The name jeremy gauna is steadily gaining recognition among fans of modern Western-drama television, especially after his recasting into a key role on the hit prequel series 1923. As an Indigenous actor with a strong cultural background and a growing list of screen credits, Jeremy Gauna’s path from small roles to major parts underscores both his personal resolve and an evolving entertainment industry more receptive to Native American voices. In this article, we dive into Gauna’s background, his early career, the significance of his casting as Pete Plenty Clouds, the challenges and reception around that casting, and what lies ahead for him.
Who is Jeremy Gauna? Background and Heritage
Jeremy Gauna is a Choctaw Native American/Mexican actor and model, proudly representing the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He was born and raised in Texas, where he grew up playing sports and earning recognition as an all-state athlete in high school. He went on to compete collegiately in two sports, and even played semi-professional basketball in Oklahoma City before shifting his focus toward acting and modeling. IMDb+2IMDb+2
Gauna has spoken about how much his heritage and family — particularly his grandparents — mean to him, crediting them for grounding his identity and inspiring him to embrace his Native roots. Biskinik+1
This cultural background is integral to his public persona. On-set, he is known for his warmth, humility, and a belief in using humor as a bridge across difference. He has said that if he can make “one person smile a day,” he feels he is doing something right — a philosophy that shapes both his personal life and professional approach. IMDb+1
Early Career: From Background Roles to On-Screen Presence
Like many actors, Gauna’s start in the entertainment world was modest but meaningful. His first job came when he answered a call for background actors in the crime drama series Queen of the South. That small — but speaking — background role marked the beginning of his on-screen career. Biskinik+1
Encouraged by veteran actor Zahn McClarnon, Gauna enrolled in acting classes at R.E.A.C.T. Studio, studying under instructor Michelle Sherrill. He later reflected on how quickly things began to shift once he committed seriously to acting. Biskinik+1
Over time, Gauna’s resume expanded: he appeared in television shows and films such as 1883 (another prequel in the same universe as 1923), American Primeval, Far Haven, Washington’s Armor, Birthright Outlaw, The Last Son, Terror on the Prairie, Buckskin, The Harbinger and Cottonmouth. Biskinik+2IMDb+2
Each role — even small ones — helped Gauna build experience, network with industry professionals, and refine his craft. His career trajectory reinforces a classic lesson: behind many notable success stories lies sustained effort, small steps, discipline, and humility.
Breaking Through: Gauna’s Casting in 1923
The Context: A Tragic Departure and a Delicate Recasting
In 2024, the actor originally playing Pete Plenty Clouds in 1923, Cole Brings Plenty, passed away under tragic circumstances. His death left the production team with a difficult decision: whether to retire the character or recast and continue the story. The show’s creators ultimately decided to recast, and in early 2025, they announced that Jeremy Gauna would step into the role for Season 2. Los Angeles Times+2Cowboys and Indians Magazine+2
For Gauna, this was a heavy undertaking. The role had emotional weight not just for fans, but for the cast and crew still dealing with grief over their colleague’s death. Accepting the part meant not only performing — but honoring a friend’s legacy, respecting the character’s importance, and being sensitive to those mourning. Gauna described the process as bittersweet: he felt honored to continue the story, but deeply aware of the responsibility and emotional weight attached. Cowboys and Indians Magazine+2Los Angeles Times+2
Why Gauna Was a Fit
There were several reasons casting directors saw Gauna as a fitting successor:
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He had prior experience in the same production universe: he appeared in 1883 as a warrior — an established connection to the broader narrative world. Cowboys and Indians Magazine+1
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His Native American heritage and pride in representing his ancestry brought authenticity to a role deeply rooted in Indigenous identity. Gauna himself emphasized the importance of honoring his Choctaw background, saying he would “allow [his] ancestors to guide [him]” in portraying the character. Cowboys and Indians Magazine+1
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His personal character — humble, grounded, supportive — fits the kind of empathy and commitment required for such a sensitive casting situation. On set, colleagues described him as friendly and respectful, qualities that matter when taking over a role left vacant by loss. IMDb+1
In short: Gauna wasn’t just chosen for his acting ability, but for his respect for the culture, the character, and the people involved.
