August 17, 2013 04:33:47 GMT
Schellenberg, who played Jesse's native American mentor in 3 'Free Williy' movies, dies at the age of 77 after losing battle with lung cancer.
Actor August Schellenberg, who is mostly remembered for his role as Jesse's native American mentor Randolph in three "Free Williy" movies, has passed away at his home in Dallas. He was 77.
Schellenberg's agent Jamie Levitt told Associated Press that the actor died on Thursday, August 15, surrounded by his family. He suffered from lung cancer prior to his death.
Schellenberg was born in Montreal to a Swiss father and a Mohawk mother. He later enrolled in National Theatre School of Canada. The actor played many native American characters in his career, such as chief Powhatan in "The New World", in which he appeared alongside Christian Bale and Colin Farrell.
Although he is mostly remembered because of "Free Willy", Schellenberg actually received an Emmy nomination for his role as Hunkpapa Lakota's leader Sitting Bull on 2007 HBO mini-series, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". In addition, he was nominated and won several Canadian movie awards, including a Genie award for "Black Robe" and a Gemini Award for "The Prodigal".
Levitt described Schellenberg as an iconic Canadian actor and a loving family man. He is survived by his wife Joan Karasevich and three daughters.