What was Dawn Little Sky's connection to her husband, Eddie Little Sky?

Dawn and Eddie Little Sky were a couple who both had acting careers, often appearing in films and TV shows together. Eddie was one of the first Indigenous Americans to play Native roles in television and film.

How did Dawn Little Sky's work at Disney impact the industry?

Dawn Little Sky's work as the first Native artist at Disney helped bring Indigenous creativity and perspectives to the influential animation studio, shaping how children saw the world through Disney's medium.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Pioneering Native Actress and Disney Artist Dawn Little Sky Dies at 95

Pioneering Native Actress and Disney Artist Dawn Little Sky Dies at 95

Q: Who was Dawn Little Sky?

Dawn Little Sky was a pioneering Native American actress and the first Indigenous artist hired by Walt Disney Studios to color animation cells, bringing her unique perspective to the influential animation studio.

18 Nov

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Summary

Dawn Little Sky, acclaimed actress and Disney's first Native artist, passed away on October 24, 2025
Worked alongside husband Eddie Little Sky, one of the first Indigenous actors in TV and film
Brought Indigenous creativity to Disney animation as the company's first Native artist

Pioneering Native Actress and Disney Artist Dawn Little Sky Dies at 95

Dawn Little Sky, a renowned Native American actress and groundbreaking Disney artist, passed away on October 24, 2025, at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was 95 years old.

Little Sky had a prolific career, often acting alongside her husband, Eddie Little Sky, one of the first Indigenous Americans to play Native roles in television and film. The couple appeared in numerous productions, including "Gunsmoke," "Have Gun -- Will Travel," "Chief Crazy Horse," and "Cimarron."

In addition to her acting work, Dawn Little Sky made history as the first Native artist hired by Walt Disney Studios to color animation cells. Her meticulous work behind the scenes helped bring Indigenous creativity and perspectives to one of the most influential artistic spaces in the country. As the Native Sun News Today wrote, "Her work mattered because she was there, and because she brought her perspective to a medium that shapes how children see the world."