The Challenge and Emotional Weight of Taking Over the Role
Stepping into any role previously held by someone else is tricky on its own. But Gauna’s situation was far more complex: he was replacing a close friend, honoring a legacy, and asking fans to accept a “new” version of a beloved character. In interviews, Gauna admitted how emotionally taxing the transition was. There were times during filming when he would sense Cole’s presence, or imagine him commenting under his breath — a testament to how real the grief still was on set. Los Angeles Times+1
He recalled entering the costume trailer for the first time and refusing to look in the mirror — emotionally unprepared — while the crew looked on. The mood was heavy, raw, and deeply tragic. Yet Gauna embraced the role as his “purpose,” to carry forward not just a fictional character, but Cole’s memory and a representation for Indigenous people. Los Angeles Times+1
Portraying the final scenes — including the moment of his character’s death on the show — was especially difficult. According to Gauna, his tears, breath, and reactions during filming were not “acting” in the traditional sense — they came from real emotion, grief, and respect. todaybands.com+1
For many involved — cast, crew, and fans — his performance stands as an homage, not a replacement. It reminds viewers that behind scripted drama, real lives — histories, relationships, grief — continue to resonate.
What Jeremy Gauna’s Casting Represents: More Than Just a Role
Representation and Indigenous Storytelling
Having Gauna — a real Native American actor with recognized Choctaw heritage — step into a major role in a high-profile series symbolizes more than continuity. It represents a broader shift within Hollywood: toward more authentic representation of Indigenous peoples, cultures, and stories. Gauna has expressed deep pride in representing his ancestors, and for fans and Indigenous viewers, his presence on screen resonates with meaning beyond entertainment. IMDb+2Cowboys and Indians Magazine+2
Professional Growth and Versatility
Gauna’s trajectory from background actor to a major supporting role highlights perseverance, training, and self-belief. His background as a two-sport athlete, commitment to acting classes, and willingness to take on difficult emotional work show versatility — both physically and mentally. For a young actor in Hollywood, that is invaluable. IMDb+2Biskinik+2
A Bridge Between Past and Future — Healing Through Art
When real-life tragedy befalls a show — such as the death of a cast member — choosing to recast involves sensitivity, diplomacy, and compassion. Gauna’s attitude and performance suggest that recasting does not always mean erasing; sometimes it means creating continuity, acknowledging grief, and offering a tribute. His approach indicates that art — even within fiction — can be a form of healing, honoring memory, and carrying forward stories with respect. Los Angeles Times+2todaybands.com+2
Reception and Critical Response
While still early in his major role, initial reception to Gauna’s casting and performance has been mixed — but with a leaning toward respect and understanding. Some critics and fans acknowledge the emotional difficulty of replacing a beloved original actor, but many have praised the decision, highlighting Gauna’s sensitivity to the role, his authenticity, and his evident respect for the prior actor’s legacy. todaybands.com+2Cowboys and Indians Magazine+2
Industry watchers have noted that Gauna’s prior credits — though modest — give him a foundation; his modeling, physical athleticism, on-screen presence, and cultural background provide him with tools needed for such a demanding role. As a result, there’s optimism that he may continue to grow and take on increasingly larger, more complex roles in the future. IMDb+2Biskinik+2
What Lies Ahead: The Future for Jeremy Gauna
Looking forward, there are several potential directions for Gauna’s career:
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Despite the emotional weight of the recast, surviving season 2 of 1923 (with audiences and industry scrutiny) could help establish him as a serious working actor, especially for Western and historical roles rooted in Indigenous identity.
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His background — both athletic and cultural — gives him versatility: from physically demanding roles (warriors, fighters, action sequences) to emotionally heavy, culturally nuanced performances.
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As Hollywood gradually expands opportunities for Indigenous actors, Gauna may serve as a bridge: someone who brings authenticity, representation, and relatability to characters that historically were misrepresented or sidelined.
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Beyond acting, his modeling background and public presence (on social media, interviews) could let him become a cultural ambassador — a voice for Native American representation in media, fashion, and beyond.
In his own words, Gauna often emphasizes gratitude for where he is now. He credits acting classes for giving him confidence, and his heritage for giving him purpose. He views his roles not just as jobs, but as opportunities to represent his ancestors, bring attention to Native stories, and inspire younger Indigenous people who dream of seeing themselves on screen. Biskinik+2IMDb+2
Conclusion
The story of jeremy gauna is one of perseverance, identity, humility, and rising potential. From a Texas native and former athlete to a background actor, and now to a credited supporting role in one of the most watched Western-drama series today, his journey reflects personal growth, respect for heritage, and an evolving entertainment landscape.
Gauna’s casting as Pete Plenty Clouds in 1923 — under emotionally difficult circumstances — is more than a career milestone. It is a statement: that representation matters, that legacy and memory deserve care, and that Indigenous actors deserve space to tell their stories authentically.
As Jeremy Gauna continues to take on roles, honoring heritage and embracing opportunity, his story may prove inspirational — not just to fans of Western dramas — but to anyone who believes in the power of identity, resilience, and hope.
