Los Angeles: American actress and Native American activist Sasheen Littlefeather (75) passed away. He died Sunday at his home in Northern California. He was undergoing cancer treatment since 2018.
At the 1973 Oscars ceremony, it was Sasheen who appeared on stage for Marlon Brando, who won the best actor award for his role in ‘The Godfather’. Brando sent Sasheen as his representative to announce his decision to refuse the award in protest of Hollywood’s disregard for the Red Indians.
After taking the stage and respectfully announcing Brando’s decision, Sasheen, humiliated in the audience, later revealed that she faced years of ridicule, discrimination and personal attacks. Having acted in few films like The Trial of Billy Jack and Winterhawk, Sasheen focused on social work.
I waited 50 years to hear an apology
At the Oscars Sasheen faced strong protests from the audience while announcing Brando’s decision. Even some of the leading actors expressed displeasure with Sasheen. While some hurled obscenities and hollers at Sasheen, only a few clapped and cheered him.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences apologized to Sasheen after 50 years of humiliation on stage. Sasheen had attended the felicitation ceremony organized by the academy two weeks ago. The Academy is deeply saddened by Sasheen’s demise.