As John Legend sang his new song “Pieces” for the televised In Memoriam segment at the 74th Emmy Awards on Sept. 12, Osages watching saw the face of Pawhuska-native Larry Sellers flash on the screen.
Sellers, an actor and stuntman of Osage, Cherokee and Lakota descent, was best known for his role as “Cloud Dancing” on the hit television series, “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” in which he starred from 1993 to 1998. He received an Emmy nomination for his work.
His son, Jerry Wolf, who is also an actor, thanked the Television Academy for including Sellers in the In Memoriam segment.
“As a family we are touched to have Dad acknowledged by an industry he gave such a large part of himself to. Dad’s career and legacy meant/means a lot to many people,” Wolf said in a post on his Facebook page Sept. 13. “Remembering Dad’s sacrifices and contributions in the name of our family and our people is a part of our healing and how we celebrate his life and this next chapter. Thank you for your support in that process and honoring Dad in this way #LarrySellers.”
Sellers lived the last years of his life on the Osage Nation reservation before his death at age 72. During those years he kept acting in projects, including the upcoming Martin Scorsese-directed, “Killers of the Flower Moon” where he served as a consultant and filmed a scene.
At the time of his death, actress Jane Seymour, who starred in Dr. Quinn, posted about his death on her Instagram account.
“Larry Sellers was truly the heart and spirit of Dr. Quinn. His presence was magical, mystical, and spiritual. ♥️ I feel so fortunate to have had all those wonderful years together. He will be missed by us all. My heart goes out to Larry’s family and friends, may his memory be a blessing to us all.”
Sellers was also known for his roles in “Wayne’s World 2” (1993), “Assassination” (1987), and the HBO hit, “The Sopranos” (2002). His television credits also include “Crime Story,” “Life Goes On,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and “Beverly Hills 90210.”
Sellers was born and raised in Pawhuska where he was a tremendous athlete and cowboy. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam. He attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kans., playing football and golf before beginning a career as an educator and trick-rider in Arizona. His skills as a horseman led to opportunities as a stunt performer in Los Angeles, which led to his career in acting.
Sellers taught a Beginners class for the Osage Language Department for many years. He also gave inspirational talks and educated school-age children about Native American traditions and customs.
The Emmys In Memoriam segment was established in 2009 and viewers can utilize the online database to find names, dates of passing, and links to other information for the men and women who are included in the televised In Memoriam segment, as well as many others who were not.
The three-hour live broadcast of the 74th Emmy Awards can be watched in full on the Peacock streaming service.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on Sept. 14 to include Jerry Wolf’s remarks.
