Entertainment • Actor

Zahn McClarnon

Zahn McClarnon is a Native American actor known for his television work.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zahn McClarnon is a Native American actor known for his television work, including roles in "Longmire," "Fargo," "Westworld," and "Dark Winds," where he also serves as an executive producer. Born in Denver, Colorado, he is identified in sources as Hunkpapa Lakota. His career began in the 1990s.

Early life and background

McClarnon was born in Denver, Colorado, and is identified in sources as Hunkpapa Lakota. Public sources describe him as having begun acting in the 1990s.

Television career

He became widely known for recurring and supporting roles in series such as "Longmire," "Fargo," "The Son," and "Westworld." His work has often been highlighted in crime, western, and historical drama productions. McClarnon first gained wider recognition through supporting roles in television dramas. He portrayed tribal police chief Mathias in "Longmire" from 2012 to 2017. He played Hanzee Dent in the second season of "Fargo" and Akecheta in the second season of "Westworld."

Lead role in Dark Winds

In 2022, McClarnon began playing Joe Leaphorn in "Dark Winds." He is also credited as an executive producer on the series.

Other screen roles

McClarnon has appeared in films and series including "Doctor Sleep," "Hawkeye," "Echo," and "Reservation Dogs." He has also voiced characters, including Olrox in "Castlevania: Nocturne." His notable credits include William Lopez in "Hawkeye" and "Echo," Officer Big in "Reservation Dogs," and Olrox in "Castlevania: Nocturne."

Key facts

Zahn McClarnon is a Native American actor of Hunkpapa Lakota descent, born in Denver, Colorado.
He is best known for roles in "Longmire," "Fargo," "Westworld," and "Dark Winds."
He plays Joe Leaphorn and serves as an executive producer on AMC's "Dark Winds."
His other credits include "Hawkeye," "Echo," "Reservation Dogs," and "Castlevania: Nocturne."
His career began in the 1990s.

🍁

Canadian context

McClarnon’s work has reached Canadian audiences through widely distributed television series and streaming platforms, including "Fargo," "Westworld," "Dark Winds," and "Reservation Dogs."

Frequently asked questions

Who is Zahn McClarnon?

Zahn McClarnon is an American actor known for prominent television roles in "Longmire," "Fargo," "Westworld," and "Dark Winds."

What is Zahn McClarnon best known for?

He is best known for playing Chief Mathias in "Longmire," Hanzee Dent in "Fargo," Akecheta in "Westworld," and Joe Leaphorn in "Dark Winds."

What is Zahn McClarnon's background?

Sources identify him as a Native American actor of Hunkpapa Lakota descent, born in Denver, Colorado.

What role does he play in Dark Winds?

He plays Joe Leaphorn, and he is also an executive producer on the series.

Has Zahn McClarnon appeared in Marvel productions?

Yes. He portrayed William Lopez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series "Hawkeye" and "Echo."

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zahn_McClarnon
Supports: Birth name, birth date, background, and major roles including Longmire, Fargo, Westworld, and Dark Winds.
The Movie Database — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/42376-zahn-mcclarnon
Supports: Birth date, birthplace, Native American and Irish descent, and notable acting credits including Dark Winds and Reservation Dogs.
Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/person/zahn-mcclarnon/umc.cpc.oi3gv9ustb90jki6qofahs88
Supports: Native American actor of half-Irish descent, early acting background, and best-known roles.
Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/zahn_mcclarnon
Supports: Birthday, birthplace, and early television credits.