Lily Gladstone — A Comprehensive Biography

Thinkphile
6 min readMay 26, 2023

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Lily Gladstone — An Insight into the Life of the Versatile Actress

Early Life and Family Background

Born on March 14, 1986, in Kalispell, Montana, Lily Gladstone hails from the Blackfeet and Nez Perce tribes. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. Raised in a ranching community, she spent much of her childhood in rural settings where she developed an affinity for horses and the outdoors. The natural environment and its rough charm played an integral role in molding her as an individual and later on as an actor.

Education

Lily’s educational background includes graduating from the University of Montana’s School of Theatre & Dance in 2008. Her university years greatly contributed to her career, with numerous theater performances adding to her growth and understanding of acting as an art form.

Early Career

The early days of Lily’s career consisted mostly of regional theater productions. Gladstone’s initial roles were largely in local productions in Montana, a stepping stone for the actress that would eventually land her film roles that would catapult her into the limelight.

Success

Lily’s breakout role came in Kelly Reichardt’s indie film “Certain Women” (2016). Her portrayal of Jamie, a lonely ranch hand, was deeply moving and won her numerous accolades. She was lauded for her nuanced performance, and she received the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance also led to a nomination for Best Supporting Female at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Post “Certain Women,” Lily was seen in numerous films, demonstrating her range as an actress. These include “Winter in the Blood” (2013), “Walking Out” (2017), and “First Cow” (2019). She also portrayed Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023).

Personal Life

Lily has always remained relatively private about her personal life. However, it is known that she maintains strong ties with her native roots and often spends time in Montana, staying connected to her heritage and the land.

Controversies

Lily has largely stayed away from controversies, focusing on her career and her work as an actor. Her professionalism and dedication to her craft have kept her away from any public disputes or issues.

Height, Weight, Age, and Film List

Standing at approximately 5'9", Lily possesses a strong and commanding presence. As of 2023, she is 37 years old. Some of the notable films in her career include:

- Winter in the Blood (2013)

- Certain Women (2016)

- Buster’s Mal Heart (2016)

- Walking Out (2017)

- First Cow (2019)

- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Landing the Breakthrough Role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

Lily Gladstone gained widespread recognition with her moving portrayal of Mollie Kyle, a character based on the real-life Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, in Martin Scorsese’s film ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. Gladstone deeply appreciated the responsibility bestowed upon her, expressing gratitude to the Osage Nation and promising to handle the role with utmost care and respect. She even undertook the challenge of learning to speak Osage, further showcasing her dedication to authentically portraying her character.

High Praise at Cannes and Impactful Performance

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received high acclaim, particularly for Gladstone’s performance. Scorsese appreciated the nuance Gladstone brought to her character, emphasizing how her silences as Mollie often conveyed more than her spoken lines. Her understanding of her on-screen presence, he stated, was an impressive asset that is rare to find.

Recognition from Co-stars and Dedication to the Role

Leonardo DiCaprio, Gladstone’s co-star in the film, recognized the actress’s remarkable presence and strength. He highlighted Gladstone’s commitment to understanding the complexities of her character, her relationships, and her legacy within the Osage community. Gladstone’s status as a Native actor also enabled her to guide the entire team, including Scorsese, ensuring a sensitive and accurate depiction of the story.

Philanthropy

Lily has used her visibility to raise awareness about issues related to indigenous communities. She is an active participant in various initiatives aimed at promoting the rights and wellbeing of Native Americans.

Winning Awards

Lily’s performance in “Certain Women” bagged her the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress. She was also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for the same role, establishing her as a promising talent in the film industry.

Conclusion

Lily Gladstone, with her naturalistic acting style and steadfast commitment to her craft, has carved out a unique space for herself in the cinematic world. Her ability to portray characters with depth and authenticity continues to win her acclaim, solidifying her position in the industry.

Quotes

- “I think the best way to pay homage to the characters I play is to represent them honestly, it’s as simple as that.”

- “What I love most about acting is that it allows me to bring forth the human side of the story, which is the most important part.”

FAQs

- Where was Lily Gladstone born?
- Lily Gladstone was born in Kalispell, Montana, showcasing her strong connection to her native roots and the rugged beauty of the region.
- What is Lily Gladstone’s tribal background?
- Lily Gladstone belongs to the Blackfeet and Nez Perce tribes, representing her rich indigenous heritage.
- What was Lily Gladstone’s breakout role in the film industry?
- Lily Gladstone’s breakout role came in 2016 with the critically acclaimed film “Certain Women,” directed by Kelly Reichardt. Her performance garnered attention and propelled her career to new heights.
- What awards has Lily Gladstone won?
- Lily Gladstone won the prestigious Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress for her remarkable portrayal in “Certain Women.” This recognition highlights her talent and the impact she made with her performance.
- What is known about Lily Gladstone’s personal life?
- While Lily Gladstone maintains a private personal life, she is known for staying connected to her native roots and spending time in Montana, appreciating the importance of her heritage and the natural beauty of her surroundings.
- What philanthropic work is Lily Gladstone involved in?
- Lily Gladstone actively participates in philanthropic initiatives that aim to promote the rights and well-being of Native Americans. Her involvement showcases her commitment to using her platform for positive change.
- What are some notable films in Lily Gladstone’s filmography?
- Lily Gladstone has showcased her talent in various films, including “Winter in the Blood” (2013), “Buster’s Mal Heart” (2016), “Walking Out” (2017), “First Cow” (2019), and the highly anticipated “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023). Her diverse range of roles reflects her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring depth to every character she portrays.
- What role does Lily Gladstone play in “Killers of the Flower Moon”?
- Lily Gladstone plays the character of Mollie Kyle, based on the real-life Osage woman Mollie Burkhart, in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
- What is “Killers of the Flower Moon” based on?
- “Killers of the Flower Moon” is based on the book of the same name by David Grann, which explores the true story of the Osage Indian murders in the 1920s.
- What was the response to Lily Gladstone’s performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” at Cannes?
- Lily Gladstone’s performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” received high praise at the Cannes Film Festival, with her portrayal of Mollie Kyle earning critical acclaim.
- What did Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio say about working with Lily Gladstone?
- Martin Scorsese praised Lily Gladstone’s understanding of her on-screen presence and the power of her silence in conveying emotions. Leonardo DiCaprio acknowledged her dedication to studying Mollie Burkhart and her family, and how she became a source of guidance for the entire team in telling the story.
- Did Lily Gladstone learn to speak Osage for her role in “Killers of the Flower Moon”?
- Yes, Lily Gladstone undertook the challenge of learning to speak Osage to ensure an authentic portrayal of her character, Mollie Kyle.
- What impact did Lily Gladstone’s performance have on the audience and critics?
- Lily Gladstone’s performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” left a significant impact, earning praise for her presence, strength, and ability to bring depth to her character. Her portrayal resonated with audiences and critics alike, adding to her rising prominence in the film industry.

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