Sacheen Littlefeather dies at 75, less than three weeks after public apology from Academy Awards

Cassandra Lybrink, The Holland Sentinel
·2 min read
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CALIFORNIA — Just weeks after receiving a public apology from the Academy Awards, Sacheen Littlefeather has died at the age of 75, reports USA TODAY.

Littlefeather was a Native American actress, perhaps best known for declining Marlon Brando's Oscar for Best Actor in 1973.

More:Littlefeather apology strikes chord with Holland woman who attended 'Godfather' premiere

Brando boycotted the ceremony in protest of the portrayal of Native Americans in Hollywood movies and to bring attention to the Wounded Knee Occupation.

Nearly 50 years after Sacheen Littlefeather stood on the Academy Awards stage on behalf of Marlon Brando to speak about the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood films, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences apologized to her for the abuse she endured.
Nearly 50 years after Sacheen Littlefeather stood on the Academy Awards stage on behalf of Marlon Brando to speak about the depiction of Native Americans in Hollywood films, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences apologized to her for the abuse she endured.

While stories abound about what happened before and after the presentation, it's undisputed that Littlefeather was met with some applause — but mostly boos — as she took the stage and addressed the crowd.

Her family confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement that Littlefeather died Sunday, Oct. 2, "peacefully at home" in Marin County, California, "surrounded by loved ones."

Littlefeather was born Marie Louise Cruz on Nov. 14, 1946, in Salinas, California. She was a graduate of California State University in Hayward and studied acting at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

She revealed she was battling late-stage breast cancer in 2018.

Only weeks ago, Littlefeather was honored in a program hosted by the Academy in Los Angeles, which included a publicly read apology and an evening of "conversation, reflection, healing and celebration."

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Littlefeather received a private apology from the Academy in June.

Just weeks after receiving a public apology from the Academy Awards, Sacheen Littlefeather has died at the age of 75.
Just weeks after receiving a public apology from the Academy Awards, Sacheen Littlefeather has died at the age of 75.

Holland resident Annie Olson shared a story similar to Littlefeather's with The Holland Sentinel in September, claiming she, her Native American husband, and their friends attended the premiere of "The Godfather" in Brando's place in 1972.

It’s because of this connection Olson shed tears when she heard about the apology event, held Sept. 17, with Littlefeather the guest of honor.

“It was so personal,” Olson told The Sentinel. “And I am so thankful that she (Littlefeather) is still alive to hear it."

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Sacheen Littlefeather dies at 75, less than three weeks after public apology from Academy Awards