Larry Sellers, a Native American actor and stuntman who played Cloud Dancing in the popular TV series Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, passed away on December 8, 2021, at the age of 72. His cause of death remains unknown, but his family and friends confirmed his passing on social media. In this article, we will look at his life, career, and legacy, and pay tribute to the man who brought Native American culture and spirituality to the screen.
Contents
Early Life and Background
Larry Sellers was born on October 2, 1949, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. He was of Osage, Cherokee, and Lakota descent, and grew up immersed in his tribal traditions and languages. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he studied business administration and accounting. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Acting and Stunt Career
Sellers moved to Los Angeles in the late 1970s to pursue a career in acting and stunts. He appeared in various films and TV shows, such as Life Goes On, Lightning Jack, Wayne’s World II, Beverly Hills 90210, Crazy Horse, and The Sopranos. He also worked as a stunt coordinator and performer for many productions.
His most famous role was Cloud Dancing, a Cheyenne medicine man and friend of Dr. Michaela Quinn (played by Jane Seymour) in the CBS western drama Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. He played the character from 1993 to 1998, and received an Emmy nomination for his performance in 1994. He also co-wrote several episodes of the show, and served as a cultural consultant and language instructor for the cast and crew.
Sellers said that he wanted his character to “be brought across as the representation of the real Native American both of tribal ethnicity and as a whole of the Native American peoples” (according to Enstarz). He also said that he was proud to portray a positive image of Native Americans on television, and to educate viewers about their history and culture.
Teaching and Activism
After Dr. Quinn ended, Sellers returned to his hometown of Pawhuska, where he worked as an Osage language instructor at the Osage Nation Language Department. He also taught American Indian history at various colleges and universities, and was a Fellow at the Newberry Library Center for the History of the American Indian in Chicago.
Sellers was also an activist for Native American rights and causes. He participated in several protests and rallies, such as the Standing Rock pipeline resistance in 2016. He also supported environmental conservation, animal welfare, and veterans’ issues.
Family and Personal Life
Sellers was married twice, and had five children from his first marriage: Jerry Wolf (also an actor), John Sellers Jr., Angela Sellers-Abeyta, Jennifer Sellers-Abeyta, and Jessica Sellers-Abeyta. He also had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sellers was a spiritual person who followed his Native American beliefs and practices. He was also an avid motorcycle rider who loved to travel across the country.
Tributes and Condolences
Sellers’ death was met with sadness and shock by his fans, friends, and colleagues. Many of them took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of him.
Jane Seymour, his co-star from Dr. Quinn, wrote on Instagram: “Larry Sellers was truly the heart and spirit of Dr. Quinn. His presence was magical, mystical, and spiritual. I feel so fortunate to have had all those wonderful years together. He will be missed by us all. My heart goes out to Larry’s family and friends, may his memory be a blessing to us all.”
His son Jerry Wolf posted a photo of him on Instagram with the caption: “Rest in Power Dad. I love you tremendously. I’m incredibly grateful for you. We will miss you and carry on with your grit and good humor. Enjoy.”
His nephew Michael Abeyta tweeted: “As his nephew, he helped me out of a dark place when I was growing up. I thank him for helping me be a better person.”
Many other celebrities and fans also paid tribute to Sellers on social media, such as William Shatner, Joe Mantegna, Orson Bean, Alison Arngrim, Melissa Gilbert, Barbara Eden, Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Jon Voight, Lou Diamond Phillips, Graham Greene, Wes Studi, Adam Beach, Irene Bedard, Gil Birmingham, Tantoo Cardinal, Michael Greyeyes, and many more.
Conclusion
Larry Sellers was a talented actor and stuntman who left a lasting impression on many people with his portrayal of Cloud Dancing in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. He was also a devoted teacher and activist who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting his Native American heritage and values. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who touched many hearts with his kindness and humor. He will be remembered and missed by many, and his legacy will live on through his work and his family. Rest in peace, Larry Sellers.
