<Tr> <Th> Occupation </Th> <Td> painter, actor </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Years active </Th> <Td> 1975--1987 </Td> </Tr> <P> William "Will" Sampson, Jr . (September 27, 1933--June 3, 1987) was a Native American painter, actor, and rodeo performer . He is best known for his performance as the apparent deaf and mute Native American "Chief Bromden" in the Academy Award winning film, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, as "Worm" in the 1977 Charles Bronson western The White Buffalo, as well as his role as "Taylor" in Poltergeist II: The Other Side and "Ten Bears" in the Clint Eastwood 1976 classic The Outlaw Josey Wales . </P> <P> William "Will" Sampson, Jr., also known by his childhood nickname, "Sonny," a full - blooded Muscogee (Creek) Native American Indian, was born in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma to William "Wiley" Sampson, Sr. (August 13, 1904--May 27, 2001) and Mabel Sampson (née Lewis, 1899--?) Sampson is the father of Samsoche "Sam," Lumhe "Micco" Sampson of the Sampson Brothers Duo and Destiny Sampson . They are known for their traditional fancy and grass dances, and often perform with Frank Waln, a notable Lakota hip - hop artist . </P>

Who played the indian in one flew over the cuckoo's nest