Jolie’s mother, Marcia Lynne Bertrand, was of Native American heritage. Bertrand, also an actress, founded the All Tribes Foundation. This humanitarian act was inspired by Bertrand’s partner, a Native American poet. (Photo: WENN)
Megan Fox is part Cherokee and proud of it. Fox even works her heritage into her wardrobe, saying, “I like being magical and I like having freedom when I dress. I have some Cherokee background in me so I’m in for anything tribal or Native American.” (Photo: WENN)
Depp lays claim to Native American ancestry through his great-grandmother. Depp’s family is from Kentucky, rich in Cherokee and Creek Indian heritage. His great-grandmother was “quite a bit of Native American”, according to the actor. (Photo: WENN)
Jessica’s family includes Native American lineage. It is Biel’s mother, Kim Biel, who passes on the Native American blood. Many have credited Biel’s cheekbones to her Native American ancestry. (Photo: WENN)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers front man has some serious ink on his body. Some of Anthony Kiedis’ tattoos are inspired by his Mohican tribe ancestry, including the giant Haida Thunderbird across his back. (Photo: WENN)
Rosario Dawson claims her Native American heritage through her biological father. Dawson’s father was Caucasian with Native American ancestry. (Photo: WENN)
Elvis was part Native American. Native American blood came to Presley through this mother’s side. Presley’s great-great-great-grandmother was full-blooded Cherokee Indian. (Photo: WENN)
Though her dad is Cuban-American, Cameron Diaz’s mom is of Native American, Italian and German descent, which makes the actress is part Native American too! (Photo: WENN)
The Native American Music Hall of Fame actually inducted Hendrix as their first member! Through his grandmother, this famous musician was one-quarter Cherokee. While his father was African-American, Jimi’s mother had Cherokee and Aztec blood. (Photo: WENN)
The Cyrus family is quite vocal about their Native American heritage. Miley and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, claim they are part Cherokee. The Cyrus’s have even celebrated their descent through tattoos featuring Native American themes. (Photo: WENN)
Heather’s last name— Locklear— is a Tuscarora word that means “hold fast.” Some of Locklear’s father’s ancestors are Native American. (Photo: WENN)
An acting and martial arts legend, Chuck Norris’s family has Native American lineage. Norris’s father passed on the Cherokee blood. (Photo: WENN)
November is Native American Heritage Month, when the United States officially celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Native American people.
With over five million people of Native American descent living in the United States, it’s no surprise that many celebrities are part Native American too—even when they don’t necessarily fit the stereotype (stern features, tan skin, and dark hair) we often see in movies!
Still, these celebrities are proud of their heritage!
From Oscar Winners to winners to music idols, here are 12 celebrities you may not have known were part Native American.