on Remington's novel
- Appeared in the landmark (though controversial) film 'The Birth of a Nation' (1915)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as one of the first authentic Native American actors in Hollywood history
- Interred at the prestigious Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dark Cloud was a pivotal figure in the transition of Native American representation from the 'Wild West' shows to the silver screen. As one of the first Indigenous actors to work with D.W. Griffith, he helped shape the 'Eastern Western' subgenre, which initially offered more respectful and contemplative depictions of Native life than the more violent spectacles that followed. His presence provided a level of authenticity that was rare for the time, even when he was forced into the pan-Indian 'Plains' aesthetic dictated by studio costume departments.
Lasting Legacy
His legacy is preserved through his filmography of over 30 films and his extensive work as a model for Frederic Remington, which immortalized his likeness in American Western art. He paved the way for future generations of Indigenous performers and creators, including his own daughter and granddaughter. Today, he is studied by film historians as a primary example of both the opportunities and the systemic stereotyping faced by Native American pioneers in the early Hollywood studio system.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the early visual language of the Western genre, particularly how Native American characters were framed and paced on screen. His dignified acting style influenced other early Indigenous actors like Chief John Big Tree and his own daughter, Beulah, establishing a precedent for Native performers seeking to maintain gravitas within limited roles.
Off Screen
Dark Cloud was a member of the Abenaki tribe and the son of Elijah Tahamont, who was educated at Dartmouth College. He married Margaret Camp (known professionally as Dove Eye or Soaring Dove), who was also a silent film actress and model. Their family was deeply involved in the arts and education; their daughters, Beulah and Bessie, were reportedly the first Native American children to attend public schools in New York City. His daughter Beulah Tahamont followed in his footsteps as a silent film actress, and his granddaughter Bertha Parker became a renowned archaeologist and ethnologist.
Education
Educated within the Abenaki community; his father was a graduate of Moor's Charity School and Dartmouth College.
Family
- Margaret Camp (Dove Eye)
Did You Know?
- He was a real-life chief of the Abenaki people.
- Before acting, he was a popular lecturer on Native American culture and history.
- He was the primary model for Frederic Remington's famous Western illustrations for two decades.
- His daughter, Beulah, was the first Native American child to attend a New York public school.
- He died just three days before his 63rd birthday due to the Spanish Flu.
- He is buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a resting place for many cinema legends.
- He was often billed under various names including Chief Dark Cloud, William Dark Cloud, and John Darkcloud.
In Their Own Words
The early films showed Native Americans with respect: in serene, nearly still-life profile against a wide landscape, as though in calm reflection on their lives before the treaties were broken. (Context: Describing the intent behind his early Biograph collaborations with Griffith)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dark Cloud?
Dark Cloud, born Elijah Tahamont, was a prominent Abenaki chief and a pioneering Native American actor during the silent film era. He is best known for his work with director D.W. Griffith and for being a long-time model for artist Frederic Remington.
What films is Dark Cloud best known for?
He is most famous for 'The Song of the Wildwood Flute' (1910), 'The Last of the Mohicans' (1911), and 'John Ermine of Yellowstone' (1917). He appeared in over 30 films during his eight-year career.
When was Dark Cloud born and when did he die?
He was born on September 20, 1855, in Odanak, Quebec, and died on September 17, 1918, in Los Angeles, California. His death was a result of the Spanish flu pandemic.
Was Dark Cloud a real Native American chief?
Yes, he was a legitimate chief of the Abenaki people, a First Nations group from northeastern North America. His heritage was central to his identity, though Hollywood often cast him in roles representing different tribes.
What was Dark Cloud's acting style?
He was known for a dignified and stoic screen presence. In the early silent era, he specialized in 'noble' portrayals that emphasized quiet strength and reflection rather than the exaggerated movements common at the time.
Did Dark Cloud have any famous relatives?
Yes, his daughter Beulah Dark Cloud was also a silent film actress, and his granddaughter Bertha Parker became a significant figure in archaeology and ethnology.
Learn More
Films
1 film
